BIG MONEY.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 93, 1 August 1918, Page 2

BIG MONEY.

At Peria Social. Fine weather greeted the executive for the Peria Queen, in connection with its hard-up and basket social, held on Wednesday evening, and consequently it was to be expected that there would be a large attendance. There was 1 and more, big money was on hand also. The social once again demonstrated the fact that the Peria people do not do things by halves, for everything was in perfect order, thanks to an indifatigable committee. The hall was nicely decorated and also the stage, in the centre of which raif a table containing the baskets The latter generally were beautifully decorated and occasionally good things could be seen peeping from under the covers. When Mr J. McKee (Te Pol), who has had considerable auctioneering experience, took up his place witn the hammer, it was rumored that it would cost someone a fiver each for two baskets; and, so it proved. One did not have to be told that the auctioneer knew his business, for the mere' flicker of an eyelid was perceived by him, and prices went up accordingly. Three baskets brought over eight pounds, and one over nine; the total sum realised being just over, eighty-one pounds. Mr S.Harding was the highest bidder, for his wife's basket, which was put up again, while the biggest buyer was Mr J. Steen. The second highest price was obtained for a basket brought by Miss Flett. The music played by Mrs Darby and Messrs Darby and Cummings was again high class and contributed largely to the success of the function. Songs were nicely rendered by Miss Oliver. Mr M. McDermott capably carried out the duties of M.C. With the supper money, the whole proceeds amounted to nearly £B6—a very good sum. The people entered well into the spirit of the proceeding, and, if hard-up clothes can be termed fine, then there were a fine lot to be viewed. Special credit is due to the secretary, Mrs Beeson, the chairman of committee, Mr H. Rollett and the band of willing workers.