WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2053, 31 May 1890, Page 2

WINCHESTER.

OPENING! OP THE NEW PHCLIO HALL. The-new public hall recently erected at Winchester was formally opened on Thursday, the occasion being celebrated by a social tea, gift auction and dance. The building, which is completed with the exception of the lining, is situated upon a section near the old school grounds, and promises to admirably answer the purpose for which it has been erected. It measures 45ft x 22ft, with 14ft walls. Its cost, inclusive of seating, etc., has been hitherto about £l7o,and to thisamount will ultimately have to be added the cost of lining. It is lighted by two large Rochester lamps, costing £5. The work has been faithfully carried out by Mr Carston, and reflects great credit upon him, both as a builder and architect. The company who have undertaken the management of the building have had promises of support from 67 persons, each of whom subscribe a pound, Of these 50 have paid, so that the indebtedness only amounts to some £l2O, less the proceeds of the opening day. Messrs W. Stewart, C. W. Gimson, and W. Harrison are trustees, and in conjunction with Messrs W. Philp, J. Collie, J. Northam, and W. Stewart, Junr., form a managing committee. On Thursday evening tables ranging the length of the hall served to accommodate some 150 persons, who did justice to a very substantial tea given by Mr 0. W. Gimson at his own expense. The tables were presided over by Mrs Owers and Misses Gimson (2), Hart, Hawke, McCarthy, and Walters Among the visitors present were the Rev. T. A. Hamilton and Mr A, E. G. Rhodes, M.H.R.,who had been invited to take part in the proceedings.— After tea Mr W. S. Maslin, who had kindly consented to dispose of the produce, etc., given by numerous friends, said that prior to commencing the sale, at which he hoped every one would purchase liberally, he desired to congratulate the promoters upon the success of their undertaking. The building would supply a long felt want, and being entirely free from sectarian control would be available for all. He had pleasure, at the request of the committee, in inviting Mr Rhodes to address them.—Mr Rhodes, whe was warmly applauded on rising, said that it gave him great pleasure to halve the opportunity of being there that evening, and of renewing acquaintance with many old friends. He had to congratulate them upon the erection of such an eminently useful building. Meetings in the colony went, as it were, through two or three stages. First they used to take place in the old station buildings, next at the public house, and in due course at the school. Ultimately buildingsfor the purpose were erected, and to this stage Winchester had come. He remembered Winchester in his school days, when it was the stopping place of the Christchurch coaches. Since then it bad made great strides, and now there were many uses to which a hall could be put. He thought it possible that he might have occasion to address them there again, but whether he did so as their representative or nob he should always continue to take an interest in the welfare of their district. He congratulated them on being the possessors of a hall free from denominational ruling. The committee were prepared to let the building for any reasonable purpose, and at a low charge, especially to religious bodies. After a time, when the building was paid for, a still lower rate could be charged, for he was pleased to hear that the promoters did not desire to make any profit to themselves out of the transaction. He thanked them heartily for inviting him to be present that evening, and again congratulated them upon the successful termination of their efforts.

The gift auction was then proceeded with, and a large number of useful articles and sundry lots of produce were disposed of at satisfactory prices. The hall was then cleared, and a number of the younger members, »s well as a fair sprinkling of their seniors, stayed and enjoyed a dance, which was kept up until midnight.’ Baring the evening Messrs Northsm, Gimson, Harrison, and W. Stewart, junr., exerted themselves to make the affair a success, and their efforts in this direction are worthy of all praise,