Published: MONDAYS. WEDNESDAYS, AND FRIDAYS. The Waipukurau Press. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1928. “ HALF A LOAF.”

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 271, 10 October 1928, Page 4

Published: MONDAYS. WEDNESDAYS, AND FRIDAYS. The Waipukurau Press. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1928. “ HALF A LOAF.”

It’s an old axiom, and one ever true, that half a loaf is better than none. The adage can aptly be applied to the decision of the New Zealand Parliament to partly meet the desire of a largo section of the people in the matter of a further instalment of daylight saving—that health-giving Sidey-sponsored reform. The. legislation cannot but create a feeling of satisfaction, even although only half an hour advance in time, instead of the hour obtaining last summer, has been agreed to. The principle of summer time has thus been reaffirmed, and an additional half-hour of daylight can be expected as a 1929 legislative favour. From Sunday, the 14th inst., till the third Sunday in March, the people generally can look forward to the enjoyment of a little extra sunlight, obtained at the slight sacrifice of rising half an hour earlier. Shearers and grain harvesters can work to standard time if they so desire. By passing the 1928 Summer Time Bill the Government has placed itself onside with the urban electorates, and yet not given offence of any consequence to the rural constituencies. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the provision conforms to an expression of opinion from the Waipukurau Chamber of Commerce, through the medium of its president, Mr E. A. Goodger. W.E.A. SUCCESS. The success of the W.E.A. course of lectures in Waipukurau has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the promoters of the formation of the Waipukurau Educational Association. On this score, great credit is due to the chairman (Mr E. G. Dowrick) and hon. secretary (Mr G. Reg. Cook), who have left no stone unturned to ensure the happy result achieved. To Mr A. E. Mander, also, a special meed of praise is due, his efforts as a University College lecturer having been such as to fully confirm the high reputation with which his appointment was heralded. The hearty cooperation of His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. McLean), who is president of the Association, the officers and members generally, has been a very helpful factor in justifying the inauguration of the W.E.A. in this town and district. OLD-TIME DANCE REVIVAL. It is pleasing to find that here and there evidence is forthcoming of the turn of the tide as concerning Americanised modernism in the matter of the terpsichorean art. We have long held the opinion that the “pace” set in the early part of this century was quite fast enough, and that the waltz, polka, d’alberts, quadrille, etc., were as merry and bright as enjoyment combined with gracefulness necessitated, but the swing of the pendulum went rapidly towards imported innovations. It is recorded in the “Dannevirke News” that during last week an “ old timers’ ” dance, organised by several of the older residents, who thought it would be a good idea to have a social evening reminiscent, of the days when jazzing and syncopated music, “spotting,” smoking in the dance-room, and sitting out in

motor cars were quite unknown, was held. The experiment was a great success, states the “News,” the hall being crowded, and if similar gatherings are to be held in future, and are to be true io name, the only way tat preserve their distinctiveness ana ensure their permanent popularity will be by strictly limiting the patronage to old timers. On this occasion there were many present ■who could lay no claim to this disinction. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable affair, despite the difficulty of locomotion. There was old-time music —piano, accordeon, bones —old-time dances—lancers, quadrilles, d’Alberts, Highland schottische, barn dances, mazurkas, and the like —- and old timers of 50 and 60 years and upwards exhibited surprising vivacity and rhythm in retreading the steps they trod so blithely in the days beyond recall. They certainly “had it on” the young folk, who found themselves in the way. Smoking was not permitted in the hall —it was noticeable that the majority of those who were requested to seek solace in the fragrant weed elsewhere were not of the old timers —their education had not been neglected. Enjoyable singing, a hand-round supper, and a warn?, social atmosphere throughout crowned this pioneering dance venture with complete success. The cars; outside remained empty the evening, and the hall and its precincts were “bone dry,” yet all were merry and bright.