DUVAUCHELLE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14993, 13 June 1914, Page 12

DUVAUCHELLE.

NEW PUBLIC HALL OPENKD. BY HON. R. HEATON RHODES. CfePECIAI 10 "THE PRESS. ,, ) AKAROA, June 12. The now Public Hail at Duvauchelle was formally opened by the Hon. It. Heaton Rhodes, member for tiie district, this ovening. There were about 150 people present, all parts of the Peninsula being represented. Mr T. \Y. Wilkins, chairman of the Hall Committee, read apologies from the Mayor of Akaroa, the chairman of the Lβ J3on's Bay Road Board, and others who were unable to u o present. In welcoming Mr Rhodes, Mr Wilkins eaid the residents wished him to express their appreciation of the honour of having their member present at the function. Ho then requested Mr Rhodes to formally declare the hall open. Mr Rhodes thanked those present for fcheir warm welcome, expressed his pleasure at being among\ them at the opening of the hall, and congratulated the community upon acquiring such a fine building in such a short time. He was sure that it was owing to the great I enthusiasm of the residents that co much had been accomplished. He understood that Mr Gaskin had been of great assistance by presenting the Bite. Hβ hoped that the social life of the bay would be helped by the possession of the hall. Owing to the increased population a hall was a necessity, as the I schoolroom was too small aid incoa.venient for dances and socials. In formally declaring tho hall open, Mr Rhodes hoped that in. the near future the debt on tho building would bo paid oft. After the speeches a dance, which continued until «i late hour, was held. The Akaroa Orchestra generously supplied the music, being assisted by local musicians. Tha hall was designed and built by Mr E. W. Bachelor, and should meet the requirements of tho bay for several years. It consists of a main hall 51ft x 30ft, a supper room 20ft x 12ft, and two dressing-rooms, each Bft x 12ft the cost being £425. The ato was given by Mr J. Gaskin. During tho evening Mr Rhodes, on behalf of the residents of the bay and STUTOTindiag district, presented Mr W S>haw irith v purse of sovereigns and a case of pines. In making the presenta<on MrEhode, referred to 47gW length of time in which Mr Shaw had '••-?>-■ filM th- position of posfcma" ter, and wished him long life in S& to enjoy his well-earned rest Cil