A NEW HALL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1031, 21 January 1911, Page 13

A NEW HALL.

;■ -V• . ".. » ' . ■ ■ OPENED AT EASTBOURNE. The now public, half at. Eastbourne which has been erected to "the order of Mrs. Forbes, was formally opened on Thursday evening, by the Mayor of the. borough, Mr. -H. B. Shortt. In a brief address Mr. Shortt dwelt on the necessity for such a structure at Eastbourne and upon the valuable purpose it would serve in • connection with social functions and entertainments. Mrs. Forbes, (hostess of the evening) and the Mayoress (Mrs. E. B.' Shortt) were each presented with a handsome bouquet, in honour ,of tho occasion, by a pretty little lady answering to tlie name of Miss-May. , The. official opening .concluded, an excellent' concert programme.was. opened." Recitations , were contributed 'by.. Miss Carte and Mr. Kcenan, the latter being accorded a double encore, for his amusing comedy work.' Encored for his rendering of a vocal solo, Mr. E. B. Shortt responded with-Mr.' Alfred Hill's "Poi' Song," which lie sang in a fashion that charmed his audience.: Mr. and Mrs. M'Bain were responsible for. a capital duet-. . Miss Simpson was a capable accompanist. : ■ A flash-light photograph of tho guests was taken-by Mr. E. B. Shortt, at the conclusion of the musical programme. After the concert tho hall was cleared for dancing which was kept up'until a quarter to two. Miss Simpson, with some assistance from Mrs. Grant", playod the danco music. Votes of-, thanks were passed to Mrs. Forbes, to the ladies and : gentlenien who had assisted in making necessary preparations, and to tho Mayor. A most enjoyable-func-tion concluded at the hour stated with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." The-now hall is a roomy building well finished inside and in overy way conveniently arranged. Spacious dress-ing-roonls havo been provided for ladies and gentlemen. The commodious stage can bo used on occasion as a, supperroom and tho necessary offices,' heating appliances, and so forth have been provided .conveniently close at hand. The building is lighted. in all parts by acetylene gas. which' is quite an innovation in Eastbourne. ■ =====