New Hall At Opiki Opened

Chronicle (Levin), 15 September 1948, Page 3

New Hall At Opiki Opened

— On Thursday evening last, all roads led to the Opiki Hall, where a gran'd dance was held to celebrate ; this long - awaited . event. Four years ago the original struciture was burned down-, and: as this •building was also used.as 'a.Sbhool, the distriet was rendered helpless both for social purposes and educational purposes. A new school •was soon erected, but .the 'hall- ,was another question. However, Opiki is not easily daunted, and it ' was then that the chairman. of the hall committee, Mr. W- N. Williams, showed his sterling worth, backed by a very *'live wire" committee which left no stone unturned to accomplish what seemed then to be a hopeless and futile effort. But they didn't know their Mr. Williams. The official party seated on the stage consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Seddon (Mr. Seddon being chairman of 'the Wellington Education Board), Mr. G. R. Barnes (chairman Opiki School Committee) , and Mrs. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Deavoll, Mr. and Mrs. Claridge and Mr. and Mrs. Williams. The first speaker was Mr. B&rnes, the school committee chairman, who introduced Mr. Williams and made eulogistic reference to his untiring and ai'duous efforts. which had culminated in the opening of the hall after four long years. Mr. Williams suitably responded and received a well earned . ovation from a capacity house. Then came the official opening of the hall by the chairman of the Wellington Education Board, Mr. N. Seddon, who stated 'that while the Education Board felt they were under no moral obligation to rebuild, they did feel (as the .hall was at the time of the fire being used for, education&l purposes) that they should do something tangible and so offered a subsidy of pound for pound. He also expressed his pleasure and surprise at the workmanship which had been pub into the building, and offered his warmest congratulations to all who were responsible for this well finished structure. Mr. Seddon also stated that such a hall would be the envy of many city buildings used for the same purpose and wished the residents of the district every success in their actiyities In conclusion, Mr. Seddon remarked that as there were' so many young children present, a'll eager to participate in the evening's enjoyment; he had much pleasure in declaring the • Opiki. School closed on Friday the tenth inst. For these concluding remarkshe received deafening applause and was accorded musicaJl' honours. A professional orchestra was m attendance and dancing • • was resumed until 2 a.m., interspersed with two elocutionary items by; Master Roderick Horn Irecent winner at the Palmerston North competitions) . Extras were played bv Miss Nola Clifford (piano) and Messrs. Doug. Clifford _ and Noel Wisniski (piano accordions) , Mrs. McLeavey (piano), Miss Aileen Claridge (piano accordion), An Mr Jack Larkin (piano). An excellent supper was provided and Mr. G. R- Barnes acted as M.C. photographers were busy throughout the evening and both young and old will have souvenirs of this happy and memorahle occasion.