THE WOODSTOCK HALL

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1925, Page 1

THE WOODSTOCK HALL

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING

The line new hall at Woodstock, now in spic and span condition, was opened last night in the presence oi a very large assemblage—one of the largest seen in the district tor many a vear. The opening entertainment was a social evening, and in addition to those- of the district rolling up in force, a great number came from far and near to join in the celebration. Over forty motor cars and buses arrived at Woodstock during the. evening, the ultimate result being that the commodious hall was thronged practically to overflowing. The building is now completed. and the interior decoration is verv pleasing to the eye. The ladies had supplemented the artist’s efforts with blue and gold paper decorations, the color scheme being in pleasing harmony and very ofiectivo. Ihe scene with the crowded throng, brightly lit, was a very gay one, and the music supplied, led to the scene being a very animated one all through the night. THE OPEN INC CEREMONY.

At 8.*15 o’clock, Mr R. C. Wells, secretary to the Hall Committee, ascended the stage, and stated it was proposed to open the proceedings with the singing of the National Anthem. This was rendered with spirit, and Mr F. A. A Yells was introduced to address the assemblage. .Mr AA’ells stated as one of the committee, he had much pleasure in welcoming the gathering to the new hall, of which they were all so justly proud. He was glad to see the building so well filled, for it showed an appreciation of the efforts of the promoters. Tn erecting so commodious a building it showed the community were not asleep. Emin the first suggestion for the hall, the proposal was received enthusiastically. A sum of £l5O was promißed at tho first mcctingr ami the promoters were encouraged to go on. Now they had a very fine building, and although it cost upwards of £OOO, the debt on the building was less than £OOO atul with similar gatherings to that being held they would soon liquidate the liability. The hall had been well and faithfully built. For the building operations they rein'd on Mr Sam Knowles, and very faithful workmanship had been done. They had to thank Mr J. Menzies also for the decorative work, which was admired by all. and the committee feel the work should lie recognised. They would see also that the ladies had assisted with the decorations, and their help was greatly appreciated by the committee. The musicians that evening were giving their services free and if was a very acceptable contribution from every point of view. The public had to lie thanked also for much co-operative help. Several donations had been made, and the gifts were greatly prized. With an energetic committee working steadily, the hall soon would lie free of dehl. and would be essentially the peoples’ hall. Mr Wellconcluded by thanking those present for their a I temlalice, and wishing them all a very pleasant time.

Mr AT. Keenan. Chairman of the Hall Committee, -aid he had much pleasure in endorsing the remarks of Afr Wells who had covered the necessary ground so well. He felt they were greatly indebted to Mr ATenzics for the decorative work. Tn conclusion he said his task that evening was a light one and he had very milch pleasure in declaring the hall opened, and hoped it would long he uf service to the community as a public place of assembly. Air D. J. Evans, who was invited to speak, congratulated the people of Woodstock on the fine hall they pos-

se I. It was a credit in every way. and lie hoped it would be put to good e-o and supply a useful purpose for the good of the community. If ho might make a suggestion in regard to the hall, it was that the committee. should install a good wireless receiving plant, and liv that means the people would derive useful and liloasiiiealile instruction from tho varied programmes broadcasted from the great centres. Such a plant would enable Wonsfeck lo keep moving with the times, and he commended the suggestion in the consideration of Hie committee. Afr Evans closed by congratulatin : tho ladies on the completeness of tl'i'ir arrangements for the evening’s entertainment, and wished them nil a pleasant evening with many pleasant evenings in their fine hall to follow. THE SOOT A 1,.

T!k> dancing programme ms thou prof ceded with. The son tin" accommodation round the hall was now- in. adequate for the assemblage. find tho stage «';k need, ivhi 1 o many crowded at t lie* doors, and -ultimately (ho main floors had to lie thrown open. Exoollont music was supplied hy the looal oi-ehestra. ronsistiii" of Messrs Munson (piano), Seddon (violin). Knowles (cornetl. A Veils (kettle drum'). Theynish (miscellany). Splendid aid was rendered also hy Messrs Lawn (piano). Gibbons (flute) and Crouch (zither). Altogether the musie was "really to tho deli "lit of those on the floor, which likewise was in exeellent trim for the oee-nsion. The Indies served supper at 11.3 ft. AVi th so ere at a throng it was somethin" of a task, hut with many helpers and good organisation the service was excellent:. The servery in the annexe was most convenient for those in charge of the refreshments, and the whole arrangements passed off most pleasantly. Dancing was kept lip till far into tlie night, and the event was described ns one of the best in the annals of the district. The takings at the door for admissions amounted to over £SO. CTTTT.TVRTIN’S XTGHT. To-night there will lie a children’s evening in (he hall. Tt will he a iuvenile fnnev dress hall for which the parents have made great preparations, and there is eertin to he another successful function. Oars will run from town for the convenience of local natrons.