THE GALA NIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1931, Page 4

THE GALA NIGHT

A SUCOKBSFU L» EVENT. The gala night in aid of the Earthquake Fund, fixed for Wednesday evening, and postponed owing to weather conditions that night, was held last night under ideal circumstances, and passed of very successfully. The night was a genial one, cool but not cold, accounted tor by the absence of windThere was a large gathering of the public- who began to assemble from six o’clock onwards, though the programme w..s timed to start at seven o’clock. Oomnunria blc puncouality was observed. and from the appointed time -even to nine o'clock, there wen* two full hours of entertainment, with u 4 a dull moment. The proceedings opened with twor cycle races for which there were good fields. These were under conduct of the officials of the local club who wera at their posts, and the results appear below. The Municipal Band attended in force under Conductor Ross, and played several selections during the evening. Within a roped off enclosure the Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster Sutherland gave a display of various feats. Then followed the Girl Guides under Miss M. Thompson who gave a: nleasing exhibition of country dancing. The Ladies Athletic Club in charge of Miss Doily iMcWhirter gave a capital display of calisthenics and were roundly applauded.

The Scouts work consisted of an exhibition of respiratory drill, and life saving; also a stretcher race and a fireman’s rescue event. A demonstra* tion of Scout liaka was also given in’ a very spirited manner. The- lads were all under good control and made quite a good showing.

The young ladies who took part in the several numbers produced by the Guides and Athletic Club ali did well. Various dub swinging feats were performed by both the seniors and juniors; also exercises for both sections. The formation of groups of pyramids was also excellently done, all the work being smartly executed. The whole was a fine demonstration of clean, active work which has a good physicial effect on the exponents, all of whom were smart and alert in every movement. It was excellent team work, and might uidl lie maintained for the benefit of the rising generation. A feature dance by a trio of voting ladies in c-ostume, with Miss G Jacobs at the piano, was a noteworthy item of the evening. The time and rytlim of the steps were excellent. One of the most interesting features of the display was the laying of the copper trail. This was under the direction of Air Menzies, assisted by Miss Boyd and Mr Bruce. The trail extended right across the Square and part cif the return way. Over 5000 pennies were laid, the Schools, including some of the iloflr fcoliilti’V cousins, taking a great interest in the event, which proved to he quite an unusual and attractive item of the q veil mg's work.

"When night fell on the scene, the pavilion and grounds were the displays were in progress, were lit brilliantly by electric light, kindly installed free of charge by the Kanieri Electric Ltd. Round the pavilion was a festoon of coloured lights which lit the interior, the stand being filled with public. Below a flood light lit tne platform and enclosure where the Band was installed and the Guides and Scon as performed. It was quite a capital arrangement and a good view was obtainable of the whole proceedings. Before the close of the programme, the audience was thanked for the liberal patronage and all who assisted were specially thanked for their ready help. It was announced the “gate”

.'taken by the ladies of the Hockey Club) realised £22 4s and the copper trial over £2O Coming events in regard to Paddy’s Market on Saturday and th rt community sing on Thursday night were commended to the kind patronage of the public.

CYCLING EVENTS. These events went off very well and Pfahlert created a surprise by winning hoth events after well timed sprints, in both cases, heating the second man by about half a wheel. The results were:— 2 mile:—C. Pfahlert 1; J. Havill 2; •\. Martin 3. k mile:—C. Pfahlert 1; E. Cook 2; R.'Little 3.