Auspicious Occasion At Takaro Hall

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 53, 5 March 1935, Page 8

Auspicious Occasion At Takaro Hall

OPENING SOCIAL MARKS BUILDING EXTENSION,

An opening social and dance to mark the building on to Takaro Church hall, of a kindergarten and kitchen, was held in the Takaro hall last evening, when ,a particularly happy time was spent by a large gathering. Members from all over the Anglican parish were present to tender their good wishes and congratulations. - It was thought that the Takaro Church hall, which was built seven years ago, would provide ample accommodation for those attending the Sunday School for some time but, with a roll of over 150 children, the hall committee was faced with the necessity of adding to the building. The kindergarten room is 21 feet by IS feet, and divided from the main hall by folding doors, which, when folded back, provide extra space for any special soeial function. A Toomy and up-to-date kitchen has been added in addition to the refectory.

Green and orange streamers shaded the lights, a bowl of Belladonna lilies forming tho centre decoration of the table on the stage, while cases of zinnias gave pretty decoration elsewhere. Mesdamcs .T. L. C. 3lerton and R. Carruthers . had been responsible for the decorations.

Mr. G. Young proved a very capable M.C., a delightful programme being carried out in a most suecesful manner. The official handshake, which opened proceedings, served to “break” the atmosphere and introduce a feeling of warm fellowship. Mrs. 11. Whittaker proved the winner. In the singing competition, judged by Mrs. B. Simpson, the corner conducted by Mr. "Young carried off the prize. Two games, “Noughts and Crosses,” won by Miss Young and Mr. Alfred, and “Musical Arms,” won by Miss T. Young and Mr. F. Owtram, provided amusement. Items during the evening which were much appreciated were given as follow:—Miss B. Chrystail, elocutionary, “Tell the Truth” (character) and “Teddy Bear”; Miss F. Whittaker, elocutionary, “Juliet” and “Polling Day” (character); Mr. E. G. Spraggon, songs, “Old Father Thames” and “I Can’t Change It” (Mrs. Spraggon accompanist).

A play, “Mr. John,” presented by ladies of tlic Dramatic Club, and produced by Mrs. G. Young, kept the audience in a simmer of mirth. The performance was one which reflected credit on producer and players, having been prepared at short notice —tlic first play staged by tho ladies of tho Dramatic Club.

Parts were taken by the following: — Miss M. Penny (Rosie Gibbs), Mrs. G. Young (Fanny Wilkins), Miss J. YViggius (Hypatia Brown), Miss N. C'arrutliers (Josephine), Mrs. Smale (Miss Patricia), Mrs. Hall (Mary, the maid), and Miss L. Dunstan (Angela).

In addressing tho gathering, Canon G. Y. Woodward said that they were there to rejoice in the addition of a very tine hall, the official opening of which, by the Archdeacon of Rangitikei, would not take place till Sunday next. The addition had not been made so much for the social side, however, as for the religious.

Mr. Young, assistant-treasurer of the men’s committee, apologised for the absence of Mr. A. D. Barkwitli, secretary, in whoso stead ho was acting. In May, 1927, Rev. Kenny had officially opened tho Takaro Sunday School, and superintendents had been: —Miss Hilda Kay (May, 1927-April, 1928), Miss Mercer (to December, 1933), and Mr. YY’. Hall. The Sunday School had first been held in the residence of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Arlidgc. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Barkwitli, who had worked so hard for tho new hall. Thanks were also conveyed to tho performers and Mi - . 11. Tuson for assistance rendered.

A telegram was read from Mr. Merton," at New Plymouth, tendering congratulations and regretting inability to attend.

Rev. G. S. Kenny, of Foxton, said that the Sunday School work at Takaro had been one line of progress from tlic beginning and had never looked back. That was duo to the two facts that Takaro was a growing district, and tho

excellent superintendents Takaro had had from the beginning. Rev. F. 0. Ball also tendered liis congratulations. Thanking the speakers, Canon Woodward also called for acclamation for Miss Mercer and Mr. Hall, who had done so much work for the Sunday School.

There was an' interesting incident when Mr.' Kenny presented Canon Woodward, and members'of, the men’s, hall committee, with tiny models in silver paper of the church. Supper w r as served as an interlude in the programme, by members l of the; Ladies’ Guild, headed by the president, Mrs. C. G. Langridge. Dancing and bridge occupied the rest of the evening, Mrs. Wollerman being at the piano to supply excellent dance music.