R.S.A. NOTES.

Hutt News, Volume 7, Issue 29, 9 January 1935, Page 4

R.S.A. NOTES.

("By Scribo.") For the Hutt Valley Branch the year that has just passed has been a memorable one> for it has seen the realisation of a hope that many a member of the branch has had for many , years, and that hope has taken concrete form in the splendid rooms now open in High Street, Lower Hutt. These rooms have not been an easy matter for the executive, although the owner of the building at the time, the late Mr. Liebcziet, met our needs in every way, but there was a tremendous amount of spade work to be done. A dance floor had to be put down in the main hall, and this was carried out by members in their spare time, and has Ibecome perhaps the finest dancing floor in the Hutt Valley. Then again the rooms had to be furnished and altered to meet the requirements of an up-to-date social club, and it is mainly to the work of the house committee that this was undertaken. The branch is fortunate in possessing several professional men and high grade tradesmen, who saw what had to be done and lost 110 time in getting tho job doue. There were also others who contributed generously toward the decorating and after a few months the clulb rooms have been much sought after as an attractive rendezvour for social functions of all kinds. Perhaps the majority of the members or ex-service men who are not members, do not realise what an asset they now possess in the Hutt Valley. Perhaps it has already been taken too much for granted, but the fact remains that every one should do his utmost to boost the membership and make the rooms a real live social centre whcie ex-service men and their wives and friends can foregather in pleasant social intercourse. Lectures, card evenings, table tennis tournaments, and dances could all bo arranged and planned ready for the winter months. What are the ex-service men in this district going to do aibout it? Is the work going to be left to a faithful few, or is everyone going to put a shoulder to the wheel and help? If it is only a good suggestion put forward, it it something. * There are some on the executive and suib-eommitteea who feel that they would like to step dowa and let others take their place, with new blood and new ideas. Executive work is not an .easy matter especially if the work be left to the said faithful feiw, so perhaps some of the stalwarts who have stuck together for so many years will feel that they deserve a rest. How many are prepared to take their place and give them that rest The time will soon slip along now to the annual general meeting which will be the first to 'be held in the new rooms. Let all those members who think 01 feel that they can. do a lot of good if they were elected, or if they know of anyone who could be a good worker, not hesitate but come forward or put a name foiiward for nomination, but they must be prepared to work hard. We have got a good name at headquarters for keenness, but that has been upheld by the same faithful few. Let us at all costs keep up that good name and all do a little to make the Hutt Valley Branch and its club rooms a wonderful success during the year 1935. Children's Christmas Party. There were many happy and eager faces at the KjS.A, rooms when Father Christmas attended one Saturday afternoon at the children's Christmas pari to present each child with a small gift. Thejarty was given by the Petone and Lower Hutt ladies' auxiliary and aibout two hundred guests were present. Games were enjoyed and the ice cream and soft drink stall was kept very ibusy.. Later in the afternoon squeaker balloons, novelties and small Union Jaekg weer distributed. Tea was served to the parents, and during the after-

noon the pupils of Miss Peggy Hastings delighted everyone with their artistic dancing. All had a most happy time which was thought, to a close by tJ, singing of the National Anthem. Among those present were Mr. G. Hayton, president of the Hutt Valley branch, and Mrs. Hayton, Mr. C. E. Butcher, chairman of the social committee and Mrs. Butcher, and members of the executive and social conimittcc. The ladies committee wish to convey their thanks to Miss Hastings whoso pupils gave so much pleasure, to Mr. Tom .Spears who not only delighted the children, but ably and cheerfully carried out a very warm job on a very warm day, to Mr. Mann who kindly acted as pianist, to the singer, and all others who In any way helped to make the party the success it was. Joy Night. A very enjoyable time was spent by all at the U.S.A. rooms, Lower Hutt, when a joy night was held on December 31, to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new. There was a splendid attendance. Old-time dances commenced at !) p.m and continued until 2 a.m, the music being kindly supplied by Mr. Bryant and Mr. Bird. Paper hats and novelties were distributed and prizes were given for various competitions. Just before midnight squeakers were handed round and after singing various popular community numbers, all joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne and- three cheers were given for the new year, after which several took the opportunity to wish each other a happy new year. Among those responsible for the success of the evening were Mesdames Peel, Cowie, Townsend, Buckeridge, Bennett, Mustard, H. Taylor and Messrs Buckridge, Col. C. E. Butcher, Townsend, Peel and R. Cowie. Mr. F. Townsend made an efficient M.C.