SKATING

Southland Times, Issue 21429, 25 June 1931, Page 3

SKATING

DE LUXE RINK OPENED. The De Luxe Skating Rink had a most successful grand opening last evening when the takings were handed to the Plunket Society and as a result that organization will benefit very considerably. The presence of a very large crowd testified to the popularity of skating as a pastime and all present expressed their surprise and delight at the excellent appointments of the rink. It was estimated that approaching 700 people were present and the majority o’ them spent a very pleasant evening gliding around the specially prepared skating flooi, the surface of which proved to be admirable for the purpose. Shortly before eight o’clock, the rink was opened by Mr R. A. Anderson, C.M.G., patron of the Plunket Society, who warmly complimented the proprietors of the rink on their enterprise in providing such excellent facilities for the enjoyment and entertainment of the people, and extended to Mr S. S. Bridgford and his partners best wishes for success. He also thanked them for their generous offer in making available to the Plunket Society the proceeds of the first evening and spoke in hearty appreciation of the generous nature of their offer. Mr Anderson dealt briefly with the worthy work being carried out by the Plunket Society which, he said, merited the support of everyone. ■Skating for all was then the order of the evening. Despite the fact that several hundred people were on the floor at one time there was no congestion, thanks to the excellent supervision of the floor attendants. The specially treated floor was excellent to skate on and much of the noise common to skating was eliminated. The music provided by an electrical sound reproducing apparatus was most enjoyable. The provision of supper at the rink buffet was taken advantage of by many.

Skaters were loud in their appreciation of the appointments of the rink and judging from the satisfaction expressed on all sides, the new institution will have a most successful existence.

The full programme of day and evening sessions commences to-day. Private tuition is given from 10 to 11 a.m., lunch hour sessions from 12 to 1 and 1 to 2, afternoon sessions from 2.30 to 4, college sessions 4.15 to 5.30 and evening sessions 7.30 to 10.15.