OPENING OF THE PAIAKA MILL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 867, 19 July 1910, Page 2

OPENING OF THE PAIAKA MILL.

DANCING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

Ever since the late Richard Lovelace, of pious memory, laid down the dictum that “stone walls do not a prison make” there have never been wanting a goodly supply of people who have shown supreme ability in extracting enjoyment from the most unpromising material. It had been decided to celebrate the opening of the new mill at Paiaka with a dance, and on the eve of the celebration Mr and Mrs Norman found themselves confronted with a somewhat difficult problem. Given a new mill, a river In full flood, impassable tracks from Shannon, Foxton and Levin, and obtain from these items the essentials for a highly successful function. That the Paiaka manager and his wife found the requisite solution to the above speaks volumes for their energy and ability. The guests came by train to Koputafoa, thence by trap to Mr Gardner’s homestead, and finally by boat to Paiaka. The scutching shed—a building usually associated, like Rockhampton, with “sin, sweat and sorrow” —was tastefully decorated with evergreens, from out whose vendure shone the mellow gleam of fairy lamps. The floor was smoothed and polished to a degree presenting a surface which would have roused desire even in the breast of Terpsichore. Mr Bert Spencer officiated at the piano whilst Mr Dugald Gardner contributed a violin obligato to the songs which were rendered in the intervals of dancing. At midnight the river having further risen, there was some two feet of water between the dancing and the supper rooms, covering the temporary bridges which had been erected to enable the guests to reach the refectory dry-shod. Not to be defeated Messrs Norman and G. Jones hastily doffed their dancing pumps, slipped on rubber boots and safely carried the remainder of the dancers from labour to refieshment. The scene was picturesque in the extreme, lights flashing, water gurgling and the laughter of the ladies as the “packers” deposited each fair burden made a mise-en-scene worthy of the brush of Jan Van Beers. One lady had a narrow escape from a wetting. Mr Norman stepped upon a, submerged plank, (it was two inch totara too !) and it broke beneath their combined weight. A clever recovery on the part of the “packer,” however, averted disaster. At the supper the following toasts were honoured; —“The New Mill” Mr D. Gardner, responded to by Mr Norman ; “The Host and Hostess” Mr Hopwood, responded to by Mrs Norman ; “A. Seifert and Co.” Mr Spencer, responded to by Mr Litchfield ; “The Ladies” MrR. H. Dalhousie.lt is significant as demonstrating the natural modesty and timidity of the fair sex that no lady would assume the responsibility of replying to the last toast.

After supper dancing was resumed and continued to 4.30 when an adjournment was made to M. Norman’s house.

The following were amongst the dresses worn; —Mrs Norman, black silk relieved with point lace; Miss Spencer, white embroidery empire gown ; Miss Owens, cream silk ; Miss Perry, grey gown ; Miss A. Perry, white empire gown ; Mrs Dalhousie, black silk ; Mrs Carter, cream silk blouse, black skirt; Mrs Gardner, black silk; Miss Tremaine, pale blue; Mrs Forsyth, green empire gown ; Mrs Jones (Wellington), Eau-d’nil silk.

THE NEW MIEE. The buildings comprise 3 sheds, for stripping, scutching and tow baling respectively. In the stripping shed, which is well-lit with sky lights and windows, sufficient room has been left to allow for the installation of any new machinery which the improvements of existing patents may bring forth. The stripper is an ordinary Booth-MacDonald. The wash is a “Seifert” with an improved shaker which is the property of Mr Norman. It is anticipated that the mill will operations within a week or tea days despite the recent flood. Messrs A. Seifert and Co., are to be congratulated upon the possession of one of the most up-to-date plants upon the river, while the men’s rooms (two stretchers in a room) and the cook house, lined and painted throughout testify to the consideration which this firm shows for the comfort of its employees. As heretofore Mr Normau will be in charge of operations.