THE CALEDONIAN HALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 39, 13 April 1942, Page 5

THE CALEDONIAN HALL

FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY PACKED CONCERT AND DANCE "I apologise for the absence of the Mayor," sadi Mr S. S. Shapley, Deputy Mayor, when addressing the large crowd in the Caledonian Hall last Friday evening, "and I can only say thait I appreciate the honour of having been invited to act in his stead. The Caledonian Society is an organisation of which we are all proud. It has helped' in a social and civic manner towards the progress of the town. The Pipe Band has been particularly active, turning out on all occasions and assisting towards the succesfs of public gatherings. Now that the Society has a hall of its own we wish it even greater success, and' congratulate it on the manner in which it has effected the additions and improvements. We hope it becomes one of the best local halls in the Bay. I now declare the hall open and wish the 1 Society continued progress and social advancement." The applause which greeted this speech was indicative of the general .spirit of enjoyment which was never absent during the concert and dance programme which marked the occasion the opening of the com-] pleted building. The Society's Chief (J. W. Simons Esq.) thanked all present i'or their attendance and briefly outlined the work of the Society since purchasing the building. He mentioned the loyal efforts of members of the Socicty and the executive, especially the unremitting interest of the treasurer (Mrs M. Craig), the Pipe Major (Mr Doug Paterson) and the caretaker (Mr J. King). Their united work has resulted in the ne,w structure being completed at a most difficult time, when materials were almost unprocurable. Those who had been unable to assist by labour, could possibly do so in another direction for the Society still had much to accomplish before its full improvement programme was achieved. He thanked also the ladies who had cleaned and scrubbed the hall interior. The New Wing For the first time last Friday evening the new additional wing of the hall was utilised. This comprises a neatly equipped kitchen, with benches, tables, sinks and Avater heater. A ladies dressing room provided a much needed facility, while a 'club' or meeting room tastefully furnished was utilised by the official party as the Society's guests. From all appearances the old King Street Hall has been given a new lease of life and when the painting is completed should become one of the districts most popular meeting places. Concert and l Dance The Society's concert and dancc organised and promoted by Mrs M. Craig, was a great success and opened with a band assembly and selection. Items by the Society's lassies who danced a neat fling proved popular. Mrs Larmer's heartfully rendered violin solo won just applause, Avhiic Mrs E. Armstrong's clever elocutionary sketch "The Caretaker" Avas one of the eA'cning's hits. Miss Isobel Martin one of the Society's most promising young dancers skipped gracefully through the steps of a neat noA'elty tap Avliilc Miss Kath Walton gave a spirited interpretation of the Irish Jig. The surprise of the evening camc from tho Poroporo Native School Choir aa'lio l delighted the audience with their splendid harmony in such favourites as "Ye Banks and Braes" and "There's nac. luck aboot the Hoose." These young singers Avho had cultivated a 'genuine' accent for the occasion fairly bro-ught down the house. Both they and their headmaster, Mr W. A. B. Goodwin, are to be congratulated. Dr Fletcher-Cole's fine rendition of the "Drums of Life" also had .vide appeal as did Mrs Burke's pleasing work in the vocal solo "My ain wee Hoose." The Misses HoAvat surprised the audience Avith a we 11 executed novel ty tap Avhile little Miss Phyllis RiA-ett presented a liA 7 ely Sailor's Hornpipe. The Avhole programme Avhich concluded Avith the "Haggis" ceremonial and address, Avas a credit to all I concerned. ; Another popular favourite was Mrs K. Armstrong whose fine voice was heard to good effect Avith piano and A'iolin accompaniment. (Continued in next column).

Supper was served by the ladies* committee assisted by the band and the Societ3 r lassies. The dance which followed Avas a bright mixture of Scottish and old time steps which were enthusiastically received. Music was provided by M.rs; K. Armstrong with Mr Doug Patersort on the drums. Chief Simons made an efficient M.C.