HIKUTAIA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4498, 1 December 1922, Page 1

HIKUTAIA.

GRAND BAZAAR. (Own Correspondent.) The township of Hikutaia was a busy centre on Friday last, the occasion being the bazaar ; which was held to raise funds to complete the proper laying off, adornment and beautification Oif the Alley Memorial Park, and for which the ladies had been working whole-heartedly for weeks previously. The work of organisation was in the hands of a capable executive committee, consisting of Mesdames Alt. Alley, A. W. Alley, W. H. Alley, Colins, and Murdock, whose efforts were ably seconded by the entertainments committee, comprising Messrs A. WAlley (chairman), W. H. Alley, G. Avery, W. K. Morrison, 'A. R. and I. M. Robinson, M. C. Smith, and the joint secretaries, Messrs F. Maxwell and J. Elliot, all of whom worked assiduously in their desire to second the labours' pf the ladies, who had borne “the heat and burden” of many weeks so bravely and so well. Active work began on Thursday, when the necessary decorative Work, together with the erection and adornment, of the stalls, was completed. When finished, the usually sombre hall was transformed into a fairy bower. ’ Mr I. M. Robinson was in charge oi the decorations, and associated with him were Messrs W. 11. Alley, G. Avery, E. Elliot, C. Murdock, and M. C. Smith. The result of their labour was manifestly successful, the colour scheme, which looked so simple and proved so effective, being the Pro-

duct of much cogitation and artistic taste. The bowltag, tennis, and croquet clubs' colours, navy blue and silver grey, formed |the basis, and these- worked in with ferns, nikau, lycopodium, and bunting produced an effect that was as restful and comforting to the eye as it was artistic and harmoniously blended, the vivid red and blue of the bunting giving that touch of colour that helped “art to conceal art.” The encomiums showered upon Mr Robinson and his confreres were well deserved, and compensated them ,tp some extent for the trouble and thought expended. The erection of the various stalls was entrusted to Mr F. Maxwell, who was ably assisted by the chairman of the bazaar executive, Mr A. W. Alley, Messrs W. H. Alley, W. K. Morrison, and Samson, with the result that their completed labours in the shape of substantial and well built stalls gave every satisfaction to the stallholders and assistants, whose deft hands transformed the bare framework into dainty and elegant counters that heightened, even by Contrast, ths decorative effect of the whole. The modest, and unassuming chairman, Mr A. W. Alley, who was übiquitous during the two days, displayed remarkable forethought that Was evidenced (to cite a single example) by his provision of the collation of meats and hot potatoes that formed the substantial lunch of the stall-holders

and other workers —a surprise luncheon that was very heartily appreciated by the large number that participated. When filled with the objects of art, the dainty fancy work sp dear to ladies, the plain work articles of clothing so necessary in every household, the general effect, was charming. The Christmas tree, loaded with ephemeral toys whose destruction is an intense source Of pleasue ro the youngsters, was another admirable feature, while the meat stall, with its mutton, lamb, beef, pork, and poultry artistically arranged and admirably displayed, was an attraction that even “German” sausage could neither spoil nor detract from. The stage, used as a refreshment room, was “out on its own,” the beautiful flowers in their pretty vases and the spotless linen and table appointments attracting large numbers from noon till long after midnight. As has been said, the completed whole was as harmonious and effective as it was' simple—and yet artistic in the extreme. When the doors were opened at noon on Friday the large attendance from Hikutaia and from the district for miles around dissipated any pessimistic forecast pf failure, while the willingness of the early corners to part with their hard earned coin was a foretaste of business to come. The naivete and charm of the amateur saleswomen, stall-holders as well as their numerous assistants, were, of course, factors that substantially made for success, another being the pianoforte music so well played by various pianists almost continuously. Mr A. R. Robinson, chairman of the Ohinemuri County Council, called upon Mr H. Lowe, chairman pf the Thames County Council, to declare the bazaar open. In the course of, his remarks Mr Robinson stated that it was a great pleasure to all connected with the function to have Mr Lowe with them that day at the opening of what would provje ah' important function,*in that the bazaar, would furnish part of the wherewithal whereby a recreation ground would be opened free of debt that would contribute very materially to social and physical progress of the district. Mr Lowe, in a graceful and eloquent speech, said that any sacrifice made by him had its' compensation in the great amount of pleasure it gave him to come to Hikutaia again, and to see for. .himself the many signs of progress*’ and advancement that -he had heard of, and read about in the newspapers. He had visited the park that morning, and had seen with pleasure and gratification the splendid work that had been done, in a comparatively short time, in laying down in the Alley Memorial Park a splendid and full-sized bowling green, two tennis courts, whose appearance almost called aloud for immediate use, and a fine croquet lawn that gave promise of excellent times ahead. He J was delighted but pot surprised at i what, he had seen ; for he remembered J well the great work the ladies of [ Hikutaia had performed in wai: times, and he knew that with such ladies to bark up their efforts the men could not be laggards.

He congratulated Hikutaia on possessing public-spirited residents, who., noting what was required for the advancement and welfare 'of the district while they were alive, supplied the felt want during their life time, instead of postponing the disposition of the gift until .their demise made necessary the publication of testamentary bequests. The Alley Memorial Park was a gift of this kind, and he hoped that the donor of this valuable park, Mr W. H. Alley, would be long spared to participate in one or other of the games, and that,- when mc-liow old age followed, he would, though not a participant in any of the varied activities’, share the joy and pleasure of the younger generation for whom .his gift would provide clean and health-giving recreation. Mr Alley’s gift was an example of citizenship that others who Were as well, if not, better, off could follow with advantage to the’district and its residents generally. To such end the Memorial Park was a. decided incentive. The Hikutaia club started with the freehold of a very valuable area of land, and the members had to fa.ee bnly the upkeep ofi the ground laid down. This would be a small matter if. all settlers' and residents helped the movement and worked together in harmony.. To-day. continued Mr Lowe, Hikutaia looked really beautiful, the rich green pasture lands with their background of sombre hills possessing a splendid setting as they basked in the warmth of the gOlden sunlight. To enhance such natural beauty the residents could do a great deal, and if the residents did their part in the beautification of the district he could assure them that the County Council would do its share by giving all the help and assistance necessary. As he drove to the park that, day fhje idea of laying down experimentally a portion of bituminous road , from the bridge that formed the county boundary, through the township, had struck him with considerable* force, and he thought that could be done simultaneously with .the experimental tract proposed from Thames to Kppu. He assured his 1 auditors that, he would keep that matter in mind. He had also noticed the dangerous holes and Open ditches in the vicinity pf the hall. That state of matters should not obtain, and he would make it liis business to see that they were filled in at once—that was county work of immediate necessity. The .importance of - a beauitfying society, however, ought not to be lost sight of. The opening of; the bowling green would prove a tremendous social force in that it Would undoubtedly engender that, spirit pf fraternity so characteristic of bowlers and often so conspicuously absent off the green, in time it would permeate the community, make for healthy rivalry, toleration, and broadmindedness, and cast into the linibo of oblivion the spirit of narrowmindedness that too frequently characterised local, politics. On the playing fields’ men and women learned to know their neighbour better and to appreciate the good points which lack of acquaintance failed to note and Often succeeded in distorting. The Hikutaia players could count on every assistance from Thames. When opened their green would see Thames represented in force, .and Thames ladies had promised to initiate the Hikutaia ladies into the charms and mysteries of croquet. In conclusion, Mr) Lowe apologised fpr introducing county matters tp*the attention of his auditors, to whom he tendered the advice; “Dip deeply into your pockets to-day ; repay the ladies for their hard work ; and, at the, same time, help yourselves to open free of debt an institution that will prove to be a great physical and social asset to you and your children.” He then declared the baz.aarj open. After, a prolonged outburst pfi ap-\ plause Mr Alfi. Alley conveyed to Mr Lowe the sincere, thanks of the committee for. iliis attendance, and asked him to tender to his fellow bowlers Hikutaia’s, hearty appreciation of their promises of. advice and assistance, as well ,as to tell the lady croquet players that every advantage would be taken ofj their tuition, which would be as eagerly followed as it would be anxiously looked forward to. As Mr Lowe was now a sponsor for the bo.wJ.tag club he trusted that he would not, be a stranger, but that, on the contrary, he would be often with them on the green, where he would always 1 receive a warm welcome. As to the road and other improvements mentioned by the county chairman, the Hikutaia people could rest assured that he, as their representative, would do his best to see that Mr Lowe’s promises were fulfilled tp the letter. Mr A. R. Robinson, after reiterating the committee’s .appreciation of Mr Lowe’s services, re,ad a telegram fir.bm the Mayor of Paeroa apologising for his unavoidable absence and conveying his best wishes for a brilliant success. Piloted by Messrs Robinson and Alley Mr Lowe visited the various stalls, and after paying graceful and appreciated compliments to the ladies in charge proved his belief in the old adage that “Example is' better than precept” by dipping deeply into his pockets, and that to such a good effect that the bazaar was given a capital start.

Thenceforward the hall presented a busy scene of buying and selling. People were evidently* out to spend, for they “fell” time after, time to the lures of the saleswomen, who did not have to exert themselves’ very hard to get rid of their tempting wares. Even at the busy refreshment tables there was no peace. The pace, fast and furious' as it was, could not last, it was thought. Those wiho cogitated in this way did not understand the

stamina .of the ladies, for with little or no intermission they kept up the running, until the auctioneer, Mr F. Dunlop, relieved - them. Even then the fun was continued, for the puzzled expressions of bewilderment and concern that appeared on the expressive faces of unconscious purchasers when they tried to diagnose the purpose or name of the “surprise packets” knocked down to them evoked loud outbursts of merriment from all except the buyer. To give the names of all workers or contributors would fill a paper. Suffice it to say that all the contributions from the cheque for ten pounds sent by the Campbell, Ehrenfried Company and the large case of chocolates donated by Bur,ns, Philp and Co.—both obtained through the agency of Mrs Corbett —and from the fat steers, heifers, cows, siheep, and pigs from the farmers, down to the cocoanut ice presented by tlie tiny school girl, al), were thankfully received and gratefully placed.

The stalls and stall-holders were as follow: Christmas tree, Mrs E. Murphy; lollies and soft drinks, Misses' Edna Murphy and Alice Maxwell; meat, Mr Hannarn; plain jewing, Mesdames Collins, Elliot, "and Mur-

dock; fancy work, Mrs A. R. Robinson, Misses Frost and Smith ; homemade goods, Mrs A. W. Alley and Mrs I. M. Robinson; and last, but of great importance, the refreshment stall, under Mesdames Alf. Alley, WH. Alley, Avery, and Ingham. The financial result is pot yet obtainable and will not be arrived at until the art union for the valuable gold nugget is drawn and the surplus cattle sold at the next auction sale. The cash takings on Friday would not be far short of £2OO, which sum docs not include donations in money. This splendid result is due to the ladies, who are to be highly congratUr lated, and to the committee of gen•tlemen who so ably seconded their efforts.