NGATEA’S ENLARGED HALL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4389, 13 March 1922, Page 2

NGATEA’S ENLARGED HALL

♦ X THE OFFICIAL OPENING. BRIGHT CONCERT PROGRAMME. An event of considerable Importance to Ngatea, and one which marks another stage in the growth of the district, was the official opening of ( tlie recently enlarged hall. The function, which took place on Friday night, was in the form of, a concert, , followed by a dance.' The success of the concert was contributed tp largely by three of the leading Auckland artists, aided by an accompanist! who hailed from New Plymouth. The local talent also aquitted themselves rather well, and altogether a fine proi gramme was presented to a packed hall, which contained people representative of most parts of the; Hauraki Plains and also Paeroa and Thames. Ngatea may well feel prpud of its enlarged hall, which is both commodious and smart in appearance. Its former length was 51ft. It is now 99ft pvei'-all, including au Bft porch and operating box at the front. With a stage 25ft, by 12ft and two dressing rooms, a space of 79ft by 25ft is allowed fbr dancing or seating accommodation. The hall is. of a 12ft stud, and is partially lined. It is intended later on, as funds. permit, 4o coiun plete the lining. Mr W_ J. Clare, the contractor for the enlargement, states that it would be a simple matter, to widen the hall when necessary, and it is understood that that is also one of the intentions of the committee. THE OPENING. The interior of the building was lavishly decorated with greenery, relieved with an occasional red or yellow paper flower. The stage presented a particularly pleasing appearance with its daintily built woodwork and abundance of greenery and freshly-cut. flowers. The ladies,’ com-* mittee was well alive to the revenueproducing portion of the business, and also to the catering for the anticipated wants off the large attendance and a soft drink stall, in charge'of Mra Blakemore .and Miss E. occupied a corner of the hall. A couple of boys had also been deputed to purvey topthsome sweetmeats to all and sundry. In declaring the hall officially open Mr G. T. Davidson, chairman of the hall committee, after the singing gf the National Anthem, extended to the visitors a hearty welcome. Giving a brief outline of the history of the hall, he said that, about six years ago a few Ngatea settlers formed them-' selves into what might have then been called the Ngatea Hall trustees, who had Mr T. McClean as secretary. These people spent about £2OO, including labour, a large amount of the labour being supplied by the late Mr E. J. Phillips. The speaker then paid a tribute to the late Mr Phfllips, saying that that highly esteemed gentleman had guaranteed the labour to erect the hall for £3O. He (the late Mr Phillips), with his two brothers and another gentleman whom they employed, had undertaken the work, and practically the whole of the £3O was paid in-wages to the worker outside tihe family, the work of the Phillips Bros, being given almost free. (Applause.) The present committee, continued Mr, Davidson, had spent in all about £450, which in-i eluded 30 new seats and a tank, that cost, being £350.. The debt was at present £475. As tihe hall was a public one, it behoved all to help to pay for it. It was proposed later to hold a bazaar and other functions to reduce that debt, He urged all to take up the attitude the late Mr Phillips had taken up. The speaker made a few congratulatory remarks regarding the press, which had made Ngatea look like the size of Auckland. (Laughter.) The speaker reminded the public that a working bee was being arranged the next day, and urged all possible to attend to help with work at the hall. An apology for unavoidable absence from the opening function was received from Mr P. E. Brenan, Mayor of Paeroa, wlio sent, his best wishes for a successful evening. The following telegram was received from Mr I. B. Macken, the former secretary of the hall: committee: "Con-t granulations on completion of liall. Apologies for absence to-night; leave unprocurable. Kindest regards to committee and people of Ngatea.— Macken.”

AN EXCELLENT CONCERT. The local talent was at its best in the the audience’s appreciation being displayed in the prolonged applause following each item, which was invariably encored. Messrs W. Mellor and J. Smithson, two /ihgers of note from Auckland, rendered delightful vocal items. The latter gave a remarkable performance of singing 'soprano, bass, and tenor. Mrs George, of New Plymouth, performed well at the piano. The star turn of the evening and the most popular was undoubtedly exhibitions of juggling by Mr Norman Tate, New Zealand’s most famous juggler. His feats of skill were accompanied with a continual prattle and telling of jokes, which, with his wonderful exhibitions. won the hearts of all in the audience. When he was doing soma particular daring feat, for instance, his sword act, it was very interesting to survey tihe astounded faces of the - audience, with their staring eyes and wide open mouths. Altogether, counting the times he was recalled, Mr Tate was on the platform for threequarters of an hour.. Of the 33 items given during the course of the evening the following contributed : Mesdames Marchant and Clark (Ngatea), Misses E. Jones and R. Hillford (Ngatea), and Solberg (Thames), Messrs Rowntree ani Shultz (Ngatea. At the conclusion of the concert Mr Davidson thanked the artists, especially those who had cornea longdistance. Mr Smithson, replying, commented on the remarkably good talent which the district possessed. Its is pleasing to note that, the sum of £23 9s 3d was taken at the door during the evening. THE DANCE. The floor was well polisfied for the large number of dancers waiting for the dance, which commenced after the supper.