MANGAPIKO HALL

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1787, 27 July 1926, Page 5

MANGAPIKO HALL

AUSPICIOUS OPENING. MARK OF DISTRICT'S PROGRESS. After many months of preparation and anticipation the people of the Mangapiko district last night had the realisation borne upon them that they now have a remarkably fine public hall in which to hold meetings and social functions. A committee had worked hard and ceaselessly to raise the necessary money to warrant nstructng the builders to proceed, and that a good job was made of the enterprise was evident last evening, for the hall is one of the most commodious in the whole of the Te Awamutu district, while the fact that-it is) well and substantially built goes without saying. The function last evening was a concert followed! by a dance. That there were many wellwishers of those responsible for the hall was early evident, for dozens of people from other districts arrived until there were over 250 people in attendance, and practically every person in Mangapiko who was not confined to sick bed was. present. Proceedings commenced sharp to time, the chairman (Mr M. O'Connor) realising that there was a big programme. The Te Awamutu Orphans' Orchestra opened with the National Anthem, and followed with and overture 'delightfully rendered. The chairman then called upon Mr S. C. Macky, chairman of the Waipa County Council, to formally and officially declare the hall open. Mr Macky first of all apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr StewaTt Re id, M. P., who, however, had telegraphed his hearty good wishes for the success of the evening and for continued prosperity for the settlers. Mr Macky congratulated the settlers on this further example of their enterprise and said there was little doubt it would be crowned with success. He had been informed that they had entered into a joint and several to guarantee the unpaid balance, thus showing their confidence and unity; that was a pleasing example, and he (hoped they would never regret it. The hall would prove to be a big asset in the district, for not only would it be frequently used for meetings but as a social centre it would fill a long-felt want. There was unfortunately, a definite drift of people from the country to the towns, and something should be done to counteract this. Towns had many advantages and attractions, but if the country communities provided public halls and arranged entertainments that would check the drift, and perhaps—who knows?—torn the drift the other way. (Laughter). He concluded a happy little speech with the formal announcement that the. hall is now open. (Applause).

The Mayor of Te Awamutu, Mr L. G. Armstrong, echoed Mr Macky's congratulations to the Mangapiko settlers upon their enterprise. It was an example of community progress that was pleasing and worthy of emulation. On behalf of the people of Te Awamutu he extended congratulations and hearty good wishes. Te Awamutu was endeavouring to beautify its town and make it attractive, not only to the residents but to the settlers for many miles around, including those at Mangapiko; but it was not desirable to have all the attractions in one centre. That was why Mangapiko had such hearty good wishes for the success of its effort. Mangapiko district was pro. gressive; it had some of the best farms in the whole Waikato, and many public spirited settlers. The hall would be very useful, and sure to be well patronised. He concluded by again congratulating all concerned. Then followed a delightful concert programme contributed by the following:—Mr A. J. Sinclair, "Pianoforte Variations by a Novice,"; Mrs Hooper, song "Angus MacDonald," encored; Mr B. Hey, comic song, "The Curate"; Mrs D. G. Maclean, songs "Good-bye" and "There's A Land"; Mr J. C. Corboy songs "Mountain Lovers" and "Mountains of Mourne"; Mr J. G. Arnold, comic song, "My Wife's Gone to the Country"; Miss Bell, song, "To a Miniature'; Mr Hey, comic song, "Dandelions and Daffodils"; Mr G. W. Osborne, violin solos; Miss Johnstone., monologues; Mrs Hooper, song; Mr Corboy, song, "The Stoker"; Orphans' Orchestra, selections. At the conclusion, the chairman heartily thanked all contributors for their great assistance in making the evening the success it was. Mr J. T. Johnson was then called upon for a few remarks, and he responded with some of his impressions of the district as he saw it first eighteen years ago; Mangapiko district had happily, made much progress since then; so also had Te Awamutu, which at that time was a town district. The present hall site was then occupied bv a creamery conducted by Ambury and English. Roads throughout had been improved, the school enlarged, telephones, rural mail services, electric light and power—in fact, he could not think of any district where the amenities of life were so good and attractive as Mangapiko. Mr Johnson concluded by complimenting the artists, especially the Orphans' Orchestra for their delightful entertainment. Then supper was served, and.it was a remarkably appetising one, a credit to the Mangapiko ladies .responsible. The floor was cleared for dancing, and for at 'least three hours Dalton's Orchestra was kept busily occupied playing fo r the many dancers. Extras were contributed by Mrs Bell and Mr J. Wilson, and on towards 3 a.m. a halt was called, everybody having thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony which marked the opening of the new public hall at Mangapiko.