TEMUKA “GALA DAY” AT WAITOHI

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22470, 4 January 1943, Page 3

TEMUKA “GALA DAY” AT WAITOHI

Patriotic Funds Benefit

Successful Function Waitohi draught horses figured in an unaccustomed and exciting role in the novelty horse events which were one of the main attractions at the “Gala Day” held at the residence of Mr and Mrs H. Sewell on New Year’s Day. Although the weather changed to a cold southerly with occasional showers, Waitohi residents, their ranks augmented by visitors, including the Member for Temuka, Mr J. Acland, and Mrs Acland, made the function a most enjoyable and successful one, the district’s quota in the “Win the War” appeal benefiting by approximately £5O. Competitions, side shows, races for young and old, and a baby show added to the Fun of the Fair and a demonstration of Highland dancing given by Misses D. and A. Saunders, L. Prattley, M. Dunbar and K. MacDonald was much appreciated. Pipers N. McKinnon and O. Bain played the music for the dancers and the Temuka Pipe Band contributed items during the afternoon. Afternoon tea was provided on the homestead lawn by Mesdames R. Talbot, S. Green, C. Bradford and W, Tozer. The baby show was in charge of Mesdames C. Barker and F. Goodeve, the decorative section was run by Mrs G. A. Davey and Miss V. Davey, and the “Bring and Buy" stall by Mesdames B. Moore, J. Lyon and G. McCullough. Mrs Dunnlll was in charge of the cake guessing competition. The chairman of the Gala Committee (Mr A. J. Davey) said that the function had been organised with a dual purpose; firstly, to raise funds for the patriotic appeal, and, sesondly, to assist in promoting the community spirit in the district. It was the first function of its kind to be held in the district for many years and from both points of view had proved a decided success. There had been considerable discussion, said Mr J. Acland, as to whether patriotic funds should be raised by taxation or by direct giving. Opinion on this point was sharply divided, but as the funds were not being raised by taxation, it was necessary to make appeals to the generosity and patriotism of the people. Under the present system they received the ready assistance of the various organisations who handled the distribution of the funds, because they were independent of Government control. Mr Acland commended the work of the Gala Committee in arranging the function so successfully. Mr T. Lyon (chairman of the Waitohi Patriotic Committee) thanked Mr and Mrs Sewell for providing the use of the ground, the Temuka Pipe Band for its attendance, the women, the Gala Committee and all who had contributed to the success of the function for their willing assistance. Competitions were won as follows: Fancy dress (prettiest), Margaret McCullough; (daintiest). Bruce Bradford; decorated bicycle, William Youdale 1, Margaret McCullough 2; decorated toy, Jennifer Lobb. Baby Show:—(Under six months), Margaret Millar; (six to 12 months), Noeline Parish and Sylvena Prentice (equal) 1; (12 to 18 months), Bruce Lyon. ASSISTANCE FOR WELCOME CLUB Arrangements for the Temuka Branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union to assist the Timaru Welcome Club were discussed at the December meeting of the branch, at which Mrs G. A. Davey presided. The president, who reported on tne Provincial Executive meeting, mentioned that the branch had contributed 43 dozen eggs to the egg drive. One new member (Mrs G. Millar) was welcomed to the branch by the president. Items were given by Miss C. Caithness, and Miss M. MacDonald, Mesdames A. Tooley, W. H. McFarlane and D. Macdonald. Miss Crossman was the winner of Mrs Elder’s prize for mittens made from old sacks. RECORD CAROLING COLLECTIONS In spite of the fact that difficulty in arranging transport prevented the Temuka Pipe Band from carrying out its usual caroling in the country districts, a record collection of £47 was made during Christmas week. The band played at both Temuka and Geraldine and appreciation is expressed by members of the generous support afforded in each town. FIKE BRIGADE BALL The New Year was ushered in at the patriotic dance given in the Drill Hall by the Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The hall was crowded with dancers, and the satisfactory sum of £36 was taken at the door. The net proceeds will be handed to the Patriotic Fund. Extras were played by the Temuka Pipe Band, Miss M. Teahen and Mr H. W. McMillan. The proceeds from the ball were the third contribution made to the “Win the War” appeal by the Temuka Fire Brigade since the 1941 New Year’s Eve, and it is estimated that the total handed over for the year will be approximately £6O. '