OPENING OF THE NEW HALL AT MORRINSVILLE.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIX, Issue 2979, 12 September 1905, Page 2

OPENING OF THE NEW HALL AT MORRINSVILLE.

Friday evening last will long be remembered by the residents (both old and young) of Morrinsville and surrounding districts as the opening night of Mr James Dignan’s Phoenix Public Hall. The enterprising proprietor has satisfied a long-felt want, not only in this connection, but in the establishment of an up-to-date livery stables and the erection of other business premises, of which more anon. Phoenix Hall has been erected on the Thames-street frontage of Mr Dignan’s valuable property, and is an ornament to the town. The hall is 60 x 36ft., with a spacious platform. Mr Dignan has also supplied a new splondid-toned piano. Congratulations poured in when it became known that Messrs Bryant’s “ Brilliant Company of Entertainers ” had secured the rights for the opening night. The hall was formally opened by Captain H. Clifford, J.P. (Piako Mounted Rifles), who, in the opening remarks of his speech, referred to the disappointment felt by all old residents at the absence of Mr Chepmcll, chairman of the Piako County Council, who had been asked to preside at the opening, more so as Mr Chequuell (who is looked up to as the father of the Piako district) was detained at home on account of ill-health. In a neat and humorous speech Captain Clifford eulogised the enterprise and sagacity of our fellow-townsman, Mr James Dignan, who had been associated with Morrinsvillo for many years, and emphasised the fact that Phoenix Hall being in such good evidence fully demonstrated that our fellow-citizens wore keenly alive to the requirements of the district, and intend to keep pace with the rate of progress being so rapidly made in developing the splendid resources of the Piako district as a first-class dairying centre. Captain Clifford facetiously congratulated the audience in that Bryant’s “ Brilliant Entertainers ” had arranged to give the opening performance, but regretted that the weather had been so unfavourable during the afternoon, which he feared had prevented many families from being present. The entertainment was a brilliant success and was fully appreciated by the large audience. The music and accompaniments were supplied by Mr J. Stackpole. The songs by Miss Marie Masters were vociferously encored. It would be invidious to criticise other performers. All were perfect in their several roles and fulfilled all expectations. After the entertainment concluded the floor was cleared for dancing, which, under the direction of Mr Percy Butler as M.C., terminated about 2,30 a.m. “ Success to Phoenix Hall and James Dignan ” was the order of toasting.— (Own Correspondent).