OPENING THE RINK AT ONEHUNGA.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 139, 13 June 1888, Page 5

OPENING THE RINK AT ONEHUNGA.

The most clever scientists of the day have not yet discovered an antidote to one of the most virulent diseases that have ever visited the colony of New Zealand, and which is spreading with alarming rapidity from north to south, infecting alike the old and young of both sexes with an unconquerable desire of propelling the body, not as nature ordained by lifting one leg and placing it before the other, but bj urging the nether limbs to act simultaneously by gracefully gliding through the world on a pair of roller skate 3. The epidemic in one of its highest forms was witnessed last night in the Onehunga Volunteer Hall, on the occasion of the opening of the Onehunga branch of the Columbia Skating Rink. The ceremony was an unqualified success, over 300 having availed themselves of the kind invitation of the popular manager, Mr White. The hall, which has been recently built, was most tastefully decorated with flags of different nationalities, interspersed with a number of Chinese lanterns, the scene being most brilliantly lighted with gas. In the western end was a beautifully constructed throne-like platform appropriately, ornamented, which offered a splendid posi-. tion for the band in attendance, vnilst the floor, the most essential requisite for good skating, is faultless. The public comfort has in every way been studied (cvi,-. d6ntly at considerable expense) by the &bie proprietors. At half-past seven th.§ Mayor of Onehunga, with his characteristic courtesy and ever-desirous feeling to promote pleasure to those around him, opened the rink in a weJLchoEen and witty address, after which a number of ladies and gentlemen, gave exhibitions of their skill in a most graceful manner, to the accompaniment of the band's well-selected airs.