Concert at Woodlands

Southland Times, Issue 12105, 9 April 1908, Page 3

Concert at Woodlands

OPENING OP NEW HAIL. Some time ago it was felt that a public hall at Woodlands was badly needed, and with the object of supplying this want a company was formed and a section was purchased close to the railway station. The contract for the erection of the building was put into the hands of Messrs Crowther Bros., the architect being Mr C. H. Roberts. The result has been that Woodlands can now boast of possessing a splendid hall, which would certainly be a credit to a much larger district. it is of brick, nicely finished Inside, well lighted, and with convenient ante-rooms. The painting was entrusted to Messrs McCullough Bros., and they have been as successful in their work as the other contractors. The drop scene was painted by Mr R. Nash, who has more than a local reputation for this kind of work. The hall is capable of holding between 400 and 500 persons, and last evenjng, when a concert was given to celebrate the opening, the seating accommodation was fully taxed. Mr A. Schmidt (chairman of directors) presided over the gathering. and in ills opening remarks gave a hearty welcome to His Worship the Mayor of Invercargill (Mr Scandrett), the performers, and the audience. After a pianoforte duet had been played by Misses L. and T. Price, the chairman called on Mr Scandrett to declare the hall open. That gentleman said that he was pleased to see such a large audience, and congratulated the residents of Woodlands on t’ae creditable public spirit shown, as evidenced in the splendid building which had been erected. He referred to the first ploughing match being held in Mr Swale’s paddock, and also made reference to the meat preserving works and the successful dairy factory. He had much pleasure in declaring the hall open. Mr James McKerehar proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the architect (Mr Roberts), remarking that in generations to come the building would be standing evidence of the pluck and enterprise of the people of Woodlands. A vote of thanks was also passed to the contractors (Messrs Crowther Bros.) on the motion of Mr J. D. Trotter. I The concert programme was then pro- , ceeded with, and it is safe to say that , the items were the best Woodlands re- , sidents have heard. Owing to the length of the • 'gramme the chairman requested that no encores be asked for, j and tliis rule wa; carried out. Of the t various performers the excellent singing of "The Idlers” found most favour . with the audience. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the programme :—Misses L. and T. Price. Gilmour. and McKibhin. Messrs Wilson, , Churton. Watson. Wright. Clark. Brown, Black, Turner. Wallace, and "The Id- , lers.” The accompaniments were tastefully played by Misses Price and Hannan. At the conclusion of the pro- , gramme the customary vote ; of thanks j were passed, and a most succes Tul con- , cert was brought to a close by the sing- | ing of a \erse of the National Anthem. The performers (nearly all of whom , came from Invercargill) were afterwards , hospitably entertained and thanked for f their assistance. 1