SWISS SOCIAL GATHERING

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1933, Page 8

SWISS SOCIAL GATHERING

I ANNUAL DANCE AT MANAIA. RECEPTION TO NEW CONSUL. The Manaia Town Hall presented an animated scene on Monday evening when the Swiss folk of South Taranaki held their annual dance. There was an attendance of over 400, and opportunity was taken to welcome the new Swiss consul for New Zealand, M. Blau, who recently arrived from Switzerland to take up the appointment. The Rev. Father Butler, as a native bom Swiss, cordially welcomed the distinguished visitor, and thanked him for coming all the way from Auckland to be present. While ve:ry proud of the land of his adoption since a youth Father Butler said he still cherished tender sentiments towards the land of his birth, and the presence of M. Blau brought closer the old memories of the homeland.

Mr. L. C. Harrison, chairman of the Manaia Town Board, extended a cordial welcome on behalf of the citizens, and hoped that the consul would enjoy his visit to the district. The chairman of the Waimate West County Council, Mr. E. Long, extended a welcome on behalf of the county residents, and mentioned that Swiss farmers were some of the most successful in the district Speaking as one of Swiss descent who had been bom in New Zealand, Mr. G. H. Meuli welcomed the new consul on behalf of the New Zealand-born Swiss. Although now a full Britisher he was quite proud of the fact that he had Swiss blood in his veins. Although Switzerland was a small country its legislation had always been progressive and liberal, and it was the first country to give free education to the masses. Switzerland had also given to the world that noble organisation, the ,Red Cross, which had done so much to alleviate the suffering of humanity, and had adopted as its emblem a red cross, which was the reverse of the Swiss flag, * a white cross on a red ground. Owing to its impartiality Switzerland had been selected as the home of the League of Nations and the International Labour Bureau. Swiss character was always noted-for its integrity and reliability, and it was an interesting fact that for centuries the Papal guards at the Vatican had always been composed of Swiss. He assured the consul that the conduct of the Swiss people in New Zealand was exemplary, and they would be no worry to him in his official capacity. Tn reply M. Blau said he was pleased of the opportunity of meeting so many of his fellow countrymen so soon after his arrival. He understood that there were about 500 Swiss in New Zealand, and that over half were in Taranaki. His service would always be at their disposal, and while he would be permanently stationed at Auckland he hoped to make frequent visits to Taranaki. The consul was accompanied on the platform by Miss Ida Bemold who, attired in fancy costume, represented Helvetia—the Queen of the Swiss Republic. Many were dressed in fancy costumes, and this gave a touch of colour to the scene.- Prizes, were awarded as follows: — Most original, Miss I. Bemold. .(Helvetia), A also a silver cup as a special prize; best fancy, Miss Maudie Cosgrove; Pair of Mountaineers, Mr, F. Zimmerman and Mr. C.Satler; most humorous, Mr.-. C. Scheuber. (Clown); best Swiss ■fancy costume, Mrs. C. Schicker; best pair, Mesdames Kerswill and Schoubachler (Grape Pickers). Specials were awarded to Misses Butler and O’Dowd (Old Grannies), A. Kalin (Itinerant Violinist), and Ted Barter (Whisky). . , , " The costumes i were judged by . Mesdames C. Benton and B. Sutherland and Mr. J. Leuthard (Stratford). The music was played by the Swiss orchestra—Mrs. E. Gopperth (piano), and Messrs. F. Schuler, A. Engelberger and Meyer (accordeons)—assisted by the Dixie Orchestra. Mr. L. Hughes was master of ceremonies. An interesting exhibition of the geurele, an old-time Swiss dance, was given by Mr. L. Chamberlain and Mrs. C. Schicker and Mr. M. Steiner and Mrs. Schonbachler. Yodelling songs were contributed by Mr. L. Beeler. A statue dance was won by Mr. E. Duggan and Miss Mary Ardcn, and a spot waltz by Mr. Bert Adlam and Miss Margaret Schicker. Competitions resulted: Oriental table cover, Mr. J. Bertie; sheep, Mr. H. Eliason; sweets, Mr. W. Mowat; side of bacon, Mr. Schicker senr. (Inglewood); table centre, Miss Suter. The hall was brightly decorated with fems, greenery and coloured lights. Proceedings did not terminate until 5 a.m.. but before the conclusion Father Butler cordially thanked the judges and organisers for their services, also paying tribute to the musicians. He thanked all for their assistance, especially the visitors. The committee consisted of Mesdames A. Engelberger, E. Gopperth and Satler and Miss Bemold. Assisting with . supper were Mesdames O. Steiner, J. Meier, W. Butler, Miss Schicker and Mr. CSchicker junr. ... . RIFLE MEETING AT PATEA. HAMERTON CUP SCORES. Competition for the Hamerton Cup took place on' the Patea rifle range, on Saturday at 200 and 300 yards. Eight riflemen competed, using V sights and without slings, leaving a number of members still to compete. Under these conditions Rifleman ,W. Saunders’ 34 at 200 yards was particularly good, but was eclipsed by S. McDonald’s 34 at 300 yards. D. Roots was top scorer with 65.

SCHOOL FOOTBALL AT RIVERLEA. The Kaponga and Convent schools sent a combined team of footballers to plaj the Riverlea-Awatuna schools at Riverlea. The day was cool and dull. River-lea-Awatuna won by 7 points to nil. Good combination both in the forwards and backs hi the Riverlea-Awatuna team gave it a distinct advantage . over the visitors and it was only the spirited defence of the Kaponga team that averted a much heavier defeat. H. .Gargan scored all the points for RiverleaAwatuna. He penetrated the whole of the opposition’s defence to score a try and potted a goal from the field. There was a gwd attendance at the match.

The details are:--200 300 Hp. Tl. D. Roots 32 33 scr 65 S. McDonald .. 30 34 1 65 N. Coad 32 28 4 64 C. Carey 33 30 ■ scr 63 J. Cunningham 33 30 scr 63 W. Saunders .. 34 26 2 62 1. Brunton 31 20 scr 51 J, Sampson .... 29 23 10 62