GAIETY AND COLOUR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 9 August 1928, Page 2

GAIETY AND COLOUR.

FARMERS’ UNION BALL.

BIG ASSEMBLY AT ELTHAM,

The Eltham Town Hall presented a scene of gai'ty and a riot of colour lust evening oil the occasion of the first annual ball 'held under the auspice's of the South Taranaki Farmers’ Union. Under direction of the energetic provincial secretary, Mr E. K. Cameron, the most minute detail had received duo attention, with the result that the whole function was marked with a commendable smoothness. There was an attendance of fully 4.00, of whom only a very small proportion did not indulge in dancing. Branches of the union ip all parts of South Tarhnaki were repre'sented, indicating that the organisation has already- entered upon a new lease of life, and the opinion Was freely expressed that the ball has given a decided fillip to the movement. Among the leading members of the union present were the following presidents of branches: Messrs E. J. Betts (Okaiawa), W. E. Garter (Mangatoki), J. Crocker (Eltham), and S. Agnew Awatuna), Mesdames W. E. Carter (South Taraifaki Women’s Division), and J. Crocke*- (Eltham Women’s Division). Also included in the us ! soiublage were Messrs "W. T. Seed (Matfapu), A. T. Subzberger and F. Willan (Lowgarth), L. A. Jennings (Fraser Road), D. M. Cameron (Okaiawa), M. W. Barker (AvVatuna), representing the provincial executive; and Messrs A. C. Ricketts (secretary Eltham branch) and A. A. Piper (secretary Lowgarth branch). Mr A. iS. Coleman, for many years president of the Mar ton branch, who is now on a visit to relatives in Taranaki was present by invitation. Air Coleman referred to the evident strength of the Farmers’ Union in iSouth Taranaki, contrasting .therewith the uphill fight to keep the flag flying in Marton. The efforts of a strong 'working bee were well repaid in the artistic and refreshing appearance of the spacious hall, ferns and flowers playing a conspicuous part, while over all was suspended a radiating dome of streamers in red, white, blue and green, the colours of the Women’s Division, which section of the organisation was responsible for this feature. Festoons of electric globes, also in the Division’s colours, lent an 'added charm to the decorations. Messrs R. P. Morrissey (Hawera) and C. Coplestone (Eltham) carried out the duties of masters of ceremonies, the .former imparting a sense of humour to his programme announcements, such as the “Eltham County lancers,” “Tc Ngutu-o-:te-Manu fox trot,” “Ratapiko polka,” “Tirimoana two-step,” etc. The supper requirements of such a large assemblage constituted an undertaking of considerable magnitude and Mr J. M. Bates, with a staff of eight assistants, is to be ‘complimented on the excellence of the repast, and. the celerity' displayed in the service of six relays." , . Excellent music was supplied by Coburn’s orchestra of five instruments, very favourable comments being freely' passed on the’ tuning and. selection of popular airs. During portion of the supper recess extras were contributed by Mesdomes E. J. Betts (Okaiawa), A. L. Campbell (Fraser Road), Mes'srs J. Cooper, Mehrtens (Eltham), and M. Guy (Matapu). . From every viewpoint the ball was an unqualified success and should go. a lone- Way towards reviving healthy interest in the functions of s'uch an important section of the community as the Farmers’ Union.