GAY SOCIAL FUNCTION

Chronicle (Levin), 11 April 1949, Page 2

GAY SOCIAL FUNCTION

Civic Ball Marks Opening Of Modern Factory

In, gay carnival mood, hundreds attended the Civic Ball sponsored by Otaki Textiles, Ltd., in ai'd of the Otaki War Memorial Funid, and held on Friday night to mark the opening by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, of the large modern factory recently completed to the order of this very progressive firm. It was readily apparent that a huge amount of preparation had been necessary to make the occasion a memorable one, and the outcome was a blaze of colour such as has sel'dom before heen presented. Coloured fluorescent lighting, a myriad collection of coloured iight bulbs, streamers, fcalloons ,and bunting all played their part in the dazz'ing hues reflected in the frocks of the ladies, making a very pretty scene. Soft weeping greenery trained along numerous arches and benches, in nooks and retreats, gave the whole a delightful- garden effect, one that was much admired and favourably commented on. Congratulations were many and were well deserved by all who played a part iri the unique decorative effect. A. number of hostesses welcomed visitors, while an eight-piece dance orchestra satisfied the requirements of the most fastidious. Mr. Maurice Hawken, of 2ZB carried out the duties of master of ceremonies, and the huge task of catering for those present was taker oare of by Mrs. Royal and her willing rfblpers. The success of the function can he guaged from the fact that when Auld Lang Syne was sung in the early hours oi Saturday morning, the concourse was reluctant to break up. Visitors Welcomed.

Mr. C. F. Atmore, Mayor of Otaki, welcomed distinguished visitors in the Prime Minister, Sir Apirana Ngata, Mr. J. J. Maher, member for the district, Mr. L. J. Crawford, representing the directorate of Otaki Textiles, Ltd., and extended a special welcome to Mrs. Kemp, daughter-in-law of Mr. Fraser. He expressed pleasure at the presence of these visitors and thanked the Prime Minister. for finding the time to spare to attend prior to his early departure overseas to attend a conference of the utmost importance. He trusted the Conference would bring the desired results and assured Mr. Fraser that Otaki was confident he would represent New Zealand in his usual very able manner. Mr. Atmore offered his congratulations to Otaki Textiles, Ltd., on' their achievement in presenting such a modern building after but four vears trading in Otaki.

.. Sir Apirana - Ngata offered his congratulations to the management fdr the very fine building which had heen erected, and also on the fact that they were manufacturing garments and apparel that all wanted. He hoped for the future of Otaki that the .factory had come to stay and that it would stand against any adversity that it might be called on to face. He added that he was very pleased to learn from the manager, Mr. K. Hager, that his Maori fo-k were.working as well as the pakeha employees, and appealed for th'em to be given time to learn. It was nice to know that they were wanted. He concluded by wishing the Prime Minister luck in his visit to "the conference to help all races to work and live together." Mr. Maher thanked the man-j agement for the invitation to be present an'd offered his congratulations to them on the great job they were doing. He commended the decentralization of industry and stated that he felt that "only good can come of establishing this factory where the climate and other factors are so helpful." Mr. Crawford apologised for the absen.ce of his chairman of directors, Mr. G. S. Amos, who is overseas. He read a cablegram received that day in which Mr. Amos extended greetings to all, and thanked the Prime Minister for artending. The eable also offered congratulations to the War Memorial committee on the success of its recent carnival, with special mention of the part played by the Maori representatives. Continumg, Mr. Crawford referred to the formation of Otaki Textiles four years ago, when the present manager, Mr. Hager, commenced operations with a staff of ten. "Today he has 65 girls employed, and the confidence these girls have placed in us has enabled us to build this

factory." He added that it gave the management pleasure in making the fun-ds from the function available for the War Memorial effort, aird hoped all would have "a great night." . • Prior to the Prime Minister rising to speak, Miss Margaret Mills made a presentation to him on behalf of the employees of the factory. Mr. Atmore called for three cheers for Mr. Fraser, and he I was accorded musical honours also. Mr. Fraser's Congratulations. Mr. Fraser thanked all for the good wishes, extended on the occasion of his visit to the forthcoming conference, and thanked the factory emp.oyees for the gift of a beautiful replica of the building. He congratulated the company on the success of the splendid movement and considered that local young people were very fortunate in having the opportunity presente'd where they coufd obtain . employment in their home town. Mr. Fraser continued by stating that he was pleased to see Otaki was ^holding its own," and expressed the wxsh that more such I buildings would follow. He commended the management in offering the proceeds of the function to the War Memorial, the object of which .was "a wonderful thing, and one which will also make a great contribution to the communal life of the district." Mr. Fraser concluded by expressing the wish that every ' good would come out of ' the very fine effort, and stated that it gave him ! great pleasure in declaring the I building open. The flve queen candidates who took part in the recent carnival were then presented to Mr. Fraser, and he offered his congratulations to them for their help in the magniflcent . carnival effort. 'The official gathering then dispersed and Mr. Fraser met the employees of the factory. Mr. K. Hager, who was responsible for the organising of the very successful function, and his willing committee, deserve high praise for the outcome of their efforts.