The flax industry was important during the war, I think because cotton supplies were restricted.
I notice the near cost-free entertainments like a shooting gallery (that would not be allowed today, even with air guns) and nail driving. You can bet the jumble items, produce, savouries and cakes were all contributed by the participating families. Yet another example of the self reliance of country people, just as with music making by local talent. All this effort was for "the War Effort" (in capital letters) and the visiting government Minister did not miss an opportunity to commend his audience for their patriotic efforts and to promote gratitude to the British military (which unfortunately crumbled at Singapore a year and a half later.)
PATRIOTIC FAIR
The untiring work of the stallholders was responsible for the record sum of £110 being raised at the Patriotic Fair on Saturday. The weather conditions were at their worst as heavy rain fell continuously all day, and this affected the attendance. The stall holders were:
Jumble, Mesdames L. J. and L. W. Dornauf. Misses M. Adams, A. Connelly and K. Muckridge; savoury. Mesdames E. F. Dolbey, J. H. Manzoney, P. E. Hamilton and A. McKercher; sweets, Mesdames R. L. Bardenhagen, A. E. Richardson, L. W. Hatton, Misses R. Pitchford, C. Green and A. Hamilton; cakes, Mesdames F. G. Kelp, L. A. Procter, A. von Schill and I. E. Dolbey; refreshments, Mesdames A. E. Arnold, H. Hope, H. Wilson, F. T. Ferguson, H. East, W. Mitchell, L. M. Gibbins, A. L. Brooks, V. Arnold, L. E. Dando, Misses I. Thompson, M. Mitchell, H. Wade, M. Weston, M. Bardenhagen, G. Ferguson, H. Kelp, and D. Dolbey; flowers, Misses F. Brooks, and D. Clark; produce, Messrs H. Nlcholls, H. Wilson, V. Arnold, P. Arnold, F. Kelp, P. L. Hamilton and H. Hope; shooting gallery, Messrs L. A Procter, M.L.C. and Mr. A. von Schill; nail driving, Messrs M. Kelp and A Dornauf.
The stalls were created by Mr. A. J. McGowan. The warden (Mr. L. Procter, M.L.C.) is chairman of the committee, and Mr. H. Nicholls is the hon. secretary. The proceeds will be divided between the Red Cross and Comfort Funds.
Among the many visitors were Miss B. Sellers, who is a member of the Nursing staff of the A.I.F., and representatives of Red Cross branches in the Municipality. The function was continued at night when there was a very large gathering at a dance.
Music was supplied by Miss F. Pitchford and Mr. J. Hudson, and Mr. Arthur Miller was MC. The Warden (Mr. L. A. Procter. M.L.C.) thanked everyone who had helped to make the fair a success, particularly the students of other centres in the Municipality.
The fair was opened by the Minister for Lands and Works (Major T. H. Daves), who was introduced by the Warden (Mr. L A. Procter, M.L.C.) Major Davies expressed appreciation of the work carried out throughout the Municipality for the Red Cross, the securing of land for the growing of flax, and the sale of War Savings Certificates. He deplored the complacency and apathy of many residents of the State in regard to the War Effort, and pointed out that the security enjoyed by Australia is due the British Navy, Army and Air Force.
Amongst those present were Mr. H. C. Barnard, M.H.R., and Mrs Barnard, Mr. Allen Hollingsworth. M.H.R. and Mrs Hollingsworth, councillors James Box and Fred Kelp.
PATRIOTIC FAIR (1940, July 16). North-Eastern Advertiser (Scottsdale, Tas. : 1909 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 18, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152416890