TAPANUI NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 25385, 12 September 1935, Page 14

TAPANUI NOTES

, HALL AT KELSO OPENING CEREMONY (From Our Correspondent.) The new Public Hall at Kelso was opened on Friday evening by Mr D. McDougall, M.P. The chairman, Mr P. Boylen, briefly outlined the financial position. He said that £475 had been donated, and with the building subsidy of £BO, the amount in hand was £555. The total cost of the building, section, fencing, gravelling, transfers etc., was about £9OO, but after this evening’s function it was hoped that the debt on the hall would not exceed £3OO. He thanked Mr McDougall who had got the subsidy after they had been once turned down. Mr McDougall congratulated the Kelso people on their handsome hall, which was a credit to the district. It was difficult after a building had been started to get the building subsidy, but after explaining, the position fully to the Commissioner of Employment, the subsidy had been granted. It had been stated that an Independent member got nothing, but he claimed to have done more than any previous member in getting public grants for Mataura. He said that “when the loaves and fishes were given out, David was never far away.” It gave him great pleasure to declare the hall open. Following was the programme: “Waggon Wheels,” orchestra; duet. “Rose of My Heart,” Miss Hinchey and Mr R. L. Stevenson; tap dance, Miss Mcßae; violin solo, Mr Hasle; solo, “Slave’s Song,” Miss Hinchey; Spring Ballet, pupils of Miss Mcßae; solo, “Friend of Mine,” Mr Stevenson: solo, “Home, Sweet Home,” Mrs L. Graham; duet, Misses E. and F. Hinchey; solo, “Nirvana,” Mr Churstain; “Peggy O’Neil,” orchestra; Irish reel, Miss McRae’s pupils; solo, “Lilac Cotton Gown,” Miss F. Hinchey; mouth organ solo, Mr R. L. Stevenson; military dance, Miss Mcßae; solo, “Here is my Heart,” Mrs Graham; violin solo, Mr Hasle,' solo, “ I Hear You Calling,” Mr Churstain; duet, Misses F. and E. Hinchey; humorous item, Mr Stevenson. Accompaniments were played by Miss M. [ Johnston and Mrs O. Ford. In the interval the contractor, Mr Kirk, expressed his thanks for the kind remarks passed. He asked Mr Boylen to accept the key of the hall. Mr Boylen asked for a vote of thanks to the secretary, Mr J. Irving, who had given much time and energy to his duties.

The hall was cleared for dancing to music by the Dance Master’s (Band. The Merino Downs Debating Society closCd the year’s session with a banquet, which was held in Mr M. Falconer’s barn. The president, Mr J. Cooper, presided.

The following oasts were honoured: “This and Kindred Societies” (proposed by Mr J. W. Cooper and responded to by Mr R. White, Waikaka Valley); “Agricultural and Pastoral Industries” (Mr T. Howden—Mr D. Stark); “Local Bodies” (Mr S. Falconer—Mr Robert Weir); “Merino Downs Basketball and Football Teams” (Mr A. Weir—Mr Colin McKenzie); “The Ladies” (Mr J. Cooper, jun.—Mr Raymond McKenzie); “Our Guests” (Mr Alwyn McKenzie —Mr M. Stark); “The Chairman” (Mr M. Falconer—Mr J. Cooper); “The Secretary” (Mr J. Cooper—Mr G. Smail). Games and dancing followed, and Miss Bain gave an elocutionary item.

The Koi Farmers’ Union met in the hall on Thursday evening. Mr Blomfield, organizer, was present, and addressed the meeting, dealing with the new system of organization.