HOLIDAYS IN KAWHIA

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 80, Issue 7152, 16 January 1950, Page 6

HOLIDAYS IN KAWHIA

RECORD INFLUX OF VISITORS A WEEK OF GAIETIES With all the seaside residences and baches taken up, the camping ground filled to capacity, and the most perfect weather for twenty-five years, Ka-whia-by-the-Sea was a populous venue for revelry, sun-»tan, and relaxation during the Christmas and New Year periods. The influx of visitors constituted a record, and throughout the period a gay carnival spirit prevailed, with the local storekeepers transacting record business. Dance at Maketu The first event of the best season which Kawhia has experienced for years was a dance on the Friday evening before Christmas, held in the Wards Hall by the Mutual Improvement Association, when there was a very large attendance. In addition to dancing, items were given by Elster Kekaula and Jim Reti. The latter supplied the music, and the former was master of ceremonies. The girls, Rachael Reti. Cissie Reti, Mary Paki, Judy Paki, Kathie Paki, and M'ihi Paki, gave a_ hulu, and a hulu was performed by Mary Paki. Dancing competitions were won by Maud Tua and Margaret Robinson and Daisy Rangi and Mrs R. D. Crown. Visit of Santa Claus At the invitation of the Kawhia Chamber of Commerce, Father Christmas visited Kawhia on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. In a gaily decorated chariot, he arrived in the mam , street punctually at 2 p.m., and his . appearance was the signal for a great outburst of joy and enthusiasm, especia ly among the children, whose deiight was a pleasure to witness. He proceeded to distribute largesse to the young people, whose satisfaction knew no bounds. Altogether the visit was highly satisfactory in all respects, and added nicely to the festive feeling prevailing on all sides. Christmas Church Services The usual Christmas services were held in the local churches, and were attended by crowded congregations. Midnight Mass was conducted at St. Peter’s by the Rev. Father Herring, the Rev. C. E. Roke officiated at two services at the Methodist Memorial Church, and Mr John Dearlove conducted carol evensong at All Saints’ Church. Tennis and Bowling Unfortunately, heavy rain fell early on Boxing Day morning, making the tennis courts unplayable, and necessitating a postponement of the tournament till next day. Despite the delay the fixture proved an entire success, visitors competing in the competitions. Later in the week the Kawhia Bowling Club held a tournament, which attracted large entries, including visitors to the township. Both the tennis courts and the bowling green were well patronised ‘throughout the holidays. New Year Eve Dances High carnival prevailed in Opaiau Hall on New r Year’s Eve, when the local Tennis Club held its annual ball. The large crowd present tripped the light fantastic to music played by* Mr Roy Chandler, with an extra by Mirs W. Langdon. Mjr Lon Lobb, as master of ceremonies, conducted proceedings in his usual efficient manner, and, during the proceedings, as President of the Club, thanked all for their attendance and support. As the deck struck midnight all joined in the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” The ladies, as usual, provided a dainty supper. Dancing competitions were won by Mirs L. Lobb and Mr S. McNae and by Mrs S. McNae and Mr Arthur Randall. At Kawhia, after the pictures, a

dance was held, Mr Les. W. Spence providing the music. Here, too, the festive spirit prevailed,' and at midnight the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” was hearty and lusty. Tainui Basketball Club The Tainui Basketball Club also held a successful dance in the Maketu Hall on 36th December, when Mi' Jim Reti supplied the music and Mr Harry Nerai was master of ceremonies. Songs were rendered by Misses Nola and Judy Paki and Elster E. Kekaula with action songs by Lorrie Nerai, Penny Cowell, Cigsie Ranga, Daisy Ranga, Lucy Ranga, Nellie Williams, and Lucy Adams. Competitions were won by Miss Helen Daly, Boycie and W. Naimene. Another dance was held in Maketu Hall, proceeds going to the Electric Power Donation Fund, M'r Reti again supplying the music and Mr Harry Nerai being master of ceremonies. A dancing competition was won by Lorrie Nerai and Max King and a prize by Mir B. Heard, of Auckland. Mr and Mrs J. Ferguson gave an item. Bonfire and Concert Recognising the urgent need for funds for the improvement of tie camping gtround, Mesdames L. W. Spence, A. J. Goodwin, T. T. C. Humphrey, and R. MeFie, at short notice, organised a function on the beach opposite Ward’s Hall. A huge bonfire was lit, and an open-air concert held, attracting a very large attendance of townspeople and visitors. The financial result was most satisfactory, nearly £4O being raised, which, it is understood, will carry with it a substantial subsidy. After Bruce Smith, of Te Awamutu, had opened proceedings by playing the bagpipes, items were given by Mesdames J. Dearlove, N. Simmons, W. Langdon, Messrs W. Tuteao, Bruce Smith, W. Langdon, E. Monteith, and M ; . Oldbury. With Shirley Ellis and Lois Humphrey giving a Suva Suva Island dance, being accompanied by Mr T. T ,C. Humphrey. who also was announcer for the various events. A lolly chase for the children, arranged by Mr N. Simmons and Mr A. J. Goodwin, was a distinctive feature. A scavanger hunt was won by Miss Gwen Jones and Mi- Geo. Cameron. Races and Regatta The Kawhia District Sports Club held its annual meeting on Mr W. W. Davies’ farm on New Year’s Day, and Kawhia Regatta Committee staged a highly successful regatta the next day. Full reports will appear in later issues.