VICTORY DANCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3271, 2 June 1943, Page 6

VICTORY DANCE

FUNCTION IN COROMANDEL SUCCESSFUL EVENING PACKING COMPANY ENTERTAIN St. George’s Hall, Coromandel, was the scene of a gay company of approximately 250 guests on Friday night last when* the directors and staff of the Hauraki Packing Company entertained at a victory dance. Dancing commenced just after 8 pan. and was soon in full swing to the accompaniment of Mrs Toni Savage’s orchestra which consisted of Mrs Toni" Savage (piano accordeon), Mr Elliott (trumpet) and Charlie Drummond (drums). Latest music was played and proved very popular with the dancers, many encores being requested.

During the evening items were rendered and were as follows: Mr McLellan, songs, “Rose of Tralee” and “Sally Horner”; Wairakau Taiwhanga, songs, “Marie Elena” and “There’ll Be Blue Hirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover”; Ngapo Sisters, duet, “Beneath the Lights of Home” and Maori song; Toni Savage, ventriloquist, two items; ■Charlie Drummond, 13-year-old drummer of IZB Orchestra, drum solos; Jean McLellan, songs, “My prayer” and “You and I,” and by special request, “Rose of San Antone”; selection by staff of Hauraki Packing Company, “You Are My Sunshone” and Maori chorus. The items all proved popular and were very much enjoyed. Ice cream was handed round to all, the guests during an interval in the dancing.

Mr C. C. Rae introduced Mr C. G. Macindoe as “Mine Host” fcr the evening. He continued, “We are very fortunate in having a man of his calibre and business ability coming to Coromandel, and he couldn’t have come to a better place. - ’ (Cheers.) “Mr Macindoe,” went on Mr Rae, “has taken part in public life in Auckland for many years, and was one time chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board.”

Mr Frost, manager of the Coromandel factory, endorsed 4 Mr Rae’s remarks in regard to Mr Macindoe, and informed the company that the staff had suggested having a dance and he (Mr Macindoe) had said, “Right oh, I’ll do it,” Mr Frost concluded by saying, “I have pleasure in handing to the secretary of the Patriotic Committee a cheque for £25 on behalf of the company and staff of the Hauraki Packing Company, to go to the funds now being raised.” Miss V. Davies, secretary of the Patriotic Committee, received the cheque and asked everyone, to give three cheers of appreciation for the generous l donation to patriotic funds. Rousing cheers followed. Mr Macindoe asked if his reply could be deferred till after supper. Supper was then announced to be ready for the first sitting. The supper room presented a picture—long tables, decorated with Iceland poppies, laden with good things, tastefully set out. Trifles, fruit salads, jellies, savories, cakes, sandwiches, tea, coffee and soft drinks were in evidence and everyone spent a thoroughly enjoyable time partaking of the wonderful spread set before them. Three times the tables were cleared and set up till all voted that it was an outstanding event, and one that would be appreciated and remembered for a long time.

Extra dances were played by Miss Lillis (piano) and Mr V. Powley (violin), and Mrs Lucas (piano) and Lee Perfect (drums).

Mr Macindoe opened his remarks by saying he remembered when Coromandel was a town that had subscribed its quota when Britain was compelled to go to war many years ago. Good soldiers, stalwarts all, were the men that went forward realising they had a duty to our great Empire.

He then expressed the pleasure it gave him to entertain such a happy throng of guests. He felt he was fortunate to be in this position. He liked a crowd around, and entertained a lot in his own home. “I appreciate the manner in which all have entered into the party,” continued Mr Macindoe.

The dancing had been unsurpassed and enjoyed owing to the presence of Toni Savage’s orchestra. He also mentioned the two girls who came from town to look after the catering. He said the staff had suggested a dance and the good ship Maretana had delivered thh goods. He had a good staff, they worked hard and consequently he felt the Hauraki Packing Company should do

something to justify its existence in Coromandel.

“Coromandel is a town where you meet people who are sincere in their friendship; and I personally am concerned with those who have associated with you and who are struck with • the friendly attitude of everyone in this town. It is nice to be greeted with friendly gestures and it is always appreciated by a stranger,” said Mr' Macindoe.

“Fbr He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was heartily sung accompanied by cheers.

A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss M. S. Lillis and Mr T. M. Lillis. Mr C. Norman acted as M.C.

‘Dancing continued till 2.15 a.m. when a very happy evening was brought to a close with “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.