IDLE HOURS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 95, 22 March 1939, Page 7

IDLE HOURS

Part V.

TOWN HALL. I was asked the other day what information i. could give regarding the history of the Public Mali. Apparently no records are in existence to show when the building wa.s erected or how the project was financed. In the al>seiK'e of documentary proof any statement a.s to the age of the building must be approximate only. Jiy taking as a basis other events which happened about the same time of which the dates are known it is possible by deduction to arrive fairly closely at the date when the building was made available to the public. By this process of reasoning I would say that the building was opened during the year 1889. The event was celebrated by a grand concert rendered by a talented party of musicians from AYollington which was organised by the village storekeeper who, with his family, played a leading part, in all the musical entertainment of the district. The first performance given by a touring company was, I think, staged hv the Pa-vne Family of Bellringers during the first tour of New Zealand of that fine combination of artists who were responsible for introducing a refined and most novel form of entertainment. In the absence of records, the cost of the original building must also remain undisclosed, but to judge by the cost of substantial dwellings erected fifty years ago, which could be built with sound timber at from £250 to £9OO complete, it is not likely that a plain structure like the Public Hall would entail an expense very greatly in excess of these figures. Four hundred pounds at the outside is a fair estimate. At the beginning, and for many years afterwards, the hall was not provided with a supper room : nor was provision made for cloak or dress-ing-rooms. True, there were two boxlike apartments, eaeb capable of accommodating about ten or fifteen persons at one time, attached to either end of the stage. and two others, smaller still, on the floor of the building just inside of the main entrance. Tile lack of provision for accessories that are now regarded as indispensable essentials no doubt lay in the faet that the main purpose of the hall was to provide a suitable place for concerts. lectures and similar forms of entertainment; consequently there was , no urgent need for supper and cloakrooms. OLD-TTMF DANCING. Public dances at that time were by no means common; in fact, with many elders dancing, like card playing, smoking and indulgence in alcoholic beverages, was severely discountenanced. Social events, sewing bees and kindred forms of amusement were usually held at private residences. At country homos where dancing was permissible the farm granary would

Jft usings of an Old-Timer

(]3y W. J. Grouchkh)

be prepared for the scene of gaiety, ami there remain many happy recollections of bashful, self-conscious young men making their approaches to equally shy and blushing young maids under the watchful eyes ol elders who insisted upon the observance of a rigid code of decorous lx> hnvinur. Just how far these custodians of propriety succeeded in controlling the inborn ardours of youth is not for me to say. Helore passing from this interlude about dancing one recalls the universal procedure that was followed with respect to ballroom etiquette at that time. It is not suggested, however, that young people then were models of propriety, but from what is seen and heard of the doings of modern youth it is certain that we wore more firmly disciplined and controlled at public functions than appears to he the rule now. Tn the ballroom a young lady would never dream of dancing with a partner to whom she had not been formally introduced—a watchful chaperone would see to that; neither would two amorous vmmg people devote the whole evening to the exclusive company of each other. At an event of any ennsq nonce everyone would be provided with a printed programme, listing about twenty-four dances covering polkas waltzes, ouadrillos lancers, schottisches, mazurkas, Do Alberts, Caledonians, Circeassian circles, a romping barn dance. and perhaps the Parisians, Rir Ttoger Do Coverley. a cotillion nr the ninepins. Aon went there to dance, and by the time- the end of the programme hail been reached -lie revellers were glad enough to call it a day and hasten home in the hope of* catching a few hours’ sleep before sunrise. Except on extra-special occasions when piano, violin and cornet players were engaged the music would he provided by an accordion played in turns by those who were adepts at keeping time in round and square dances. Everyone wore gloves, although wit-li most of us extravagance did not run to the pos-sc'-ssion of a pair of flip kid variety ; we were quite content with a onr-and-sixpenny pair of cottons and wore not at all perturbed when our “la de dab” friends described these useful articles as being more suitable for the policeman on his boat than for the purposes ol tiie ballroom. Etiquette demanded that when the master of ceremonies announced a dance the gentlemen would decorously mane their best bow to rheir partners and then proceed to promenade the floor until the opening bars of the music wore sounded. Again, at the end of the evolution | tiie couples would make a circuit or two of fhe room before resuming their seats. This procedure was right enough when you had the right girl and had plenty to speak about, hut not so good when either or both were at a loss for chatty small talk, or when flic young lady declined overtures in flint- direction. Mention of this reminds me of a little advice once received from a ballroom veteran on the question nf making an opening for conversation with a she young ladv. Tt was to fhis effect. “Tf you are unable to think nf anything else, .jusi say to tier quite seriously. ‘Does your brother like cheese?’ Tf she says ‘T haven’t got a brother’ you follow up by saying 'AVeil, if you had a hroihei do you think that lie would like cheese?’ Tf that overture does not produce a smile or break the ice sufficiently, try something else equally foolish. Tf she still remains frigid, kick yourself for a blundering ass, take her to her seat and try your luck with the next.” On old-time dance programmes abnuf every fourth number would ho a set or square dance. When the sets were made up the M.O. would call the figures strictly in lime with tiie music: ladies right, gentlemen left, top and bottom lines, swing partners, chain, and so on, and woe betide ihe couple* who failed to complete each movement according to instructions. One stop to each bar and no frills; but do not let me convey the idea that the art of terp-sichore at the time of which T speak was simply a staid dreamy business governed bv hard and fast restrictions which left no room for freedom of spontaneous enjoyment. Don’t harbour such a thought ( because we nf yesterday got just as much fun then as do young people of a similar age to-day from the same pastime conducted in a different way. 'rimes have changed, hut dancing has neither lost nor gained anything in its popular appeal through the years.

To return to the ball and its passage through the years. jn common with most buildings of a similar nature in a country district the question of finance for maintenance and other needs has always been a problem. Many years ago when the income was at a very low ebb the property was vested in the Park Board which administers the affairs of the cemetery and the -10-acre endowment connected therewith. Accumulated funds from this endowment had previously enabled tlie hoard to acquire the present Itocreation Ground. The arrangement has worked out very satisfactorily, but it lias now been found that the hall building is in such a state of repair structurally that a further large sum is needed for the purpose of renewing or remodelling the building. While these notes are being written a vigorous money-raising campaign is in progress and by present appearances between £6OO and £7OO will be coaxed out of the community. This splendid effort is quite in keeping with the spirit of independence and self-help-ful ness characteristic of those who built the original hull over half a century ago. EARLY POLITICS’. It would not be difficult to fill many pages relating to incidents and events which have come under my own observation within the walls of the old ball at odd times during the past fifty years. The first of these refers to my first appearance at a political meeting shortly after the building was opened. One of the three candidates contesting the Manawatu scat in .Parliament, whom we will call Mr Brown, was to address the electors, and, being a new aspirants for political honours, he drew a. full house. His candidature was not, however, received favourably in that part of the electorate, because he was standing as an Independent with leanings to the Knights of Labour, as opposed to the clear-cut issues then existing between Liberals and Conservatives. Supporters on both sides of the old order feared vote-splitting and were equally determined to prevent the newcomer from getting a hearing. The lirst move towards this objective was shown in the appointment of the chairman. Some wag nominated a wellknown bachelor celebrity and an ardent Conservative for the position. Now, it so happened that this worthy gentleman had been celebrating, anil at the'

time of the meeting was well “under the influence.” Jn addition, it is most likely that he had never been on a public platform before. The crowd was out for fun and the chairman in bis then condition suited their mood exactly. When it came to introducing the speaker the presiding officer took advantage of the opportunity to enlarge upon the virtues of his own particular brand of politics which instantly created dissent by those holding opposing opinions, with the result that the meeting was thoroughly enjoying itself and the poor candidate was, for the time being, quite forgotten. When a semblance of order had been regained the chairman remembered his duty and announced that lie had pleasure in introducing “that tliur ; that tliur ; tliur wat's his name, Hr Brown.” Air Brown was a man of slim build and short of stature, hut he had an excellent carrying voice and a very incisive manner in presenting his message, hut, try as he might, he could not make any progress with his speech because of the hullaballoo that was going on. When the din was at its height the air became impregnated with the emanations from a number of “stinkpots” that had been quietly introduced by the larrikins at the back of the hall. Added to this there were the usual accompaniments to Parliamentary election meetings in the form of over-ripe eggs and small parcels of flour which were used as missiles to silence or ornament all and sundry who may have invited particular notice. By this time the meeting was completely out of the control of the chairman. The candidate, however, was quite unperturbed ami, being apt at repartee, was getting home with many witty shafts and he also appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the situation. When he could make himself heard the chairman announced that it was time for refreshments and declared the meeting adjourned to enable those who wished to visit “The Junction,” and himself set an example by vacating the chair. At the same time the diminutive candidate notified that ho would take a hand in restoring order by dealing in person with the leaders ol the disturbing element. Selecting an overgrown young man from the country who had been prominent in the disturbance, Mr Brown proceeded lone-handed to eject him and quickly demonstrated that he lmd courage and was well able to look after himself in a rough and tumble. At the same time his gesture won the admiration and sympathy of the sporting instincts of the mooting. Another chairman, this time the fair-minded village blacksmith, was appointed and the business of the evening proceeded in reasonable quietude and terminated with honours about even between the candidate and his audience. That was my first contact with a political meeting, and it must be confessed that in all the intervening years my mind has remained just as confused about political issues and party politics as it was at the beginning. Tt is worthy of note that the gentleman who stood as an Independent at the election under no- j tiee was beaten by the narrow margin | of fifty votes only. Re succeeded in I his next attempt and was for many j years a prominent and outspoken mem- . her of Parliament,

Among many notable gatherings tliat have been attended in this building vivid impressions remain of the opening concert already mentioned; the succession of annual reunions of past pupils of the school, instituted thirtyfive years ago, and the patriotic fervour' that was in evidence during the war period when farewells were said to many brave lads who did not return to participate in a welcome home. There is no need for me to comment upon this distressing period nor to enlarge upon the national sacrifices made to preserve our freedom. That chapter in the history of our country will never he forgotten. Last but not least my concluding references to the imll relate to the notable gathering of some four hundred past and present residents who assembled during November. 19.T3. to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of Sandon. No one present during the festivities arranged for that occasion is likely ever to forget its successful organisation and termination. The old identities’ dinner brought together, under the happiest of settings, the most representative assemblage of original pioneers and their families that will ever be brought together at the same time and place. As far as the village is concerned, the gathering . was historic because it is now impossible to repeat it in exactly the same way.

Yes, the old hall has its local traditions, and whatever may be the outcome of the present discussions regarding its future, the surviving remnants of an older generation will, I think, desire that in the proposed renovations or structural alterations that arc under consideration the identity of the old building he not entirely lost in the same manner as that which has taken place with the old school over the road. Build for convenience by all means but at the same time try to preserve some tangible reminders of the past in all that is new. (To be continued.')