MATAWHERO PUBLIC HALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2597, 3 September 1909, Page 4

MATAWHERO PUBLIC HALL.

OPENING SOCIAL.

Xu spite of the inclement weather, r She opening ceremony of the new Public Hall at Matawhero last night •was a decided success. The fine brick building was prettily decorated with bunting and, with almost all the available seating capacity taken up, presen-, ted a very effective appearance. It was well lighted with a large Lux lamp, and numerous hanging lamps. Mr. B. Stteggall and a committee have been working bard to make the opening proceedings a success, and their labors resulted in a social of'the most enjoyable description. A varied programme was given, interspersed with several short addresses. The Hon. Captain. Tucker, M.L.C., presided, and said that he was pleased to see so many persons present in such a fine hall, and he trusted they would all enjoy themselves. The hall, he said, would be used for various purposes. When used for pleasure he Hrusted they would have a very pleasing time, when used for business he was sure they would all do their business in an honest way, and when at other times it was used, for political purposes he hoped the right man would always be returned. He understood they were indebted to Mr. J. C. Parker for the site for the building—(applause)—and he would ask ‘them to- give three ringing cheers for that gentleman, as he had. no doubt they all felt grateful to the gentleman who had the public interest so much at heart as to donatte such a site. (Applause.) In conclusion, he wished every success, every happiness, and every prosperity to all who used the hall. His Worship the Mayor of Gisborne (Mr. W. D. Lvsnai ) was to be the nextt speaker, but as he had unfortunately been prevented from attending, his place was taken by Mr. J. W. Brighlt, who said that he was not a stranger to Matawhero and Makaraka, as he came to live there 22 years ago. Throughoulb that time they had seen the district grow, and in regard to the erection of the public hall, he thought ithat Matawhero and Makaraka had risen to the occasion l , and for nianv years would be able to carry on all their meetings iii the hall. If they melt together oftener they would derive a great amounlt of satisfaction, but they could not -meet without a hall, and as they now had one, he hoped they would put it to vthe use it was intended for, and he was satisfied the marriage rate would largely increase as the resultt. (Laughter and applause.) He concluded bv congratulating the residents of the district on their very handsome hall. Mr. R. M. Birrell, the next speaker, also congratulated Hie residents on possessing so fine a hall. - On behalf of the committtee, lie related the commencement of the movement, which, he said, was started about 18 months ago by the generous donation by “the grand old mail,” Air. J. C. Parker, and the assistance of the public, the result being the present nail, upon which there was ditill a debt, but on that account they had no cause to worry. It was not, lie said, ciultomary to mention names, but be would thank Mr. G. C. Parker, who had done a great deal towards itho movement, also the contractor (Mr. AlcDuff), and Mr. J. ColLey, who had supervised the construction on many occasions. The Hon. Captain Tucker here intimated that it was necessary for him to leave, and after he had been accorded a hearty vote of thanks, the chair was taken by Air. Bright. The Rev. Father Deighton said lie felt they had conferred an honor on him in asking him to speak, and congratulated the people of Matawhero upon the hall they had erected, which .would be a lasting memorial. They owed a debt of gratitude to the committee, and he felt sure they would do all they could to release the committee from the debt on the hall. During the evening the following programme was given:—Overture, Vita Bros; song, “Ited Wing,” Aliss L. Power; song, Mr. H. J. Grieve; humorous singing and talking, Mr. Hoff; song,- Aliss Cussen; song, “Thorn,” Air. Afanning; song, Mr. B. Parker; whistling solo, Air. W. L. Clayton; Highland fling. Master Greig; song, Miss Power ; comic song, “Conversazione,” Air. Al. Doyle; bong, “In thie shadow of the Pines,” Mrs. AlclCay; recitation, Air. Bright;* 'duet, “Life’s Dream is! O’er,’’ Misses Cussen and Power; song, ‘‘Simon, the 'Cellarer,” Air Birrell. The aoeompami-; •ments were, played by Alisses. Cussen and Ormond. A hearty vote of thanks was proposed by Air. Bright, on behalf of the committee, to those who took part in the entertainment special mention being made of Airs. Barry, who had assisted in organising the programme.; A vote of thanks was passe i to Mr. Bright for presiding, and the singing of the National Anthem brought tlie progrannum© to a -close. The gathering was concluded with a fiance.