TE UKU AND DISTRICT

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14601, 26 February 1921, Page 6

TE UKU AND DISTRICT

«, OPENING MEMORIAL HALL. Every progressiva community passes through those days which stand out as landmarks In local history. Thursday last was such a one for the settlers in the beautiful and fertile valley of Te Uku and adjacent districts, when they gathered in large numbers from far and near to do honour to the name and memory of their boys who served in the Groat War, and to ts'ke psrt in the ceremonies incidental to the opening of tho district Memorial Hall. As a result of local effort, a fine new hall of tasteful design and pleasIns appearance, built in bungalow style, has been erected under the leadership of Mr \Y. .1. Lustv, with Messrs A. Peart, E. 1,. Wallis, J. Dent, J. D. Ferriman, \Y. Wilson and A. Sutton, constituting the Board of Trustees. Mr n. F. Bollard. M.P. for the district, had the honour of performing the official opening. In the evening the new Memorial Hall was parked with young and old folks, when a highclass concert performance was presented. During the evening. Mr Bollard. M.P.. made a speech, and congratulated the district upon its enterprise In erecting the fine building to the memory of the men who fought for the Empire. He look the opportunity to address a few general remarks on tho political situation, and pointed out the importance of work in building un a country. Mr .1. A. Young, M.P. for Wnikalo, who was an invited guest, ably supported his Raglan colleague. paid an eloquent tribute to the spirit of the people which prompted the movement which they were there to honour and see accomplished.

The proceedings were most enthusiastic, and all the arrangements were very complete. The following contributed to a moat enjoyable musical and variety entertainment: Rev. Costain, Mrs Sanson, Misses Tidd, Picken (2), Belcher (2), Priest and Harsant, and Messrs E. 0. Wallis, 11. Fort, and Sutherland. After the concert supper was supplied to all present, and the remainder of the night was given to a most enjoyable dance. The hall was lavishly decorated with flags. bunting, nikau ferns and licopodium, the mion Jack and New Zealand flag's occupying prominent positions. The district Roll of Honour, which adorns the stage, is neatly and well executed on solid oak. set in a background of the Union .lack. It contains the following 30 names, most of whom are representative of the oldest families in the district: — Belcher. J. L. ♦Coate, H. L. Cogswell, A. E. Cole, J. H. ♦Cooper, H. A. *Cory, D. Dent, G. Douglas, \V. J. Douglas, F. Druwe, J. Keatherstonhaugli. I ♦l'crriman, G. I». Forriman, .1. D. ♦Gibbison, A. \Y. Gibbison. F. B. M. (.Sower, A. G. llaeon, A. ♦Hucston, J. R. .Tames, C. *Moon, K. A. ♦Peart, A. C. Peart. F. \V. I'iniahi. Wanihi. Rothe, D. Sutton. C. S. Sweetman, A. W. A. Sweetman, K. P. S. Sweetman. ii. B. W. u.. Wallis, H. 0. Wallis. 0. 11. Died as result )f war sen-ice.

No less than eight of the above have since "Gone West," and their names are now held in reverence as a tribute to their service and sacrifice for their country's honour.

A word of praise, is due to the splendid work done by the ladies' committee under the capable direction of Mrs E. Wallis. The ladies have been responsible for the furnishing, which they have carried out successfully and presented to the trustees free of debt. It includes seating, lighting, piano, and crockery.

The hall is a very handsome structure, and floes credit, to the architects, Messrs Daniell and Lusk, and the builder, Mr Monro. The building is 05ft. by 25ft., and is furnished with a line committee room, all complete with fire-place and Hie usual domestic appointments to be found in a modern social hall.

The contract price was £550, and the settlers presented part of 1 lie timber and did all sort? of extra work to ;it lesat a £4OO contribution; and are in the happy position of seeing the hall with only a debt of £l3O.

The districts round about are good and fertile, and will experience no difficulty in liquidating this small liability.' 'The hall is centrally situated at the junction of the Te L'ku and Raglan roads, near where it is proposed to run the light railway from Raglan to Hamilton. Mr Lusty, the chairman of the Hall Tustee Board, presided, and should feel a proud man at the successful result achieved on Thursday, which will be a most memorable day in the history of Te l'ku.