OPENING OF THE KAKARAMEA TOWN HALL.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 65, 24 November 1875, Page 2

OPENING OF THE KAKARAMEA TOWN HALL.

The formal opening of this building, which had been postponed from Wednesday to Friday last, in consequence of bad weather, came off on the latter evening, and its success even exceeded the expectations of those chiefly interested. The weather in the early part of the evening was all that could be desired, and visitors poured in fiom Wairoa, Whcnaknra, Manutahi, and llawera, in addition to the large number that- came from the immediate locality. As a proof of the large number present, we may say that the tea tables were twice fully filled, and that, when dancing commenced, it was with considerable difficulty those engaging in it could find room to disport themselves. The room was most tastefully decorated with ferns and evergreens, and was excellently lighted. Clearly all who had attended had made up their minds to enjoy themselves, and, as far as outward signs of pleasure can be interpreted, wore most successful in their endeavor. The gathering was in aid of the building fund, and must have most materially reduced, if not altogether extinguished, the small debt remaining on the work. The tea tables were furnished with not only the supplies usual on such occasions, but with a number of extra luxuries, which the partakers in the feast certainly never expected as a portion of the entertainment, and the warmest thanks of the committee are due to the ladies who provided them so liberally and gratuitously withal. There wore four tables presided over respectively, by Mofdamos Mcßae and Powdered, Mosdames R. Wilson and K. R. Morgan, Mesdarnes Burke and Ball, and Mcsdain.es Williamson and Delamorc. The attention that these fair caterers paid to their guests was the perfection of hospitality itself. It is hardly necessary to say that their courtesy was duly appreciated. It may appear somewhat singular to hear the term, Town Hall, applied to a building standing almost alone in a miniature township, like Kakaramea of the present day, but the fact is that such an erection was absolutely necessary, and, as it will be used for all the purposes to which Town Halls of larger pretensions arc devoted, and many more to which Town Halls are. not usually given that title was decided on. It will he alike, a church, a school, a meeting place for Road Boards, a place for public meetings, for lecturers, &c. It will, if we understand aright, be placed at. the disposal of ministers of all denominations to hold religious services in,'the public-house, up in the present time, being the only place available for tin’s purpose, whilst the benefit of it as a school-house cannot be over-estimated. The want of such a building was greatly felt for some time, when a few of the more enterprising settlers met and resolved on suppljung it. Subscriptions wore at once called for, and flowed in freely, whilst the Messrs Williamson, in the most generous manner, and as a free gift, presented a site of land in a capital situation, and excellently adapted for the purpose. Tin’s liberality should he remembered in time to come, and the enterprise shown by so small a community. in erecting a building at their own private cost, that would do credit to a far larger place, speaks well for the people of Kakaramea. The contract lias hewn very faithfully and well carried out by Mr North, arid the Hall is now fairly occupied in the manner intended. The result of Friday’s opening cannot, fail to be most satisfactory to (he promoters, amongst whom avo may he mention were Messrs Mcßae, Williamson Bros., E. R. Morgan, Hunter, and Delamorc.

THK CO.VCKRT

After full justice bad been done to the “ good tilings” which the tables had been furnished with, the audience retired from the liall iu order to permit the removal of the lab'os and forms, and in reassembling Mr If. Williamson was voted to the chair, and after a few appropriate remarks, .Mrs McKao opened the _ programme by playing a piece of music on the pianoforte in exquisite style. Mr Hirst then sang “ Life on (lie ocean wave,” in bis usual happy manner, being- tastefnllv accompanied on the piano by a lady. This was followed by a recitation from .Mr Ivc-ss. Miss Coaekh-y's " J’onnie Hills of Scotland'’was gracefully rendered by

this young lady, who accompanies G self, ami at the conclusion ol her smi'. r received the approbation of the audiMr Taplin then s ing "Slave Ship good ctVcet, his efforts eliciting the w, deserved applause of the audience. M-. Hirst and Patterson sustained the m two items on the piogramme. T l.c ; . part of the concert was brought to a - : - by a song entitled - Annette” by Mr Wilson, dearly evidencing that Wilson is tho possessor of a sweet \ Afler an interval of ten minutes. 3b--Guaekley played a piano piece with g * >■; effect, and was followed by Mr Tapi ms - Gome to My Mountain Home." a.:. Gw conclusion of which an encore was de manded, and was obligingly respouo to, both songs being snug with - effect. Tho next item on the was a recitation by Mr introduced the subject with a few explanatory remarks. This gentleman ive.U, the piece with great care-, modulating G voice to suit tlxe varying pathos of tie piano, but its length had the effect. <■ slightly wearying the audience. T: ’■ u-.as to be regretted, us both the cdlenee of the piece and the rondo.: deserved the warmest appreciation of b audience. Miss Coackley followed wi -Tara’s Hall," which was undoubtedly b • gem of the, evening on the part of b; ladies. At its finish an absolute em-.e - was demanded, and was responded to. ;b ~A- Palmer 1 hen recited a “ stirring” reoilition, which tin fori imalcly was too long r suit the tastes of tho audience, and M: Palmer brought it to a conclusion before he had intended. Mr Palmer delivered the recitation with great correctness, and his stylo of elocution is good. Mr Pat Ivrs.m's “ Scandal on the the Brain” fairl convulsed the audience, .and was the gen. on the part of the elforluof the gentlemen b side. Mr Patterson was greeted with ar encore, and responded by repeating the last verse of the “-.scandal.” A song from Mrs Lyttelton, which was well receiv-b

brought, the concert to an agreeable eh--The Chairman intimated that ho av-vu he happy to hear any remarks fm gentlemen present, when Dr Walker said that he considered m it was one of the most successful m.o tain men t ever held in the district /ividencim' the great interest that settlers took hj odncitional objects, and congratulated lhresidents of Kakaramea on the success c their happy meeting. He really-thought that, every credit was due to the enter pr’sing spirit of the Kakaramea settlers m having secured such a building as the otm they were seated in, and proposed a vote of thanks to the Education Board, or its representatives. The Chairman said that it afforded him, great pleasure to hear the remarks from Dr Walker, and hoped that it would umbo long before another opportunity wonbt present itself to cause such a happy as semhlage within the walls of the Kaka ■ ramea Town Hall. (Hear, hear.) IK concluded by thanking the audience generally for their attendance, and especially those who had come from llawera. Carlyle, and Whepnakura in order to he present that evening. Messrs Hirst and A. Hunter tendered the thanks of the committee to the ladies who had fuanished the tables. Mr Mar chant replied on he.half of; the fair donors, and a vote of thanks was carried unanimously.

A hail, kept up with great spirit till daylight, Avound up a most agreeable gathering.