Military Social at Matamata

Waikato Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 4182, 27 August 1909, Page 2

Military Social at Matamata

The woolshed at Matamata was packed to its utmost capacity on Wednesday night, the occasion being the second annual social held by the Matamata Troop of the Piako Mounted Rifles. There were over 200 people present, and the result was one of the most enjoyable evenings yet held in the township. The only fly in the ointment was the inadequate hall accommodation. Although the woolshed is a much larger building than is usually found in most country districts, Matamata has quite outgrown its capacity, and a building providing nearly double the accommodation is urgently] required to keep pace with the great strides lately made in settlement in the township and district.

Every member of the troop was present at the social, and amongst the visitors were Colonel Bell, Captain Cochrane, A.U.L., and Staff Ser-geant-major Ccleman. The evening was almost wholly devoted to dancing, and in the intervals songs were contributed by Messrs Livingstone, Quinlan, and Smith. The dance music, which was excellent, was provided Miss James, the Misses Quinlan, Messrs Smith, Hanking, Mateer, West, and the evergreen veteran Pat Quinlan. Sergeant Given made an efficient MC.

The success of the social was undoubtedly due to the great enthusiasm shown by the ladies' committee, consisting of Mrs James, Mrs Mateer, Misses Given (2), and Misses Garland (2). This committee left nothing undone to provide for the comfort and enjoyment of their guests, and the local detachment of the defence forces is to be [congratulated on having enlisted the sympathies of such enthusiastic helpers. During the evening Colonel Bell took occasion to thank the residents of Matamata for the interest taken, and the assistance given to the cause of defence; and also made an appeal to the audience in the cause of universal training. He announced that Mr James, a resident of the township, and an old Victorian artilleryman, had kindly donated three guineas with which to purchase two medals for shooting competitions. He had very great pleasure in accepting the generous offer on behalf of the volunteers, and trusted that there would be keen competition for the trophies. It is proposed to hold the competition on the 23rd September at Matamata, on mounted scout lines, which have been so enthusiasticallyjtaken up throughout the 2nd Regiment. The ladies of the district have kindly consented to provide afternoon tea at the competition, and the proceedings will conclude with a social and dance in the evening.

On Thursday evening the troop paraded for instruction under Staff Sergeant-major Coleman. There was an excellent muster on parade, and some good work was put in. With a view of providing a rifle range for the troop, Staff Sergeantmajor Coleman inspected a position on Mr Mason's property, which he reports is in every way suitable for the purpose.