PEACE MEMORIAL.

WAIRAU VALLEY HALL.

OFFICIAL OPENING

Just under a year ago the proposal to'erect-a. hall "at Wairau Valley to ponunemora;to the celebration of peace, Avas made. A r .committee of .settlers \va.s .formed> with. Mr J. 0. Anstiss as.chairman. Construction work Avas riot commenced for some time, and during the erection of -the building delays occurred through one cause or other. However; it was completed— save for" a. little painting—in. time to be opened on the anniversary of the peace celebrations. The 1)all, which cost; something ovea- £500 to build, is constructed of the following timbers: Rimu (walls), 'i-ed; biijbh (jlining), matai (floor), and pin us insignis (roof rind scantlings). The red birch Avas cut at Tophotise. "he -builder'was Mr J. I". Penglase, a returned soldier-settler at Erina. The building, one can see at a glance, .is-th.er;e .to stay, being stoutly built and largo enough to accommodate a gathering of substantial dimensions. ( Its capacity Avas fully taxed last night, when settlers from all parts of the district assembled for the "christening." Mr J. 0. Anstiss, in welcoming the visitors in behalf of the Hall Committee, apologised for the absence of Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., and Mr Robert Reid (president of the Returned Sol- | diers Association). He said that a hall had been needed for a long time, but it Avas realised that during the 15 war the money AA-ould .be. better utilised in furthering patriotic objects. The response to the appeal for funds, when it was made, was very gratifying. .Mr Anstiss remarked that he felt sure the hall would more than justify its existence in providing a place for social intercourse. It had been dedicated to the happiest event of their lifetime—-Peace Day. The speaker expressed the thanks of the committee to all who had given donations, and especially to the ladies, Avho. had Avorked hard during i/he past year to raise funds. He also thanked Messrs Ward and Co. for tho plajis, Mr J. A. Leslie for installing the lighting system, and Mr Penglase for his Avork in erecting the hall.

Mr Anstiss then called on little Miss Parsons to perform the opening ceremony, which consisted in untying a. silk bow holding together the two sides of the curtain in front of ihe stage. The curtain wa3 drawn a?.idc, and the "Scarlet Runners," a minstrel troupe, were disclosed to Aiew. With song aaid joke and homely "gag" they entertained the 'audience for nearly an hour, Mr W. iVI., Lambie" acting as interlocutor ;nd Mr W. L. Williams being at the piano.

The "Runners'" turn was succeeded by a. concert, the following artists [contributing to an interesting and enjoyable programme : Misses Eileen Connolly, V. Stedman, M. Broadbridgo, and O'Dwyer; Messrs J. Stedman, S. . Croft, E. Marcth, and M. Evans. The "finale" consisted of a couple of choruses sung by the company. The accompaniments were played by Misses Brydon and levins. . The concert over, the floor was cleared for dancing, the music heimr supplied by the Returned Soldiers' Orchestra.. Supper was partaken of after the second dance, and was by no means the least enjoyable part of the evening's proceedings. lancing was kept up till an early lour this morning.