West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Saturday 31 December 1898, page 10


OPENING OF THE AGRICULTURAL

HALL, KELLERBERRIN.

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(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) M

Boxing Day, 1898, will long be remembered as a red letter day in the history of Kellerberrin and district. Never before

in its history had it witnessed such a large gathering of people who had come from far and near to take part in the day's festivities, which centred round the official opening of the new hall. The hall is substantially built with local granite walling and brick dressings, and is roofed in jarrah

and iron Provision has been made for future extensions when necessary. the Government grant of 250 has been supplemented by local funds, and the building was opened free of debt. A valuable piano has also been purchased, and is nearly half paid for already. On the arrival of Mr. J. Adam, R.M., and Mrs. Adams from Northam by the 4 p.m. train, the local committee (Mr. R. B. Leake, chairman) welcomed the visitors, the ladies gracefully accentuating the welcome with a handsome bouquet which was presented to Mrs. Adam in their name by Mrs. Sewell, of Mount Caroline. The hall stands on the north side of the line, adjoining the post office, and about two hundred yards from the station. The architect (Mr. Howard Evans) in the name of the agricultural hall committee, presented Mr. Adam with a special key for the opening ceremony, which official act Mr. Adam prefaced with some most appropriate remarks, pointing out that this was the most easterly of the agricultural halls, the halls further east being known as mining institutes. Afternoon tea was then served in the hall. In spite of the excessive temperature cricket was indulged in on an adjoining grant all day, adjournments being occasionally made for ice creams and cool drinks, provided in a special tent by Miss Maud Sewell and other young ladies, and to the luncheon and tea in the hall, for which lavish supplies had been provided gratis by the settlers. These hospitalities were ably dispensed by Miss E. Slassingham of Mooranoppin, and a large staff of lady helpers whose assiduity was worthy of all praise. At 8 p.m. Mr. Adam presided over an excellent miscellaneous concert, which was exceedingly well attended, nearly two hundred persons being present, amongst whom were Mr. and Mrs. Adam (Northam) Mr. R. B. Leake, Miss Massingham and party (Mooranoppin) Mr. and Mrs. Shields (Cottesloe Beach) Mrs. Sewell and party (Mount Caroline) Mr. and Mrs. Ripper and Mrs. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Howe (Doodlekine) Mr. and Mrs. Pack-ham (Tammin), Mr. and Mrs. Kirby, Mrs. Rhuland and others. The chairman commenced the proceedings with a speech, congratulating the people of the district on their possession of a large and well situated hall, and declared it to be a credit alike to the district and to Messrs. Fair-weather and Lunt, the builders. The concert and dance programme which followed was greatly enjoyed.