PUBLIC HAL FOR WAIORONGOMAI. Laying of Foundation by J. C. Firth, Esq.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 70, 4 October 1884, Page 2

PUBLIC HAL FOR WAIORONGOMAI. Laying of Foundation by J. C. Firth, Esq.

\)n Friday afternoon last (26th ulfc. ) the foundation stone, (or rether Mock) of a public hall was laid at Waiorongomai by Mr Firth. The site secure* l is nearly opposite Mr Soppett's store, about midway on tlio right-hand side of tho street leading to the battery. A substantial platform was erected for the occasion, and tastefully decorated with flasks, ferns, and flowers, etc ; at the back of the platform was a banner bearing the device of a minor's pick and shovel, and the words " Success attend our efforts." A triangle was also erected with all necessary pulleys, ropes, etc., for lowering of the block. The proceedings commencod soon after 4 p.m. by a number of the school children assembling on the platform, under the'cure of the local schoolmaster, and singing the well-known " Scatter seeds of kindness," after which Mr H. H. Adams called upon Mr Firth to perform the ceremony. 1 In complying, Mr Firth spoke mucfia* follows :—: — Ladies ami Gentlemen, — We are here to day to do an important work. We are not about to lay the foundation of a grand building, to be admired in the distant ages of the future, but are about to lay the foundation of a building, which, though of an unpretentious character, is nevertheless of great importance to the community around. In this New Zealand home of ours, to me it is a very pleasant thing to see that, although there is lots of him I work to be doup, and t'iat must be done, yet it ran be and is often surrounded with much that is pleasant. Wnen I look aroun Ime this afternoon am] see the happy faces of so many children — tie future men anl women of N"W Zealand, — I cannot but feel deeply impressed with the fact that whether they do their duty or not, will greatlj depend upon how we t.eat an- 1 train them. 'Lie erection of a public hall in this place is one step in the right, direction and towards qualifying them for the duties of life, and to fill positions of usefulness. lam glad to see you have not forgotten to perform this ceremony under that grand ol I flag, which is to be found in every part of the known world. No doubt there, are many of us here this afternoon from the Old Country, and I hope we have none of us forgotten to bring with us to this our adopted land plenty of pluck, energy, and perseverance, and that we are each determined to do our duty, as our ancestors have done before us. Under the Union Jack then it is we are now assembled, and I hope that under its folds our children will continue to assemble, The building about to be erected is an important one, providing as it will, a place where our young men and young women can assemble iv social intercourse Instead of remaining more or less isolated, they can here meet together ami enjoy each others company, join in a quiet dance, and listen to the strains of sweet music-, for I hope music- will be cultivate' l there. If people, never meet together except at work, there is a danger of their getting narrow-minded views of those around them, and of the world and its affairs at large. Again, by meeting together in a public building, such as this, the affairs of the district, as well as of, the colony, can be discussed What* many of ns too often suffer from in a new country is isolation. By friendly intercourse much that is good amongst us is suie to be brought out, which would not otherwise. Our girls cannot be always expected to stay at home milking tne cows, and doing other nece-sary work. Its all very well for the old folks! to stay at home if they prefer doing so, but our young people must be able to get out, and a building such as this will afford them means of much enjoy men 1. 1 We ar9 now in a place which but a short time ago was deserted, for it is only the j other day, as it were, that the township of Waiorongomai was covered with fern, j none passing over it but the roaming Maori. Nmv I see around me a number of happy faces. Men have come an ! settled in the place who are determined to conquer, ami no one can say to what importance the place and district may grow. When this building is completed the miner, after hi.s hard day's work, will be able to come here and read the papers, have his game of chess, and discuss the affairs of his country, and by doing so, and having an opportunity of' reading the burning words of Gladstone and John Bright and such men, have his views and ideas greatly enlarged. I, therefore, congratulate you that you have had that amount of public spirit to erect sucu a building, and that too from amongst yourselves. The common plan now-a-days in this country is to ask the Government for everything. But it is right we should learn to help ourpelvea, and I never yet found a man who got so good a friend to himself as hitmelf. I believe the effects of this important step will be felt for many years to come. It is the nsual custom on an occasion like this to place certain pirchment, coins, etc., etc., underneath the foundation. Now, on this occasion we shall not do that, but place some of our golden stone instead, for to ie in a great measure we look, if properly used, to help in the development of this town and district. (Mr. Firth here placed some .rich piecfes of quarts! underneath, and lowered the foundation block to its proper position and there secured it.) The foundation block having been placed in position, 1 Mr Firth concluded by declaring the foundation of the Waiorongomai Public Hall well and truly laid, and expressed the •iope that it might prove of great use uu l benefit to all. Tnree hearty cheers were then given for the WaiorougoMAi

Public H.ill. Several others from amongst those assembled said a few words suitable to the occasion, and the proceedings closed by siniring Go 1 Save t.he Qneen. Wo would join in heartily congratulnting thp inhabitants of VVaiorongomaj wita regard to the occasion referred to. They certainly dese vi» credit for the spirited way in which they have sot about the obtaining of a public hall (to which we soon hope to see added the proposed reading-room and public library) for themselves. The buil ' ng will supply a much felt need. The building will be 62ft x 3()ft, with 16 It stud, consisting of the hall and 2 ante-rooms. The hall will be lighted by 12 windows. A stage 15ft x <Sft will be erected at the upper end, 3ft high. The building will be match-lined throughoat.