PROGRESSIVE WESTOWN.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 July 1924, Page 5

PROGRESSIVE WESTOWN.

OPENING OF NEW HALL. AN UP-TO-DATE BUILDING. An event of considerable importance to residents in the suburb of Westown was the official opening last night of the new Westown' Hall by the deputyMuyor (Mr. H. V. Griffiths). All the seating accommodation was fully taxed, and the hall itself was beautifully decorated with nikau palms and blue and red streamers. This important work was carried, out by & very capable entertainment committee, of which Mr. R. Wright was chairman.

Mr. J. Garcia, on behalf of the Westown Hall Society, extended a hearty welcome to all those present, remarking that the large attendance proved the necesssity for erecting a more commodious half. The step taken by the society was a big undertaking, but unfailing local support had been given in the taking up of debentures and in practical assistance. Tt was intended later on to further increase the 'floor space by converting the old hall into a stage, which would also add greatly to the convenience and efficiency of the new hall.

Mr. Griffiths, who apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), congratulated the residents of Wes-town on their fine community spirit and their untiring effort towards the betterment of their district, Thay had shown great energy and display 3d commendable perserverence jn spite of the recent gale, which partially demolished the new hall when it was nearing completion. In declaring the hall open. Mr. Grilflths expressed the wieh that it would become the centre of all social functions in the district.

Mr. F. Amoore (a member of the New Plymouth Borough Council) expressed the hope that in time the residents of Westown would have the trams passing in the vicinity of the new hall. The traffic of the’ borough was increasing year by year, and it was hoped that tramway * extensions would soon be pushed to the extreme ends of all the suburbs.

An excellent musical programme, organised by Mr. Jack Lovell, was rendered by a number of Westown and New Plymouth residents. Those who contributed were: Mr. F. P. Fredric (pianoforte solo); Mr. A. V. Stamp (song); Miss Sole (song): Mr. J. Lovell (song); Doreen Belcher (song); Mr. Fred Coleman (song); Mrs. Davis (song); Messrs. Stamp and Fredric (duet); Miss Perrott (song); Messrs. C. Fyfe and G. Hill (violin duo); Stuart Elliot (recitation); Mr. Hill (song); and Mr. L. H. Tichbon (song). Two nigger minstrels (Messrs. Jack Lovell and W. Putt) created much amusement with their jokes and songs. A very enjoyable supper provided by the local ladies, was then handed round. After supper, dancing was commenced and continued until a late hour. The new hall is built in front of the existing old structure, which originally stood on the adjoining section. The hall, which was designed by Messrs. H. Walla th and R. Lovell, was erected at a cost of approximately £lOOO, of which £B5O has been raised by debentures. Its dimensions are 08 feet by 40 feet, with a lofty stud, and it can accommodate 500 people. There is a roomy entrance door with dressingrooms on either side, while above these rooms sufficient space has been allowed for the building of a gallery. At one end of the building is a splendid kitchen, fitted with all conveniences, and the old hall will, in the near future, be converted into a supper-room and stage. The lighting and fittings of the hall are very complete.