OPENING OF A PUBLIC HALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5006, 22 April 1895, Page 3

OPENING OF A PUBLIC HALL.

The public I'iall, which has just been erected, at Hawera, Fortymile Bush, wai i formally opened on Friday evening, when a social and dance was held to mark the auspicious event. In 1 lonor of the occasion, the hall, which is well built and capable of accommodating an audience of betwoen 200 and 300 persons, was tastefully < lecorated with ferns and shrubs, wi ile the wall behind the stage was e rabellished with a large mirror and the words in ornamental letters of white on a crimson ground "Welcomo to Hawera." About 250 visitoi's put in an appearance, nearly half of the numberbeing woll-dressed Maoris of both Bexes. The ladies, especi ally the young and marriageable, were in great force, attired many of them in costumes which shewed an active competition as to who should be the " belle of the ball. Mr R. Smith, of Onslow Park, presided, and after discribing the circumstances that led to the erection of the hall, and apologising for the absence of Mrs Hogg, who was to have named and opened the building, lie called on the member for the district io perform that ceremony. Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., said he had much pleasure in responding to the request. Tho hall he named Nirawba Hall, in honor of the Native Chief who had presented the residents with the site, and he declared it duly opened for the use of the inhabitants. He spoken in terras of keen appreciation of the way in which the Maoris were recognising tho advantages of education, and after referring to tho local school, which, in company with the Premier, he had visited, he pointed out how valuable the public hall would be, not only for the amusement of the people, but for the discussion of political questions and the adyocacy of their local requirements. A number of ladies and gentlemen contributed songs, recitations, and instrumental music. Light refreshments and fruit were distributed during the intervals, and the proceedings were enlivened by a haka, in which some thirty Natives, who had bein carefully trained, and were appropriately attired, took part. After the seats were cleared, dancing was kept up with great spirit, till an advanced hour of the morning, In the course of the proceedings, an address was read by one of the Native Chiefs, who suggested that the name of the locality should be changed from Hawera to Hamua, that being tho name of a muchrespected ancestor.