UPPER TUTAENUI SOCIAL HALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11632, 6 September 1918, Page 8

UPPER TUTAENUI SOCIAL HALL.

OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MR. NEWMAN. When the Education Board decided to build a new school on an adjourning section to the old school at Upper Tucaeuui, the Social Committee of the district approached the Board with the object of purchasing the old school for a Social Hall, and -arrangements were completed whereby the Committee, in conjunction with the School Committee, were able to come to an amicable understanding in reference to all minor details. The ultimate result is that the [Social Committee have now a building that is a credit to the district The old building has been practically rebuilt, and the main ball is 40 x2O feet with a library containing 800 books and a cosey fire place for the winter readers. The supper room is 36 xll with a copper built in. In front of the main hall are two dressing rooms with a floor space of 20 x 11. The hall is complete in very detail, with seating accommodation, a moveable stage, and a fine new piano. The building is lighted with the Moore light—benzine—which is a splendid illumiuaut, The coat of the section, buildings, piano and lights cost approximately £530, which was advanced oy the bank, on 'the guarantee of half a dozen residents.

Mr W. Hawkins, chairman of the committee in a lucid manner, explained in detail the events which led to the erection of the nail. He stated that the people of the district had looked forward to having a hall which would meet the reqnirements of the district, The committee considered that the hall would pay its way and after the war had been won and things had settled down there was a probability that the district could he called upon to reduce the overdraft.

Mr E. Newman, M.P, stated that he was glad to see that the wants of the district had been satisfied by the erection of this splendid hall. The building had been erected ,_by Messrs Sherriff and Brown and is a credit to themselves and the district. The speaker stated that since he last addressed them the British had suffered reverses on the Western front, and at one time the enemy were practically within sight of the Channel and Paris, but now there was a much brighter aspect and the daily news showed that we were steadily pushing the enemy back. He bestowed great praise upon the work of the British Navy, stating that it was due to the brave lads who now command the seas that we were enabled to live in perfect security in New Zealand. Nothing would have been possible without the splendid help rendered by the Navy and Merchant Service and their dependents should not want or suffer now that they had cleared the seas of the enemy. Referring to the surplus of wool profits, Mr Newman stated that a committee had been formed, and all farmers would be circularised at an early date. In declaring the hall open Mr Newman congratulated the people of the district on their energy in attaining a much desired building, and hoped that they would spend many pleasant evenings in the hall. , The chairman then opened the concert, the audience singing the National Anthem, and songs were rendered by the following Messrs J. Newton, H. Sherriff, A. A. Scoft Cairns, and Master Newton, Mrs Cairns, and Miss Butterfield, each vocalist being treated to a recall. The accompaniments were played by Mr and Mrs Cairns and Miss Butterfield.

a very dainty supper was then handed round by the ladies, after which dancing was indulged in by those who enjoy this delightful pastime.