Hall officially opened

Story

Kerrie Gambley

Posted on

12 November 1930

Hall Officially Opened. — last Wednesday the much delayed official opening of the new hall took place. About 300 people were present, and, of course, there was no spare room. There was also unveiled an Honor Roll, containing the names of all soldiers who enlisted from this district.

The early portion of the evening was spent in dancing, and, at a convenient time, Mr. Armstrong (President of the Hall Committee) called the assembled people to order, and, after a few introductory remarks, called upon Mr. J. L. Nicholls to take charge of the proceedings.

It should be explained that Mr. Nicholls used to occupy the position of President of the 01(1 Bonalbo Patriotic League, a body which raised a considerable sum of money and used it as required in welcoming returned men as necessity arose. A considerable amount of money was left over after these matters were attended to, and it was decided to co-operate with the Hall Committee in improving the Old hall, enlarging it and in erecting an Honor Roll, by which to commemorate the enlistment of so many soldiers from our midst. The result was the fine hall now standing.

After explaining these matters, Mr. Nicholls called upon Cr. Carey to officially open the hall. Cr. Carey is Vice-President of the Kyogle Shire Council, and, in the absence of the President, was called upon as stated. Apologies were received from the Federal and State Members, the Shire President and Councillors, other than the local representatives — Crs. Carey and Johnston — and Mr. A. W. Percival (Tenterfield).

Cr. Carey, in a neat speech, congratulated the people of Old Bonalbo upon having such a fine hall, and expressed much pleasure in officially declaring the hall open. Mr. Nicholls then called upon Mrs. Alex. Fraser to unveil the Honor Roll.

Mrs. Fraser has for many years been a prominent public worker, and so has her husband, and further, she was sister to two of the soldiers, one of whom was killed, so the honor of unveiling the Roll was justly conferred upon Mrs. Fraser.

The Honor Roll is made of beautifully polished) cedar, artistically designed, the names being written in letters of gold. The Cedar used was donated by Mr. Ralston, and was cut in the sawpit at Old Bonalbo station, possibly 40 years ago. It is said it was grown on Mr. W. Johnston's property, at "Killalee." I can not guarantee this, but at all events, it was grown at Old Bonalbo.

The Roll of Honor was made by Brown and Jolly, of Lismore, and is a very creditable production, which has been much admired. Mr. Nicholls then handed to Mr. Armstrong a cheque comprising the balance of the funds of the Old Bonalbo Patriotic League, which from that night ceased to function.

This cheque was a welcome addition to the committee's funds.



Casino and Kyogle Courier and North Coast Advertiser

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