"A JAP-INDRIA" BAZAAR
A bazaar with the above title was held in the Public Hall, Rushden, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week, with the object of raising funds for the new buildings now in course of erection for the accommodation of the scholars of the Independent Wesleyan Sunday Schools. The schools now occupied are inconvenient, owing to the large number of children in attendance, and hence the need for new buildings. To meet this necessarily large expenditure a bazaar was decided upon, and proof of the great energy thrown into the work was afforded on Monday, by the large supply of wares to be disposed of, including all the commodities, useful and ornamental, or both, usually found in bazaars, and which were presided over by energetic ladies and gentlemen who did all they could by coaxing and persuasion to extract the coin from Tutors' pockets. In this they succeeded tolerably well, as can be imagined when it is known that over £300 was taken in the three days. The hall, which had been decorated in Oriental style by Messrs. Smith Bros., Northampton, presented a most brilliant appearance. The stalls were ranged along either side of the room, (these being chiefly fancy stalls), and at the far end was another of the same description. A boot stall adjoined this, and in the centre of the hall was a pretty stall of flowering plants, seeds, &c. At the foot of the platform was arranged a large collection of patent articles, including medicines, matches, cigars, cigarettes, cocoas, candles, tea, sweetmeats of various kinds, grocery, &c. The platform was occupied at intervals by a large orchestral band, under Mr. Wm. Skinner, which discoursed lively music. On the gallery at the back of the platform was located an important stall, viz., that for the provision of refreshments, and it is hardly necessary to say this was well patronised. The bazaar was opened by Mr W A Hope, of Wellingborough........... [a longer article is in the newspaper]