NEW THORNTON HALL IS FINE MODERN BUILDING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 95, 3 June 1949, Page 5

NEW THORNTON HALL IS FINE MODERN BUILDING

Just after World War I when settlers were beginning to farm the Rangitaiki Plains, a group which had established themselves at Thornton, got together and decided to build a hall - where they could hold dances and other functions and have some place to gather. In 1923 the new hall was completed and now, 26 years later, that same hall is one of the most popular and up-to-date halls in the whole district. Completely renovated and equipped with the new fluorescent lighting, the Thornton Hall stands today as a fine monument of the work put into it by the Thornton people. Built entirely by volunteer labour the hall has since been added to and improved during its existence. Controlled by a committee of Thornton people it is hired at charges, not for profit but as an income to maintain it. Four years ago more additions were planned, and then it was decided to go into the whole matter properly, and a rather ambitious scheme was launched to have the hall lined and painted and the new lighting installed. To pay, of course, money was needed, so the people of the district got together and formed two committees, the women in one and the men in the other. The “Eves” an* “Adams”. The committees started a competition to raise money and so far their efforts have been outstandingly successful. The competition is not yet over, but it is rumoured that the Eves have a slight lead, although the Adams deny it. Since it was established the hall, like others in most country districts, has become the centre of Thornton social life. It is popular for dances, sports meetings and twenty-first birthday parties. It has had its fair share of weddings and it 'has welcomed many people to the district and farewelled a large number, including the local boys who went off to the last war.

The hall has virtually watched the growth of Thornton since 1923, and today it is a valuable asset to the district. Modern, and lacking few amenities, it is a building of which the people of Thornton can be justly proud.