Paeroa Public Hall.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2942, 20 July 1878, Page 2

Paeroa Public Hall.

The residents of Paeroa, haying felt tho want of a commodious room for meetings and other public purposes, hare laieiy taken prompt and energetic steps to tupply that want by erecting a public liall. At a meeting held on Monday last the desirability of building a hall was discussed and affirmed. No time was lost in procuring a site, namely, section F, Block Ne. 6, fronting Ndrmanby Eoad, which was purchased from the owners, and the allotment backing same, No. 17,, given by Messrs Jackson and Russell, so that the ground has the advantage of two froutages. The utmost unanimity was exhibited by the promoters, as an evidence of which it may be stated that a practical commence* ment was made on Thursday of the building decided upon on Monday. At three o'clock on Thursday the promoters and others met on the site of the ball and the ceremony of turning the sod was performed by C. F. Mitchell, Esq., C.C., and tho first block was laid by Mr A. Moore. Under the block was placed

a sealed bottle containing various current coins 1 of the realm, together with a parchment writing setting forth the object of the hall signed by Mr J. M. Kobson, chairman of meeting, Mr C. P. Mitchell and other gentlemen present. A contract for the building has been let to Mr J. Lavery, and the hall is to be of a substantial character ; size 40 feet by 24 feet; 12 feet studs, with stage at one end 8 feet deep. After the preliminary ceremonies had been carried out on Thursday the company adjourned to the Criterion Hotel and partook of an excellent luncheon at the invitafc'on of Messrs Cassrells and Bennett.

Mr J. M. Eobson presided, and after justice had been done to the luncheon, proposed, " Success to the Paeroa Public Hall," and in doing so congratulated the company on the occasion which had brought them together. He hoped the hall would be well managed, and that those present and the rising generation would "often meet within its walls for social reunion, acquit themselves creditably, and bless the promoters. The toast was honored in bumpers of champagne, accompanied with cheers. Mr 0. F. Mitchell referred to the hardships which had to be gone through in the early days of the field; its being opened for goldmining and apparent failure, and the change for the better wkich had since taken place, as evinced in the enterprise displayed by the residents in subscribing in so short a time the capital necessary to build the hall. He concluded by proposing " The.health ot the Chairman, Mr J. M.. Kobson," remarking on the earnestness'with which he had worked for the district.

Drunk with great cordiality," and song, " For he's a jolly'good fellow." The Chairman returned thanks for the manner in which his health had been drunk, and said that what appeared to him a duty he had always done,, and would always do without fear of consequences; " The health of Messrs Cassrells and Bennett" was then proposed in flattering terms, drunk with spirit, and responded to. The proposer stated that in the absence of a hall Messrs Cassrells and Bennett had always given the use of their large room. . Mr Murphy, schoolmaster of Waitekauri, made a short speech,,giving a flattering account of the district. "The health of Mr C. F, Mitchell" was the next toast, which was well received and duly responded to; and then came " Sir George Grey and Hon. J. Sheehan," and the proceedings were brought to a close by Mr T. Shaw propossing " The Ladies," which was drunk with customary honors.—Correspondent.