RUATAPU NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1927, Page 1

RUATAPU NOTES

(From A Correspondent.)

Ruatapu was on fete on the night of the 22nd. when a very large gathering took place at- the Albert Hall to celebrate the local Cricket Club’s First Annual Ball. The whole district was well represented from Arahura to Waitalia. The hall, which was nicely decorated. the .blight colours of beautiful dresses and the lovely music supplied

hy Aliss B. Evans’ Jazz Band of four instruments all lent- to make the gathering one of the most pleasant as well as the largest ever yet held at Ruatapu. At about 8 o’clock the first car arrived from Ross bringing Aliss Evans’ orchestra. This was quickly; followed hy cars from Waitaha, Ross. Rimu, Kanieri. Hokitika and Arahura. The little township of one street presented 'a very animated scene, with the lights from motor cars the hum of engines and footing of horns, coupled with the movements of local residents. It would be hard for a stranger to lielieve that Ruatapu was only a very small village depending for support on one sawmill. Dancing commenced about 8.30. The floor which is one of

the best for dancing on the Coast was in charge of Afr W. Bernhard, who carried out his duties in his usual efficient style, giving pleasure to all and offence to none. During the evening Air G. Trippner (Vice President of the Club) vo a brief outline of the activities of the Club since its inception, remarking that it was late in the season before the Club was formed, only playing seven games in which they won 3, lost 3 and drew one. -This was a very creditable performance indeed. The Club which started off scratch now had all the gear they require in good order and condition, and with a membership of thirty they should go far to make a name for themselves in local criekot and he wished them every success in the future. He then called on Air S. Whitehead to accept a hat donated by Air W. Newman of Hokitika for the best batting average during the last season. Also Afr E. Dundas to accept a similar trophy presented by Mr It. Dcvanoy, of Hokitika ns runner up. The speaker in a few well chosen words wished the recipients every success and hoped they "'ould always carry their bat in tbc future. After a sumptuous supper was banded around Air AV. Bernhard on behalf of the 'Club, thanked all those present lor their kind attendance, also the other Clubs who were all well represented and he- assured them that the Ruatapu Cricket Club would always do their liest to help other Clubs and cricket in general. Dancing was then carried on till the wee small hours cf Saturday morning, when one and all left -well satisfied with their night’s entertainment in which each and every one present did their hit to make the occasion one that will live long in the memory of the residents of Ruatapu. Among the many ladies present were —Alesdames Olson, black velvet; Baigent, rose satin with radium lace cape; Maussmanii, lemon satin; Stevens, black satin; Shadbolt, black erejie de chine; Henderson, saxe blue “repp AI issos AI. Campbell, pearl crepe de I chenc; Nelson, black velvet; Vincent, flame georgette; Shadbolt, jade green velvet; Stevens, pearl crepe do clinc; Vincent, pearl blue georgette ; cropper.

sky-blue erepe do eliene; Manor a, mauve, satin; Halm, plate green satin; McMullin, black velvet; Parke, obi rose satin; Martin, black satin; Jolley flue velvet; Knowles apricot satin; Donkin, plum georgette; Whitehead, apricot satin; Wilson, shot taffeta: •lolly, heliotrope silk geld hue; Campbeill. old rose erepe: Russell, .green crepe do eliene.

Mr W. Clarke, carpenter of Ross, has returned to that town after being engaged here for the past 18 months. He is a good sport and always ready to give assistance financially anu otherwise to any deserving object. He will be sadly missed from these parts. Our new school teacher, Miss X'eilson, has taken up her duties hero, the children speaking in glowing terms of her. I am sure one and all will join together in making her stay here as pleasant as possible. The proposed new road from lluatapu to the Lake lias already been surveyed. and all is ready .for an early start, which is believed to be made any time now. There is no improvement in the timber industry here yet. the mill working five days a week only.