Whangaruru – Rawhiti Patriotic Dance

Northern Advocate, 14 September 1940, Page 3

Whangaruru - Rawhiti Patriotic Dance

Despite the inclemency of the weather, a successful dance, sponsored by the Whangaruru-Rawhiti Patriotic Sub-Committee, was held in the Whangaruru Hall on Friday. The amount realised was £32 16/. Keen supporters and dancing enthusiasts from surrounding districts, principally from Rawhiti, Ngaiotonga, Punaruku and Mokau, crowded the hall.

Mr J. T. Peters and Mr W. Hepi were M.Cs. and the music was supplied by a combined orchestra from Whangaruru and Rawhiti, with extra by the Mokau jazz band under the leadership of Mr J. Hepi. The evening was opened by a grand march led by the local returned soldiers, followed by new recruits, with the orchestra rendering the “Maori Battalion Song” as the prominent selection. Spirit of Giving. Inspired by the spirit of giving, gifts of all descriptions were generously donated. Mr R. Lomas donated a toilet set, won by Mrs W. H. Thompson. A parcel of goods, donated by the committee, was won by Mrs J. Lane. A yearling Jersey heifer calf, donated by Mrs Putiputi Pita, was strangely won and returned again to the vendor. Not being satisfied she offered it again for sale and after being reoffered several times, it finally fell info the hands of Mr A. Kidd, of Rawhiti. The amount realised for the calf alone was £lO 9/. One sheep was donated by Mr A. Kidd, was purchased by Mr Waipu Pita for £2 1/. A turkey, donated by Mr Whiu Hau, was again purchased by Mr Waipu Pita for 15/. Chairman's Thanks.

The chairman (Mr W. H. Thompson) thanked all those present, particularly the ladies who assisted in the supply of supper and the vendors of gifts, to whom the financial success of the evening was responsible. He appealed for the same spirit, and co-operation on future occasions. The committee appreciated the assistance given by Mr F. Arnold for the use of his launch in conveying the people across the harbour.

It was decided to hold another dance for the same purpose in Rawhiti.