Big Social Event At Kaitaia

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 3

Big Social Event At Kaitaia

The Mangonui Returned Soldiers’ Association’s annual ball in the A. and P. Hall, Kaitaia, on Wednesday evening easily surpassed any previous event of the kind so far held in Kaitaia. The door receipts totalled more than £54 and were well ahead of the previous record of £42. The preparations had been made with much forethought and care and 'the president, Mr W. Dawson, with the various groups of workers, achieved something in the way of novelty and excellence in a field so well exploited that much ingenuity was needed to achieve fresh novelty.

Instead of trying to improve along conventional lines the old style of decoration a distinct departure was made, and in place of coloured crepe paper, the walls and ceiling of the hall were covered with the choicest of native flora. A remarkably fine effect was produced with waewaekoko or lycopodium which, in riotous profusion, canopied the hall and enriched the beauty of the nikau palms covering the walls. The stage was given all the characteristics of a war-time dug-out and clever reproductions were exhibited around the room, of Bruce Bainsfather’s drawings depicting such topics as “The Better ’Ole.” These reproductions were by Miss Muir, who is only 14' years of age, a daughter of Captain Muir, and by Mr Peter Wilkinson. Places known to the returned soldiers while on active service were recalled by cardboard representations of shells bearing the of cities and towns, there being something symbolising features of active service on every front of the Great War. Any discomfort which might have been duo to the large attendance was minimised by good control and the limited time was allowed for each arrangement of the programme. A dance and no encores were permitted. The music was by the Dixie Band from Okaihau with extras by Miss Joan Christenson. An excellent supper was served.