INGLESIDE AT OAKURA

Taranaki Daily News, 7 July 1931, Page 9

INGLESIDE AT OAKURA

RECORD CROWD ATTENDS.

The hold that fihe inglesides conducted by the New Plymouth Caledonian Society have on the dancing' public of all ages was never more in evidence than was the case at Oakura last night ou the occasion of the first of these popular functions to be held in the district, for the hall was thronged with' one of the largest, if not the largest, crowds that has ever assembled there. Indeed, the hall, which was tastefully decorated with greenery, was too small to accommodate all who wished to take the floor to the music of Martin’s Orchestra, and there was a crowded overflow in the supper room. The spirit of bonhomme that is a feature of these gatherings was early in evidence, with the result that all had a thoroughly enjoyable time and went home eagerly looking forward to the next gathering. ' . ■ In the absence of the Chief, Dr. D. E. Brown, Chieftain Rankin was in charge, but he early handed over control to Sergt-Major Corkill, who as master of ceremonies kept matters moving merrily from the moment Pipe Major Arnold and Piper Henry led the grand march until the singing of Auld Lang Sync. The programme comprised a happy mixture of old,,new and Scottish dances, pipers providing the music for the latter. At intervals songs were sung by Mrs. C. J. Harris (encored), while Mr. H. Staveley danced the Sean, triubhas and Highland fling. Piper McKinnon provided the music.

The haggis was played in by Pipe Major Arnold and Piper McKinnon, while Piper Reid declaimed the ode. After all had partaken of the toothsome delicacy supper provided by Mr, A. F. Alder was dispensed by the ladies. Dancing was then resumed and kept up till the early hours. Extras were played by Mrs. L. Sarten. Chieftain Rankin thanked the ladies of the district for the excellence of the supper arrangements, the hall committee for the decorations, and the performers. He also expressed thanks to the people of the district for the magnificent attendance, remarking amidst applause that there seemed to be a spirit of “will ye no come back again?” prevailing. The Caledonian Society were willing to assist whenever possible. Mr. Frank Mace, chairman of the Hall Society, thanked the Caledonian Society for the splendid entertainment they had provided and for thus assisting the society. It had been necessary to postpone the usual euchre party until Friday evening, and for this he apologised.