WEST END GALA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19669, 11 December 1933, Page 11

WEST END GALA

NEW HALL OPENED ASSET TO DISTRICT Saturday was a day of marked activity for the residents of the West End, and particularly for members of the Ratepayers’ Association and the Croquet Club, for it saw the culmination of their efforts to secure a hall to serve the needs of the district, and also five croquet lawns: Both bodies have worked assiduously for a long time to secure their objective, and with the assistance of the Borough Council, both goals have been reached. To mark the opening of the hall and lawns, a gala was arranged, in the promotion of which the Ratepayers’ Association, Croquet Club, Swimming Club, Ladies' Bowling Club and ladies interested in the West School all co-oper-ated. A real carnival atmosphere prevailed, and with the general public lending generous support, the function was an outstanding success. Numerous stalls were arranged, competitions and sports for the children conducted, and generally a happy time was spent. The Municipal and Pipe Bands were present, and brightened proceedings with enjoyable selections. The stalls were open for business early in the afternoon, but operations were suspended at 3.30 to enable the official opening to take place. - In the early evening a most successful swimming carnival was held, and in the evening the hall was crowded when the opening social and dance was held. The day’s programme was carried out without a hitch, and credit is due to the representatives of the various bodies interested for the efficient manner to which the arrangements were carried

out. Feelings of Pride. Addressing the gathering, Mr Chiles said he was sure it would pardon him if he said that he was possessed of feelings of pride that day. Usually he was a modest man, but the day was one of the sort when a man’s head was too large, and his hat too small. When he looked round and saw what had been accomplished in so short a time, he felt he was justified in any pride he possessed. He thought, also, that the severest critics of the Association would admit that they had done something tangible to the West End. They had tried to improve the streets and the lighting, and had tried to make the West End the best end of the town, and in many respects they had been successful. As a band of men they had worked gratuitously for the West End of the town, but some critics thought they were doing too little, and others that they were going too far. To those who had criticised he asked that they should not stand off but come in and help the Association, and with the assistance of these people the Association could do far more. Mr Chiles went on to say that after 10 years of work, he was able to look round and see a fine park in the making; he could see an extra piece of land which had been converted into fine croquet greens; fine swimming baths, and lastly the new hall, all of which spoke of the consistent toil of the West End men, who had given their services free in a hope of being able to do something. They were very modest when they set out on the present undertaking, and when they had gone before the Works Committee of the Borough Council, they presented a plan for a small building. They had been told that there was little use building a small hall, and Councillors had suggested looking to the future. The Mayor had suggested that they should procure a plan for a larger hall, and if they did that, the Council would support them. They had acted on this advice, and the best thanks of the people of the West End were due to the Mayor and Councillors for their generosity, which had made so many things possible. If it had not been for this generosity, the Association could not have done so much as it had. Not one member of the present Council or past Councils had tried to hinder them, and the Association was deeply grateful to them. Council’s Generosity. “As an Association we do not claim perfection," said Mr Chiles, “but we try to do our best. We do not get everything we want, but we are triers, and the Council know it.” (Laughter.) Mr Chiles, on behalf of the Association and the people of the West End, again thanked the Council for their generosity, and he expressed a hope that it would continue. He felt sure it would so long as they acted on sound, sensible and progressive lines. The speaker said that some people

had the idea that the hall was for the use of the Croquet Club only, but such was not the case. The hall was divided into three parts. The western end was for the Croquet Club, the central portion was for the Swimming Club, and the eastern end was for the West End Association and kindred bodies, and the whole place would be thrown open for dances or social functions. The hall would be under the management of a committee, and application could be made to the committee for the use of it. “Every dance held here is to be on clean lines,” said Mr Chiles. If there is any nonsense, people will get their | money back, and they will be sent | away. There will be no booze and no j larrikinism, but a real respectable place where men and women can send their I boys and girls to enjoy themselves to I tfie full.” (Applause.) j Reference was made by Mr Chiles to the work of the architects, Messrs Turnbull and Rule, the speaker stating that Mr Rule had taken a real pride in the hall, and was deserving of congratulations. The builders, Messrs Stoddart and Mitchell, had also done fine work, and the public had only to look at the building to see how conscientiously they had worked. Mr Chiles also thanked the Borough Engineer and the curator for the work they had done. He also paid tribute to Mr S. Lang, who had been in charge of the relief workers who had been engaged in the Park. Mr Lang had made a good job of everything he had put his hand to, and the Association were greatly indebted to him. In conclusion, Mr Chiles remarked that the Association had uniform chairs which it was proposed to adopt for the hall. The Mayor and Mayoress had already given two, bringing the total number to 14 or 15, and the Association would be grateful for the donation of further chairs. He then called on the Mayor officially to open the hall and croquet lawns.

Mayor’s Address. The Mayor thanked the president for his kindly introduction, and said he could assure the president and members of the Association that it gave the Mayoress and himself pleasure to be present. They felt honoured at having been asked to perform the opening ceremony of the hall and croquet lawns. He did not know if there yere any old residents present, but if so, he would ask them to cast their mind back to the time when the grounds were the property of the Timaru and A. and P. Association. For many years the present park was used as a show ground, the jumping events being held to the gully, the sloping hill sides forming a fine natural grandstand. That day they saw the grounds transformed into a place of beauty, where future generations could enjoy the sunshine and the privileges connected with the grounds. The Borough Council had been much indebted to the Associations to the different parts of the town. The North and West End Associations, and some years ago the South End Association, which, he hoped, would come into existence again, had done wonderful work, and had been of great assistance to the Council. So far as the West End Association was concerned, he could say that they seemed to live in an atmosphere of progress and enthusiasm, and he congratulated them on the results and achievements they had accomplished. It must be gratifying to them to see their efforts culminating in the opening of the hall and greens. Mr Chiles had spoken of the requests made by the Association, but Oliver Twist was never in it with the West End Association. (Laughter). He could assure them, however, that the Council would endeavour to assist any reasonable request which might be made.

History of the Park. Tracing the history of West End Park, Mr Satterthwaite said it was of very recent origin. The first area of 10 acres was acquired in 1924 from Mr Parnell, and the same year an area of about one acre was purchased from Mr T. Candy to form the entrance at Maltby Aver.ue. In 1931 a further area of five acres was purchased from the estate of F. Hooper. The total area, therefore, was 16 acres, and the amount of the purchase money for the land was £6350. The swimming bath cost £1477, the approaches and gates £192, and the formation of the croquet lawns cost the Council £1,522, and the contract price for the hall was £1,019. Summed up the capital cost had been £10,716, of which £I2OO was yet to be paid. Interest and maintenance charges up to date had been £1,924, making a total of £12,640. Of this amount, however, £1,530 had been contributed and an amount of £27 was realised from the sale of turnips. Toward the cost of the bath the West End Association provided £7OO. There was a Government subsidy of £750 end voluntary contributions of £SO. The West End Association also contributed £3O toward the approaches and was contributing half the cost of the hall. It spoke volumes for the enthusiasm of the Association, and he trusted that the residents would rally round and help the Association all they could. The figures showed that the Council had assisted considerably in the acquiring and laying-out of the area, which was now almost completed, and he congratulated the West End people on having a beautiful space for sports, and a hall for social gatherings. He trusted that for years to come they would be banded together for the good of the district, and by helping the district they would be helping Timaru. The Mayor also congratulated Mr Lang on the splendid work he had done. The unemployed men had to be given work, and what better work could they have done thin that which would give pleasure to people for years to come.

The Mayor then declared the hall and greens open, and expressed a hope that the proceeds from the gala would exceed expectations.

Cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Chiles and the West End Association, and also for the Mayor and Mayoress. The Mayoress then unlocked the door of the hall, throwing it open for public inspection.

Building Described. The building, which has an attractive appearance, is a decided acquisition to the West End. It really comprises three rooms, which can be thrown together by means of folding doors to form one large hall, 71ft long by 30ft wide. The West End Association club-room is on the east end of the building, and is 30ft by 30ft. The Swimming club-room is in the centre and is 30ft by 20ft, and the Ladies’ Croquet club-room is on the west end of the building, 30ft by 20ft, and overlooks the croquet greens. off this latter club-room are the ladies' cloakrooms, and the kitchenette, which Is fitted up with suite, tables, shelving, and electric points for preparation of afternoon teas. tec. The three rooms are* divided by means of folding doors. lOft high, sliding in on an overhead track with ball-bearing runners, so that It is only a matter of a few minutes to open up the building to form a hail suitable for dances or meetings. Along the whole of the north front, and portion of the west end. runs a verandah. Bft 61n wide. The hall is built of timber framing weathcrbonrdrd outside, and inside it Is finished with white fibrous plaster sheets on the walls. , he ceilings and coves arc covered with celotex sheeting for insulation and acoustical purposes. and are distempered white A dado, three feet high, also of celotex is formed round the vhole hall, and this has been stained and varnished forming an excellent finish round the

room. The floor has been laid with specially selected black pine flooring, cleaned off with an electric sanding machine and polished, and is probably one of the finest dancing floors to I the town. Special attention has been given to the lighting, both natural and artificial, and all the rooms are well ventilated. The hall is built adjacent to the swimming baths, and direct access will be available from the swimming club-room. List of Officials. Stall-holders and officials were as follow:—President, Mr J. E. Chiles; secretary, ( Mr W. Renton; treasurer, Mr E. How’den; assistant treasurer, Mr W. Bradley; Produce —West End Bowling Club, Mrs T. Currie (president), Mrs A. G. Vucetich (vice-president), Mesdames J. Greenfield, J. Lough, I. MacLaren, R. Giles; fancy stall—Mesdames T. E. Chapman, T, R. Elder, W. Smith; tearooms—Mesdames T. Palllser (convener), F. H. Osborn, J. Dennison. H. C. Romans, G. Howe, W. McKinney, W. Renton, T. Segar, J. Timmins; ice creams and soft drinks, West End Swimming Club, Misses J. Hurdley (convener), M. Hughes, R. Gillon, P. Hurdley, S. Bryant, E. Gowans, B. Wotherspoon; West Coast jumbo—Mr J. Wilson; games—Messrs L. Hunt, D. Elder, I. Gillon, D. Gillon, D. Mills, S. Hurdley, C. Whitehouse, I. Vucetich, T. Currie; Sports: swimming—West End Club; children’s races—Messrs A. stead, W. H. Thompson, R. W. Marshall, A. Maxwell, V. Drake, T. Elder, A. Aitken, W. H. Hellier; sweets—Mrs Gillon and Misses A. and P. Keen. CHILDREN’S EVENTS. Following are the results of children’s events:— Running. Girls, five to seven —M. McLeod 1, S. Taylor 2. Boys, five to seven—K. Maclaren and L. Jack (dead heat) 1. Girls, seven to nine—B. Kane 1, O. Wilson 2, S. Vemel 3. Boys, seven to nine—l. Williams 1, P. Maxw’ell 2, I. Odey 3. Girls, seven to nine—N. Hellier 1, D. Rider 2, B. Hughes 3. Boys, nine to 11—P. Wallace 1, F. Hook 2, I. Ryan 3. Girls, nine to 11 —R. Wilson 1, N. Hughes 2, I. McLeod 3. Boys, 11 to 13—F. Rodgers 1, Hawsford 2, A. McLeod 3. Girls, 11 to 13—D. Jack 1, S. Anderson 2, D. Collings 3. Three-legged-race (girls, underl2)— R. Wilson and N. Hughes 1, I. and D. Ryder 2, D. Ball and E. Cameron 3. Three-legged-race (boys)—M. Drake and F. Hook 1, R. Phillips and W. Middlemiss 2, P. Wallace and J. Donnithome 3, Girls, Pick-a-back—D. Jack and T. Murray 1, N. Hellier and I. Palllser 2, D. Hughes and I. Morrison 3. Boys’ Pick-a-back —W. Middlemiss and S. Middlemiss 1, I. Ryan and G. Hertnon 2, R. Philip and T. Howard 3. SWIMMING CARNIVAL. For the swimming carnival held in the evening, there were excellent entries. The races were keenly contested, many close finishes being witnessed. Results were:— 33 1-3 Yards Juvenile Boys—First heat: D. Parsons (ssec) 1, J. Rendall (lOsec) 2, R. King (3sec) 3. Time—--25 4-ssec. Second heat: A. Hooke (lOsec) 1, H. McMillan (6sec) 2, H. Pateman (scr) 3. Time—29 2-ssec. Final. D. Parsons 1 J. Rendall 2 H. Pateman 3 Time—27 l-ssec. 33 1-3 Yards Juvenile Girls—M. L:.timer (scr) 1, R. Gillon (2sec) 2. Time—34sec. 50 Yards Intermediate Boys—First heat; M. Walker (4sec) 1, D. Elder (scr) 2, J. McMahon (ssec) 3. Time—--25 4-ssec. Second heat: M. Forrester (4sec) 1, L. Andrews (2sec) 2, C. Rollinson (3sec) 3. Time—36sec. Final. L, Andrews 1 M. Forrester 2 D. Elder 3 50 Yards Intermediate Girls—N. Woodward (2sec) 1, B. Wotherspoon (2secs) 2, R. Gillon (3sec) 3. Time—--41 4-ssec. A close finish. Time—34 3-ssec. 66 2-3 Yards Ladies’ Handicap—First heat: N. Woodward (7sec) 1, A. Keen (scr) 2, P. Reid (7sec) 3. Time—s 4 2-ssec. Second heat: J. Hurdley (Bsec) 1, E. Gowans (12sec) 2, M. Akins (2sec) 3. Time—s9sec. Final. J. Hurdley 1 E. Gowans 2 M. Akins 3 Time—sß 3-ssec. 66 2-3 Yards Men’s Handicap—First heat: D. Gillon (7sec) 1, G. Wotherspoon (ssec) 2, J. Healey (6sec) 3. Time —45sec. Second heat: L. Hunt (3sec) 1, I. Gillon (9sec) 2. Time—51sec. Final. L. Hunt t D. Gillon t J. Healey 3 Time—44sec. Ladies’ Diving—A, Keen 1, B. Reid 2, N. Woodward 3. 65 2-3 Yards Dual Relay—First heat: L. Hunt and D. Elder (scr) 1, L. Andrews and J. McMahon (6sec) 2. Second heat: G. Martin and H. Gilbert (ssec) 1, K. Moffat and V. Mc.league (ssec) 2. Third heat: D. Reid and A. Solomon (lsec) 1, J. and M. Forrester (4sec) 2. Final. G. Martin and H. Gilbert .. 1 J. and M. Forrester 2 L. Andrews and J. McMahon 3 Time—43sec. 133 1-3 Yards Teams' Relay—First heat: Old Boys B (Bsec) 1, West End A (scr) 2, Temuka B (7sec) 3. Time—91sec. Second heat: Temuka A (ssec) 1, West End B (6sec) 2, Y.M.C.A. (3 sec) 3. Time—93sec. Final. Temuka A (D. Reid, A. Solomon, G. Martin, H. Gilbert) .. ..1 West End A 2 Men’s Diving—V. McKeague 1, K. Moffat 2. Children's Events. Girls, eight to 10 —Annette Coxhead 1. Girls, 10 to 12 —Pamela Coxhead 1, Annette Coxhead 2. Girls, 12 to 14— Rita Gillon 1. Boys, eight to 10—Gordon Lyttle 1, Colin Bell 2. Boys. 10 to 12—E. Dennison 1. A. Hoope 2. Boys, 12 to 14—L. Hayhurst 1, A. Shortus 2. Dive, under 14—Ian Little 1.