GARRISON HALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2334, 29 October 1908, Page 6

GARRISON HALL.

OPENING CEREMONY.

A BRILLIANT FUNCTION

The new Garrison Hall in Fitjsherbert Street was formally opened last evening by a grand military ball. The spacious floor was in excellent order for dancing. In the centre was a raised platform, appropriately decorated with Hags, where the City Band supplied the music. Tho Avails were decorated ivith bunting, and across the stage floated tho Union Jack. When dancing commenced the floor presented a brilliant appearance, as the. uniforms of the officers and men of the various.porps mingled with the crowd. Among the officers present were Colonel Porter, C. 8., Lt.-Col. Winter, Major McCredie, Captains Colebourne, Tombleson, Beere, and Warren. Surgeon-Captains Schumacher and Scott, Lieuts. C Hellier Evans, Mitchell, Hamilton, Coleman, and Somervell. A number of veterans of tho Maori war also attended. The Mayor and Mrs. W. D. Lysnar and the Hon. James Carroll Avere also present, y The East Coast Mounted Rifles, the Gisborne Rifles, the Defence Cadets, and the Veterans paraded in front of the stage to take part in the opening ceremony, Avhich Avas performed by Col. Porter. THE SPEECHES. Addressing those present Col. Porter said he was proud to be asked to open tho uoav Garrison Hall, for the ouilding Avas a credit to tho volunteer corps and tho people of Gisborne. In the early days, when tho town of Gisborne did not exist, no one could have foreseen the changes that AA'ero to take place or foretell that such a handsome building would one day be erected. Col. Porter then referred to the first volunteering that took place in tho district at tho time of the Maori war, Avhen OA'ery man avus called upon to bear arms. Tlie Mayor said ho was pleased to be 'able to congratulate tlie Garrison Hall Executive Committee, and especially Captain Beere, upon tho fine building. He' felt that tlio volunteers of tho district 'had undertaken » wotk, in erecting tlio lrall, that should have been done by the municipality. Referring to tlie question of compulsory military service, His Worship said ho thought some system of compulsory service should be adopted. He did not mean by compulsory service a service of conscription, but a system A\-liich Avould make it imperative upon all young men to undergo some military training so as to be able to be of use in time of danger. Mr. John ToAvnley, who was received with applause, said lie would not make a speech, as lie could see all present were ready to commence dancing, but would content himself with congratulating the volunteers upon the completion of the new hall. He hoped that soon there Avould be enough men in uniform in the district to fill it.

The Hon. James Carroll said he joined with the other speakers in expressing his pleasure at seeing the hall completed. Regarding the question of compulsory military service, ho could say the Dominion as an integral part of the Empire felt its great responsibility to do all that could bo done to safeguard the peace and safety of tho nation. New Zealand was contributing to the Australasian naval agreement with Great Britain, and good work had been done by tho Government in fostering volunteering. Still some scheme of defence that would put New Zealand on a higher military plane was necessary. The word compulsion Avas not popular, and did not appeal to tho British mind. Personally he did not like tlie idea of a compulsory military service for the people of Noav Zealand, but thought it would bo bettor to giro more encouragement to men to train themselves to be useful in time of danger. Tlio brilliant gathering suggested to his mind the hope and the confidence that when need arose there Avould be many men ready for service. When that time came Gisborne Avould not be found wanting. Colonel Porter then declared the hall open, and in doing so complimented the architect (Mr. F. J. WTilson) and the contractor (Mr. Tucknell) on the excellence of their Avork. Dancing was then commenced, and when the ball opened there were quite 500 couples on the floor. The committee, consisting of the Hon. Captain Tucker, Surgeon-Captains Schumacher and Scott, • Lieuts. Mitchell, Coleman, and Somervell, the Mayor’ Messrs A. F. Kennedy, J. Townley, L. Redward, G. E. Darton, and H. White, deserve great credit for tho success of tlie gathering The hon. secretaries, Lieuts. O. Ilellier Evans and C. J. Hamilton, and the men cf the various A-olunteer corps looked as Siiduously after the cbmfort of all present.

To-night a children’« ball will be held m the hall at 7.30. Adults Avill be allowed to dance after 10 o’clock.