PROCEEDINGS AT NIGHT

Matamata Record, Volume XVIII, Issue 1626, 9 May 1935, Page 1

PROCEEDINGS AT NIGHT

DISPLAY BY SCOUTS Chain of Bonfires Hilarity in the Domain At night the Matamata and Te Poi Scouts provided very fine entertainment, as a conclusion to the day’s celebrations, in the Domain, where at times there was much fun and hilarity. Here an immense bonfire had been built, the countryside being scoured with waggoris for any suitable combustible material. As a result of this work many of the ** younger fry ” of the district will for some time be without their tyrehoops, as about three score of these were included in the material for the blaze.

The fire was lit punctually at 8 p.m. by the Mayor, and as soon as the flames lit up an answering light appeared on what is known as the bald spur on top of the Kaimais, where four Te Poi Scouts were stationed. These Scouts with the assistance of others, had previously erected another big heap of combustible material for the occasion, and situated in their lonely post they awaited on Monday night the .signal from: Matamata. When the Kaimai fire was well ablaze it became a link in a chain to Rotorua, via Tauranga and Te Puke, in which places local ScoutS"were also ready to play their part. Needless to say the Matamata bonfire was greatly appreciated by those attending at the Domain, for its blaze helped to provide warmth and the necessary light for the campfire entertainment which followed later in the evening. Following the lighting of the fire the Rovers and Scouts repeated the performance they had given during the day on the parallel bars, but added many other items. In' addition great humour was provided by shadowgraph sketches, after which the campfire entertainment was

given. This performance, assisted by Mr. C. J. Fleming on the piano accordeon, was highly entertaining, and provided opportunity for the boys to show their versatility. It was much appreciated and set the seal on a very fine evening’s work by the 1 troops. The programme, which concluded shortly before 10 p.m., was watched by a large crowd and thoroughly appreciated. Such were the dimensions of the bonfire that fpr hours afterwards it burned merrily, and until a late hour was a source of interest and amusement for several who lingered near its heat, despite the fact that the thermometer was below freezing point.