NETHERTON HALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4960, 9 April 1926, Page 3

NETHERTON HALL.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY.

ENTERPRISE OF RESIDENTS.

The enterprise of the eettlersi Pf Netherton in various activities pertaining to. the welfare and advancement of their district is generally recognised, and much been accomplished during |he last few years. Recently the acquisition of a suitable site and the removal of the Netherton Public Hall, rendered necessary by the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Scheme, has been exercising the mind’s) of the residents. Only a few months ago a desirable site on the ma,in road opposite, the publite school was purchased (from Mr J. Morrison. With the co-opera,tion of the residents, the sale of debentures, and advantageous taring made with the bank, the hall was moved bodily and set up on ite new site. The settlers! were not content with merely moving the building, and a campaign was launched .to increase the accommodation to meet the growing needs of the district. The building and additions a,re now completed, and one of the most up-to-date, halls in the district stands to-day as a monument to those who worked so assiduously to achieve the object. The main portion its: 66ft long, and has been lined throughout and finished off with a handsome plaster and batten ceiling. Two cloakrooms are provided, as well as A roomy stage and two dressing-rooms. Attached to the side of the hall iis a 45ft by 15ft supper-room, with a kitchen containing a built-in copper, sink, and conveniences. A refreshment stall, is a.lsio provided. ’ The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 31, in the presence of a large gathering, including visitors from,, all parts of the Thames Valley. A large- number of people were unable to attend owing to the heavy rain that prevailed.

Before the fun of the evening commenced—a plain atnd fajicy dress ball —Mr R. H. Heappey, president of the Netherton Hall Association, called on Mr S. J. Laughlin, one of the trustees, to declare the building open. Commencing his. address, Mr Laughlin read an apology from Mr A. M. ' Samuel, M.P., who was to have performed the ceremony, but who was unable to attend owing to an. alteration in the date. Apologies for absence were also tendered on behalf of five Paeroa citizens.

Traversing' the history; df the hall, and the part played by the settlers, Mr Laughlin pointed out the advancement made by the district during the past few years, and ventured the opinion that if the same rate of progrejss was maintained the hall would have to be further enlarged in the near future. (Applause.) The speaker in-, s-taneed the .splendid work done by the committee, led by itsi president; Mr Heappey. In paying a striking tribute to the work of the secretary, Mr T. Vowles, Mr Laughlin said that it was ’only fair to state, that their secretary had been a tower of strength in undertaking the .arduous duties.- of raising the finance required (Loud applause.) Mr Vowles had put his heart and soul into the work, together with much valuable .time, and the success of the l undertaking was due in nq small measure to the splendid work performed by Mr Vowles, In declaring the hall open, Mr Laughlin said that a, word of praise was due to the building contractor, Mr R. I. Robert?,, of Paeroa, who, ’realising the position of affairs, had given of his. best skill and had carried out the work as economically asl possible.

Mr. Heappey thanked the previous, speaker for. his eulogistic remarks, and also a.ll those who had attended and assisted in any way. Mr Roberts congratulated the settlers on their enterprjs|e in erecting such a creditable building, and said that, in his opinion, it was one df the finest halls, for many miles around. . The hajl, was then cleared, for dancing, a. large number of people taking the floor to the strain of music supplied by a *Pacroa orchestra. A bounteous: supper was served, and the function was voted one of the most enjoyable’ held for a long time.