Shannon May Lose Druids' Hall

Chronicle (Levin), 14 July 1949, Page 3

Shannon May Lose Druids' Hall

If it is true 'that coming events ■ cast their shadow befcre them, there is every possibility that Shan-. non will soon be losing the Druids' Hall as a recreation centre. Rumour. has it that its walls may resound with the echo of the turning wheels: of machinery instead of the music and happy voices of old and young alike enjoying a parly, a dance or engaged in one-of the indoor sports which have been played within its walls. It is unofficiary stated that the Shannon Miniature Rifle Club will be ceasing activities within the next two to three weeks. The Shannon Badminton Club officials have so far only treated the rumour as such, and no definite plans are made for the future activhy of the club should the hall.become unavailable for the sport. The combined Foxton and Shannon Sehool's music festival will not be held this year at Shannon for the reason that the Druids' Hall will not be available. The f orthcoming R.S.A. carnival may be the last public function to be held in the hall. It is a wellknown fact that running a public hall is not a paying proposition on a strictly business basis. A recreation or community centre should be the responsibility of those who use it and not the worry of an individual business person. It is, therefore, hoped that the peop^ of Shannon and surrounding districts will rally round the

Shannon and Dis'cricts War Memorial Hall Committee in an effor.t to make the.proposed community centre a fact. In order to help swell the funds already accumu]ated for the purpose of erecting a community centre as a memorial to those who gave their lives in World War II, the Shannon branch of the Returned Services' Associatiori will be holding a monster carnival during the latter stages of this month. The whole of the proceeds cohected will be handed over to the War Memorial Hall Committee. The carnival will open officially

on Thursday, July 21, when a variety show, known as the "Shannon Serviceman's Showdown" wi'l be presented in the Druids' Hall. This is to be something never before seen in Shannon and will depict "Digger" and "Kiwi" humour at its best. Ballet numbers, sketches and glee singers will make this function one which will long be remembered by the capaeity house . which will see it. The otlier main attraction of this week of fun will be the R.S.A. Gfand Ball, to be held in the Druids' Hall on Tuesday, Ju'y 26. The highlight of this function will be the presenting of from ten to twelve debutantes to Mr. Bert Jacobs, O.B.E. (past-president of the N.Z. R.S.A.) , and Mrs. Jacobs. This will be something really out-of-the-ordinary for Shannon. Many other features will make this ball one to be remembered. Following a giganac obstacle race held along Plimmer Terrace on the night of Saturday, July 23, there will be an evening of fun in the hall. The Levin Municipal Band will be in attendance. The R.S.A. appeals to the public to support this week of fun, not only to help such a worthy cause as a memorial to our fallen war heroes, but to erect a hall in Shannon that all will be proud to say they have contributed towards. — Advt.