KAKEPUKU HALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16815, 5 June 1926, Page 3

KAKEPUKU HALL.

FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY. LARGE ATTENDANCE AT SOCIAL. There was a record gathering of settlers of the Pokurti district, and friends from all parts of the To A warn utu district last Wednesday evening at the now public hall at Poknru (frequently referred to as Kakepuku), the occasion being the formal opening ol the building. The, hall committee had made preparation for a very large crowd, but accommodation was taxed to the utmost. Tile building, which is a very commodious and comfortable one, iiad been prettily decorated for the occasion. Promptly at 8 o’clock Mr S. H. West, on behalf of the hall committee and the settlers, extended a hearty welcome to all visitors. The Kakepuku settlers were proud of the occasion, lor it marked the culmination of their united efforts to provide adequate facilities for social intercourse in the district. As a matter of fact, Kakepuku was practically the “ baby ” settlement of the To Awamulu district, for not many years ago it was covered with bracken, fern and manuka. Great progress had been made each year. Rut by dint of co-operation and a healthy public spirit Die district had been brought more into the limelight. The Kakepuku Co-oper-ative Dairy Company is a successful enterprise, and its latest achievement was to win the provincial championship for cheese-making at the Waikato Winter Show. Oil behalf of the settlers lie extended hcarly congratulations to the company and especially to the manager (Mr C. J. Dow) and his staff on that success. (Applause.)^ Continuing, Mr West said Kakepuku only a few years ago was “ no man s land” in county control, for it was practically the extremity of three local bodies. Now it is an important part of Waipa County, and destined to become even more important. It admittedly lias the best metalled main road in the county, with a permanent road foreman (Mr Westbrook), who is capable and conscientious. The Kakepuku school is commodious and well staffed and equipped for the instruction of the younger generation. Mr West concluded by calling upon the secretary of the hall committee, Mr 11. l’car, to read messages from Messrs L. G. Armstrong (Mayor of Tc Awamutu), F. Lye (cx-M.P. for the district), A. C. Cruickshank, A. L. Storey, .1. B. Wilson, E. W. McCarter, and N. A. Stevens —all expressing regret at inability to be present that evening, but wishing the settlers success in their function.

Hearty Congratulations. The message from Mr Armstrong may be quoted as typical of the others, viz., “ Please accept my regrets for inability to be present at the opening of your hall, and convey greetings and congratulations from the people of To Awamutu upon the successful voluntary effort which brings into being such a splendid and useful adjunct to the district. I enclose herewith a small contribution to your funds, which is an appreciation of the sturdy and independent manner in which your committee handled such a big proposition." Mr Stewart Reid, M.P., was then called upon to formally open the hall. He was received with loud applause. He said lie was pleased at the opportunity to congratulate the settlers on the fine spirit of progress in evidence in providing such a commodious and substantial public hall. The independent spirit manifested was uncommon, but it was one that might well be copied in other districts. Mr Reid wenl on to trace the history of the undertaking from the initial meeting on November 0. The building is now practically completed, and likewise practically free ol' debt, the prediction being general that the liability will soon be wiped out. lie was in accord with Mr West in his references to Ihe progress of tiie district in the past fifteen years. After referring to the troubles through which the Empire and the Dominion is passing, Mr Reid went on to refer to tho great success of the Waikato Winter Show, and complimented the Kakepuku factory manager upon his meritorious win. lie hoped the provision of the Public Hall would assist in cementing the kindly feeling between residents of town and district that was so necessary for the common welfare, just as a belter understanding between the representatives of capital and labour was necessary. He concluded by congratulating the settlers (especially those who had worked so enthusiastically !o ensure the hall being built), the tradesmen from To Awamulu who had helped so materially, and the ladies upon the loyal support they had given the men-folk. (Applause). The Grand March was then arranged, and over 80 couples took part. Dancing was interspersed during the evening wiih enjoyable, songs by Mrs D. G. McLean and Mr D. SlaJlard, besides humorous recitations by Mr G. Osbourne. The dance music was ffrst-class, Hie floor perfect, and tlie masters of ceremonies (headed by Mr R. H. Westbrook) capable and courteous. The supper arrangements, despite the very large crowd, were in capable bands. It is computed that there were at least 100 couples dancing, besides quilc a number of nondancing patrons.

Presentations. Opportunity was taken during Ihe evening by Mr 11. Fear to make a presentation of a mounted tobacco pouch on behalf of the settlers, to Mr Fred Harris, in appreciation of his very great assistance in ihe ii,all-building scheme. Mr Harris had, though not a member of Ihe committee, given his experience as a builder, and was a prime mover in Ihe scheme right through, giving both money and labour, while his enthusiasm was an encouragement In others. Scarcely had Hint function been eoneluded when Mr West stepped forward and asked Mr Fear to accept, from the committee a gold-mounted fountain pen in recognition of the grand work he had done. Mr West said the recipient had been tho moving spirit in tho enterprise, lie thoughtout ideas for the hall erection scheme, lie organised labour, and generally boosted Hie project, just as he boosted the district. The building is largely a monument lo the hard work and enthusiasm put into the enterprise by Mr Fear and his fellow settlers. (Applause ). Mr Fear was taken completely by surprise and was at a loss for words to express his thanks. During the evening several interesting competitions were. hold. Mr Wells and Mrs Seccombc won a wailzing competition, with Mr and Mrs Pliort second: Mrs F. C. Wilson won a dressed doit, her estimate being 200; Mr S. if. West won an ircd cake, gues“irig Ihe correct weight, C*lbs; Mr Walker and Miss Wood won the spot waltz. An auction sale of 501 b of Hour yielded i 8 10s, purchaors putting up tiie flour for re-sale again and again.