KIO KIO.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 564, 3 May 1913, Page 2

KIO KIO.

Own Correspondent.

The Puketarata Hall was opened last Wednesday with a dance and social evening. The hall committee had decided that the long-wished-for hall should be opened in fitting fashion. To this end strong and energetic subcommittees were formed, which by their harmonious co-operation, made the function the unqualified success it must undoubtedly was. The unlined walls of the building were plentifully garnished with ferns, ornamental shrubs, flowers, and the usual blaze of bunting. The corners were filled by fine tree ferns, which, together with the greenery on the walls, gave the whole room a cool and delicate appearance. Strings of flags, for the use of which the committee are indebted to Mrs Taylor, of Greenhill, Te Awamutu, were strung diagonally across the room. Strings of greenery relieved at intervals by the glow of Chinese lanterns, made ample decoration for the roof. The evening could not have been better for dancing. A big gathering was expected, but the hopes of the nao3t sanguine were easily surpassed, for when the proceedings opened with the first waltz the floor was crowded with eighty or ninety couples, while the soating roundy the walls and on the stage was comfortably filled with "wall flowers" and children, who seemed to enjoy watching the dances and listening to the several excellent vocal items. Mr Budge, as chairman of the hall committep, spoke briefly on the history of the hall scheme and to the use to which the building was to be put. He then introduced Mr J. A. Young, member for Waikato. Mr Young, in opening his address, apologised on behalf of Mr C. K. Wilson, member for this district, for his absence, from the function. He had, however, some interest in Kio Kio himself. Not only was it a farming district, a place of bad roads and no loans, but part of it was in his Waikato electorate, the boundary between the two crossing Mr Budge's property. He had always known that the farmers were a go-ahead and deserving section of the community. Why, then, should practically all public moneys be devoted to the larger centres, to the laying down of footpaths and the erection of expensive buildings, while in the backblocks many a settler was unable to get his produce to a creamery or railway Btation, and even found it difficult during the winter monthß to procure the most necessary stores? Kio Kio was a place where good roads were becoming increasingly necessary, but such could not be formed until a much larger portion of public money was spent in the more remote districts. He had, however, no intention of talking politic?. Such were not as interesting as dancing on this occasion. It was a surprise to him' to meet so many settlers in Kio Kioi Such a gathering would have been large even for a much larger centre. Mr Young then declared the hall open, and after prolonged applause, the dance programme was resumed. Supper was handed round at 10.30, and when this was over the floor, which hadduring the fore part of the evening been of a high order was re-swept with excellent results. The dancing space was not so crowded during the second part of the programme; so that dancing became even more enjoyable. The music, supplied by Mrs Holden and Mr Carter, of the Otorohanga "Daffodil Club," was greatly appreciated, their rendering of the popular "Yip-i Addy" being particularly well received. Dancing was continued till about 2.30 a.m., when the dancers had to hasten home to change ready for the morning's milking. It was not expected that the opening entertainment would be a financial success. The credit balance, however, is a trifle over £B.