RELIEVING UNEMPLOYMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1922, Page 4

RELIEVING UNEMPLOYMENT.

A PLAN TO RAISE FUNDS. EFFORT BY THE PIERROTS. “DIXIE LAND CABARET.” With the object of assisting in raising funds to relieve the distress caused by unemployment the New Plymouth Pierrots, who rendered such signal service during the war period by raising funds for patriotic purposes, met again recently, Mr. H. Brookman presiding over a large and enthusiastic gathering. The urgent necessity for providing funds to relieve the distress which is being caused was generally recognised, and all present expressed not only their willingness but their desire to co-oper-ate in any scheme it was decided to put forward. A letter was also received from ,Mrs. C. H. Weston, stating that the Y. W.C Al. would be pleased to render any assistance it could in bringing a Pierrots’ “stunt” before the people, and generally participating in the scheme.

It was decided to accept the Y.W.C.A.’s offer. Various proposals were discussed, and eventually a subcommittee was appointed to confer with the committee of the Y.W.C.A. to discuss these before coming to any final decision.

Yesterday a conference was held between Mesdames C. H. Weston. E. A. Walker, and A. M. Maodiarmid, representing the Young Women’s Christian Association, and Messrs. Brookman. Robertson, Mace, Flanagan, and Morgan, representing the Pierrots, and the outcome was that the scheme suggested by the Pierrots, with the inclusion ofi certaih other attractions proposed by the ladies, was unanimously accepted. The ladies will immediately set about the necessary organisation to attend to their portion of the programme, and a general meeting of Pierrots will be held on Monday evening for the purpose of appointing sub-committees and generally setting the scheme in motion.

The scheme is to secure the Coronation Hall for a week, from July 31 to August 5, and to hold a “Dixie Land Cabaret.” On the opening night there will be a torch-light procession from the post office to the Coronation Hall, where it is proposed to ask the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), to present to the promoters a “key” which will entitle them to the freedom of the city for the week. The hall will be curtained off so that there will be a ball-room and a supper-room, while another portion would be utilised for competitions, etc. The sympathy and co-operation of the Regimental Band will be solicited. Among other attractions it is proposed to hold dances each evening, with probably waltzing and jazz competitions. In addition, an effort will be made to arrange for a tug-of-war which contest would be spread over three or four nights. A minimum of eight entries would be necessary, however, to justify this particular contest to be proceeded with, and it is therefore hoped different institutions will come forward with nominations. Then it is suggested that on another evening there should be a musical recital and exhibition of fancy dancing, a community “sing” on another night, with items by the Choral Society, the Male Choir, and Boys’High School orchestra, ail of which institutions it was felt would lend their assistance. Sanction will be sought to run raffles each night. On Friday there will be a “Paddy’s Market.” with meat, cakes and general produce stalls in Devon Street, provided, of course, the Borough Council gives the necessary consent. Further attractions will be provided in the evening at the Coronation Hall, and on Saturday there will be a grand finale with another torchlight procession, to be followed by a masquerade and confetti dance, while any gifts not disposed of at the Paddy’s market would also be sold.