BASKETBALL DANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 10, 12 August 1946, Page 8

BASKETBALL DANCE

SUCCESSFUL AWAKERI FUNCTION WELCOME HOME PRESENTATION Well patronised by Awakeri and surrounding districts, a large crowd attended the recent dance, held in the Awakeri Hall, which was sponsored by the local Basketball Club. Although inclement weather prevailed, evening frocks were well to the fore, and with showers of confetti “raining” at intervals the evening was well in tune with the elements. The hall had been tastefully decorated with large punga leaves and other greenery; the whole making a very attractive setting. The floor was in good condition for dancing and modern and oldtime dance music was supplied by the Rhythm Vendors Orchestra. During the evening, Mr Martin Matchitt obliged with a modern extra and Mr T. Bell played a popular and well applauded chain waltz. The duties of M.C. were very capably performed by Mr Frank Malaquin, who with a long list of novelty dances on hand and prizes to dispense, had ample scope for his ready wit and ability to entertain. A Novelty Monte Carlo and an Envelope Waltz early in the programme brought much merriment to the occasion, from both onlookers and dancers alike. A Referees Dance, by which a whistle, blown at intervals by the M.C., caused all partners to change, also proved a popular innovation.

The following is a list of prizewinners for the undermentioned dances: Statue Dance, Miss M. Maslin and Mr E. Gorman; Novelty Monte Carlo, Miss I. MacDonald and Mr J. Barr; Miniature Monte Carlo, Miss B. MacDonald and Mr J. Barr; Lucky Spot Waltz, Miss D. Honeycombe and Mr A. Fenton; Monte Carlo, Miss G. Wilson and Mr J. Morgan; Crazy Monte Carlo, Miss S. Tysson, and Mr E. Malaquin. After a tasty home-made supper had been served by the girls, assisted by the Young Farmers’ Club and lady helpers, Mr T. Bell, on behalf of the local Patriotic Committee, called on Private. Trevor Shaw, recently returned from four years’ service in Italy, Middle East and finally Japan, to accept an envelope containing a cheque, from residents and friends in the district. Mr Bell said that this was the only opportunity available to make this presentation, owing to Private Shaw’s brief stay at Awakeri and his early departure for the South Island and he extended this thanks to the Basketball Committee for making it possible. Private Shaw suitably responded to Mr Bell’s remarks, which had included some points of note, in his service with the Army. The hall then resounded loudly with the singing of musical honours followed by three cheers. Later in the evening, Miss B. Luttrell on behalf of the Awakeri Basketball . Club, thanked their many friends and helpers for the generous assistance that had been given in conducting the function.

A competition for a dinner, which was displayed in the hall, on a dinner waggon, was well responded to. The lucky ticket holder was found to be “Romeo” which caused much amusement, and for a time it seemed likely that “Romeo” would have to be,regarded as anonymous, until much later, it was discovered that “Romeo” could be located in the person of Mr Kellett, Whakatane.

The large and happy crowd remained, until at an appropriate hour the evening closed with the National Anthem.