MOUTOA PUBLIC HALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2669, 8 December 1923, Page 3

MOUTOA PUBLIC HALL.

OFFICIAL OPENING. The official opening of the Moutoa Public Hall took place last night and was .celebrated by a social and dance. The interior of the spacious building was charmingly decorated with greenery, Chinese lanterns, balloons and coloured streamers, special attention being given the stage. The seating accommodation was taxed to its utmost, visitors being present from all parts of the district. The stage was occupied by representative men and women, including Mr J. Linklater, M.P. and Mr Galland (late schoolmaster) . Mr W. Smith, chairman of the Hall Committee, presided and extended a hearty welcome to those present. He gave an outline of the movement and said the agitation for a hall had been in vogue before the war but the funds then collected bad been transferred to patriotic purposes. An enthusiastic committee had since been active and the result was apparent that night. Mr W. Bowe, said that night was a red letter event in the history of Moutoa. He referred to the efforts made to achieve the object and paid a tribute to all who had assisted, making special reference to R. H. and W.E. Barber.for the generous gift of the land upon which the building stood. Mr J. Linklater, M.P., in formally declaring the hall open congratu,lated the settlers upon their enterprise, which would make the social life of the country more attractive, and would help to keep the young people from drifting to the centres. Mr Galland expressed his pleasure in being present and hoped the hall would he the centre of many happy gatherings. Short speeches were also made bv Messrs Perreau, Bergin, Upton, W. E. Barber and H. Alexander. Tim following contributed items:— Mesdames Davev, Halley, Hall McDonald, Miss Upton, Messrs Aitken, Linklater, Qunrrie, and .Tno. Golder. Miss D. Campbell danced a Highland fling. The Foxton Band played several selections. The dance music was played bv Walls’ orchestra. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Davey-and Miss Paliey. The catering was in capable hands, the snpper being excellent. Mr W. F. Barbe’ 1 officiated as M.C. Special praise is rlne io the committee and its energetic secretary (Mr Stan. Barber) for the successful arrangement of the details and for the carrying out of what must be considered the most important evmtt-im the lu'storv of Moutoa.