OTAKI'S MEMORIAL HALL

Chronicle (Levin), 31 October 1947, Page 2

OTAKI'S MEMORIAL HALL

LARGE SUM ALREADY RAISED As the resuit of the initial effort of uie Otaki War lvlemorial Committee, which has laboured splendidly for some time, the concert heid at Lhe Civic Thsatre on \Vednesday night was an • unquaiified success. The artists who ca'me chiefly from 2ZB were a talented party and drew a largo and enihusiastic audienee, despite the fact that a circus had appeared in Ihe town the previous night. The concert was under the able supervision of Mr. Maurice Hawken, 2ZB compere, who-.. is well-known throughout New Zealani. His humour kspt the large gathering in : happy mood. I The first item was a selection by 1 the Otaki Brass Band, and as this ; combmation has vastly improved in recent months, their effort was ;-fully appreciated, and credit must ibe given to Bandmaster D. Dinnison and his bandsmen, some of ■ them quite youthful. This item ; was followed by a bracket of choral , items by children of the Otaki State Sehool, and these proved that the ! pupiis had received careful tuition. i Mr. W. H. Townrow was the con- , ductor. A piano solo by Mr. Robert ; Henry, an artist frcm 2ZB, brought i this talented player rounds of ; applause. The vocal solo by Mr. iNoel McKay, another artist from 1 2ZB was also fully appreciated, his S soprano and baritone voice, and his ! whistling, delighting the audienee. i The acrobatic dance by Miss Valma ' Hunt, a New Zealand champion, fairly brought down the house. Mrs. Fiebig, at one time a resident of this distriet, d'elighted with her solos, her pleasing voice drawing hearty plaudits. Miss Dunn, a i vioiinist of note, also delighted, I while the yodelling of Mr. Jack Christie, another 2ZB artist was I warrnly appiauded.. The zylophone duo by Messrs. Marino Vella and John Tait, also of Wellington, was pleasingly rendered. Prior to the : interval the Raukawa Maoris gave a pci dance. and seldom, if ever, have they been seen to better : advantage. J The second part of the proi gramme was contributed by the same artists and all numbers delighted. It is doubtful if a better programme has ever been placed . before an Otaki audienee. j At the interval Mr. Hawken, in happy vein, referred to the object of the concert, while the Mayor, Mr. C. F. Axmore. as chairman of the committee, explained the object-'Of the function. He asked for support for the inaugural effort, and at the same time extended thanks for : what had alreadv been done. He also expressed thanks to the Weli lington and other artists. Mr. Atmore, continuing, said it was proposed to erect a suitable 1 hall to commemorate in fitting manner the noble sacriflce made by the young men and wonifcii of the town during the war. Th5 Govemment had offered a £ for £ is.ubsidy on moneys raised by direct 'conti :butions. Plans would be subi mitted to the Borough Council, i which in turn would submit them to the International Affairs Depart- : menc. Already timber had been , secured for a buiiding, but it would : dcpcnd on the amount of the conI tribii'ions as to the slze of the hall. ; Amidst applause, Mr. Atmore j^dvi.sed that he and Dr. Atmore l.v/erc willing to open the list with the sum of £50, while Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Edhouse and Mr. and Mrs. W. McBeth had offered a similar sum and Mnssrs. W. and K. Taylor had donaccd £100. Others had also cffercd substantial amounts, said Mr. Atmore, while sports bod•'ics had responded to the appeal, and some would even make t'ui ther donations. As the resuit of Ihe appeal well over £700 had so far been raised. Mr. Atmore extended his thanks to all who had in any way helpcd towards the function.

while to members of his commitiee he was also grateful for their I'.elp. Bcuquets were prcsented to the visitii g- artists, and "For They Are Joiiy Good Fellows" rendered. The "ve.ifng concluded with cheers and the singing of the National Anthem.