Narrango Hall

1903

19 February 1903
Narrango Mems.
(From our Correspondent.)
Matters in connection with the local hall are getting fixed up, and in a very short time we will have our own social corner, and in the coming winter a debating club and circulating library will be in full swing1 .

26 February 1903
Narrango Mems.
A. Natural Reservoir.
(From our Correspondent.)
At a meeting of the residents last Friday three trustees were elected to manage and conduct the Narrango hall. The gentlemen were Messrs. M. Sheridan, W. Eames, and J. Morrison. The retiring sec., Mr. W. R. Jones, was cordially thanked for his assistance2 .

12 March 1903
Narrango.
(From our Correspondent.)
The building of the local hall has been commenced. Three of our localites are on the job, and the construction being of iron and weather-board, should not take more than a couple of months to complete it. A ready response is being made to the call for extra money needed to finish the building right off. The dimensions are 30ft. by 15ft3 .

26 March 1903
Narrango News.
(From our Correspondent.)
The local Town Hall is now completed, and looks a splendid building. The men engaged on the work lost no time in putting it together. Mr. Jack Thompson superintended the construction department, and without a doubt he did it well4 .

19 May 1903
RYLSTONE
The Narrango Amateur Turf Club at its final meeting shows its healthy condition by its balance sheet, which gave the Club a credit of £10 after everything was cleared. A ball and supper in the Narrango Hall to wind up proceedings duly followed, when the boys from the hills and the mountain lasses had a high old time of it, and went home with the milk in the morning. May 185 .

21 May 1903
Social at Narrango.
(From our Correspondent.)
A social was held at the Narrango Hall on Friday last, organised and arranged by the committee of workers who built the hall. About two to four couples accepted their invitation and the night being suitable then went off very successfully indeed, the floor being in splendid condition. Dancing commenced at 8 o'clock with two intervals for refreshments, and was kept going till daylight, when dancers left thoroughly satisfied with the night's enjoyment. Messrs. B Halpin and McLean supplied music during the night, and Mr. Babbage made an efficient M.C. Mr. Frank Dunn supplied the catering, which was quite up to the excellent character of eatables plied from this establishment, and ladies assisted at the tables. On the whole, those concerned are to be congratulated on a very successful function. The following is a description of dresses: -
Mrs. Doyle ... White
" Sampson ... Black
" J. Thompson ... Black " J. Morrison ... Brown
" Hogan ... Brown
Miss McNamara ... White
" U. Howe ... Pale pink
" R. Morrison ... Blue bodice tricot with lace, and black skirt
" G. Morrison ...White bodice, skirt
" V. Morrison ... Brown
" A. Sampson ... Black
" M. Brown ... Blue bodice, skirt
" J. Sheridan ... White bodice, skirt
" Doyle ... White
" C. Sampson ... Black
" Sampson ... White, with streamers
" A. Sampson ... White, with streamers
" E. Hogan ... Brown
" F. Morrison ... Pink
" L. Writer ... Blue bodice, skirt
" E. Writer ... Blue bodice, skirt
" Ferguson ... Brown6 .

1909

21 October 1909
DANCE.
An enjoyable dance was held in the Narrango hall on Friday night last, there being quite a crowd of dancers present, many coming from Rylstone. The music and floor were good, and the dance hummed merrily along until daylight, when terpsichorean lovers waltzed home in the morning thoroughly satisfied with their night's enjoyment. It is intended to have another of these evenings later on7 .

30 December 1909
GENERAL MEMS.
An enjoyable dance was held in the Narrango Hall on Boxing Night. Quite a large crowd assembled, and the hall was taxed to its utmost8 .

1912

21 March 1912
GENERAL ITEMS.
The secretary of the Narrango hall has made arrangements for the fitting up of a tank and other sundry improvements, which were much needed9 .

1913

17 July 1913
HOSPITAL BALL AT NARRANGO.
A ball in aid of the local hospital successfully eventuated at Narrango hall on Friday evening last. The secretaries to the event, Messrs. H. Sheridan and C. Morrison, had attended to all details, and had everything in apple-pie order, the floor, catering, and music being all that could be desired. Mr. McDonald made an efficient M.C. The total proceeds of the ball amounted to £510 .

1914

26 March 1914
NARRANGO TENNIS BALL.
A ball in aid of the funds of the Narrango Tennis Club successfully eventuated in the Narrango Hall on Friday night, 20th instant. There was a good roll up of dancers, and the committee had everything in apple pie order. The floor was good and the music excellent. The dance was kept going till six o'clock and all present seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The club will net about £3 as a result of the dance11 .

5 November 1914
PATRIOTIC SPORTS AT NARRANGO.
Narrango folk are promoting a day's sport in aid of the Rylstone Patriotic Fund. The secretaries, Messrs. Les Morrison and Arthur King, intend to make the day one of the best held at Narrango, and as the old hamlet has seen a few good ones, that intention should say that the sports will be well worth attending. All sorts of fun and amusement are promised and the day's events will be capped by a ball at night in the Narrango Hall. November 20 is the date, so sports should make a note of it12 .

1915

6 May 1915
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Rev. Mr. Pepper broke new ground last Sunday, when he encircled Nulla Mountain and Narrango into his rounds for the first time. He conducted service at the Narrango Hall on Sunday afternoon to a good congregation. Despite his years, Mr. Pepper is active, and rides on horseback to different parts of his large circuit13 .

8 July 1915
GENERAL ITEMS.
The Rev. Pepper, Presbyterian clergyman in charge of Rylstone Circuit, though advanced in years, gets through his large district on horseback in good style14 .

26 August 1915
Farewell to Narrango Volunteers.
Good Wishes to Soldiers.
A farewell afternoon was tendered to Messrs. Bonnor, C. Connor, Ellis Willis and Dave Smith, at the Narrango Hall on Monday afternoon last. A committee, organised by Mr. Wallace Eames, had charge of the arrangements, and the splendid result reflects credit on Mr. Eames' organising ability and all who assisted. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion, and everything necessary to make the afternoon an enjoyable one was attended to. Upwards of seventy people were present, and the attendance was thoroughly representative of the locality. Mr. Eames occupied the chair, and asked the company to sing "God Save the King." In opening the event he said that the gathering that afternoon had met to tender the Narrango boys a farewell prior to them going into camp; in fact, it was the community's duty to in some way show their feeling towards the lads who were going forward to fight their battles for them. He had known Mr. J. Bonner for 20 years, and the other boys since they were children, and he felt sure they would acquit themselves, creditably wherever they were put. He thought Mrs. Bonnor deserved everybody's consideration, as she had three sons in the war. It certainly was a great credit for any mother to have three brave lads at the front. He thought Narrango had done well, but it was remembered that the freedom that they enjoyed had been won by rivers of blood - fought through centuries of time. He felt sure that the families of those who were going forward to keep the banner of freedom flying would be proud of their boys, and he trusted they would have the opportunity of welcoming them home again.
Mr. W. R. Jones and Mr. T. Thompson supported the toast, which was drunk with musical honors.
Mr. J. Bonnor, on behalf of himself and comrades, said he had to thank them for the manner in which they had received the toast and he hoped they would prove themselves worthy of all the good things that had been said about them.
Mr. W. R. Jones proposed the toast of "The Allies." He said: Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the toast of which I have the honor of proposing is rather a comprehensive one. The greatest part of the World, if not in actual hostility, were opposed to the German onslaught against freedom. Even America, with its mixed population, was on sentiment favoring the Allies. The great war that was shaking the very foundation of the world was being waged with all the ferocity and bitterness it was possible to find in human life. Germany had, by its forty years of preparation, been able to swoop down on Belgium and France, seizing their country and devastating their towns, brutally ill treating their children and outraging their women in a way unequalled by savages in any time. Then they proceeded to attack Russia, and, through the Russian armies being so extended, the Germans, by a swift movement, snapped up War saw, but the Russians, by a masterly retirement, had forestalled the Prussian military staff's plan, and that morning the cables had told us that the Czar's army had pushed their enemies back twenty miles. Warsaw had certainly fallen, but that was nothing. Antwerp, Brussels and many other towns had fallen, but the enemy was being held at points far from their home base, and our boys were battering away at the Dardanelles with the determination to open them up and send relief to the hard-pressed Russian. That accomplished, the march to Berlin would commence through the back door. And, whilst our brave Allies were continually hammering away at the front, there was every possibility that Bulgaria, Roumania and Greece would have joined the Entente. In conclusion, the speaker said he hoped their guests there that afternoon would be amongst the victorious Allied army during that march to victory on German soil.
"The Ladies" was proposed by Mr. C. Richards, who said Narrango should feel proud of its womanhood. The turnout that day was a credit in every way to the ladies of Narrango, and reflected great credit on their catering ability.
Mr. Les. Morrison responded on behalf of the ladies, their health being drunk with musical honors.
"The Mothers" was proposed by Mr. Tom. Thompson, who said: Ladies and gentlemen, I am not here with any prepared speech, but I feel every sympathy with the mothers of the brave boys who are shortly leaving us. They were going to a place where they were likely to be hurt, but he trusted they would escape serious injury.
Mr. P. Page supported the toast, and complimented the mothers on the brave spirits of their sons in volunteering for the front. As the previous speaker had said, they were going to a place where they were likely to be hurt, but they could rest assured they would have plenty of ammunition and cannons with which to hurt the Germans, and Turks with.
The hymn, "God be With You Till We Meet Again," was nicely rendered by the ladies, and after a hearty vote of acclamation to the Chairman, and a final au revoir to the boys, the gathering broke up.
The meeting presented sufficient funds to the committee for the purchase of a good calibre revolver for each volunteer15 .

1916

24 February 1916
FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION.
Narrango public assembled at the Narrango Hall on Wednesday, 16th, to present Mr. Albert King, who has enlisted, with a wristlet watch. The organising was in the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Eames, of Eastwood, and the gathering was in every way representative of the locality. The function was excellent, all details being nicely arranged. The chairman Mr. W. R. Jones, after the toast of "The King," had been honored, proposed 'Our Guest.' He said, Narrango public deserved every credit for the splendid manner it rallied to any worthy effort. He did not wish to dwell on the former gathering of friends in that hall, but he was pleased and happy to see such a representative assemblage to do honor to one of their lads who was about to shoulder the Empire's burden. Their guest, Mr. Albert King, was a native of Narrango, and known in them all. Like all things human the incidents of life had estranged him from some of them, but his action in enlisting had, to the chairman's mind, redeemed all and blotted out the debit side. The great war was calling with an insistent voice on the manhood of the country; its cry came from far, and their young friend was going forth emulating many brave lads who had gone before, and it was for every eligible young man to consider the situation, which was fraught with extreme peril to their national existence. He trusted Mr. King would have a successful career as a soldier at the front, and hoped he would return to them safe and sound, enriched in mind and broadened in ideas that would assuredly give him a higher and better life. Mr. King, in responding, said he thanked the chairman for his kindly sentiments and his friends for their attendance. He hoped that he would be able to give a good account of himself at the front. He was asked what was the best way to tell a man to go to the front, and he replied. "Step up yourself." He again thanked them. Mr. Eames proposed the "Guest's Mother," and dwelt on the great sacrifice mothers had made in the Empire's cause. He trusted Mrs. King's anxiety would be lessened by the good deeds of her son at the front. Mrs. King briefly replied. "Boys at the Front," was proposed by Mr. M. Sheridan, who said the glorious feats performed by the Australians at Anzac had reflected the highest credit on the Australian soldier. "The Allies," was proposed by Mr. T. Thompson, who said that latest events had given them every confidence in the ability of the Allied nations to deal with the Central Powers. "The Ladies," was proposed by Mr. A. Sheridan. He said in view of all the nicely arranged items that afternoon, any words from him were quite superfluous. Narrango ladies needed no flattery. They were all genuine, and knew how to rise to the occasion. The chairman, on behalf of the Narrango residents, then formally presented Mr. King with a handsome wristlet watch. Mr. King suitably responded. "God Save the King" concluded the function16 .

2 November 1916
SOLDIER FAREWELLED.
The residents tendered a farewell to Mr. Tom Writer at the Narrango Hall on Tuesday last. Mr. George Sampson was also invited, but he did not attend. As is customary with the Narrango public, they turned up to a man, and the hall was well filled. Mr. W. Eames was in the chair, and in opening the proceedings, said they had met that afternoon to farewell two local boys who had volunteered, in the persons of Mr. Tom Writer and Mr. George Sampson. He was sorry to say only Mr. Writer was present. He hoped Mr. Sampson's absence was unavoidable. Both young men had been born and reared on Narrango, and he was sure each would render a good account of himself at the front.
Mr. W. R. Jones proposed the toast of "The Mothers," whom, he was sure, the whole community sympathised with in the trying ordeal in which they were passing through. Mothers who had reared their sons in peaceful living, surrounded with all the best that could be had, felt the strain severely at parting with their sons, but the compensation of victory and the performance of an heroic duty was at least a consolation. They could not realise the immensity of this great struggle in which the whole of the Empire's forces were being so severely tested, and they, in common with all parts of the British Dominions must make a sacrifice. He sincerely hoped their sons would return to them full of honor and rich in experience.
Mr. P. Page proposed "The Allies." He said once again they had occasion to render tribute to a brave lad going along to help the Allies who, by all appearances, needed every man and every shilling available. Two years of this awful war had passed and as yet no end was in sight, but the Allies were gaining strength and fighting well, and he felt sure of victory. But they must be united; they must go on to the finish and look for one end - that of ultimate victory.
Mr. Tom Thompson proposed "The Ladies," who, he said, were all playing a noble part in the war. The ladies of Narrango had seconded every effort promoted by the men, and he felt sure their feelings would all continue in the same spirit.
Mr. J. Sheridan proposed "The Boys at the Front." He said they all understood the terrible times their brave lads at the front were enduring. The sacrifice they were making would be an imperishable monument to their names and families. Many would die in the fight for their country's liberty, but he trusted good luck would follow the boys at the front and few casualties attend them.
The chairman, in being unable to make the customary presentation, said it was due to the short notice given of the intended departure of their soldiers, but he assured them that such would be sent along to them.
Private Writer said he had to thank them very much for the honor accorded him that afternoon. He felt it his duty to volunteer. He could only hope that he would prove worthy of their good wishes. He would do his best, and would appreciate their token of esteem and cherish it as a memento of the friends whom he had lived with all his life.
The singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close17 .

1918

25 April 1918
Narrango Hospital Ball.
The ball in aid of the Rylstone Hospital successfully eventuated in the Narrango Hall on Friday last. Mr. Dave King and a committee had worked the event up, and their efforts were rewarded by a packed hall. Dancing commenced at 8 o'clock and continued till daylight, everyone having a good time. Songs, etc., were interspersed, and the night proved a very pleasant one. About £10 will be netted for the hospital18 .

6 June 1918
Farewell at Narrango
The friends of Miss Flora Morrison, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Morrison, of The Park, tendered her a farewell in the Narrango Hall on Friday last. The event took the form of a social evening. Mr. W. R. Jones, on behalf of the gathering, paid a tribute to their guest's worth, and wished her all prosperity in her new life.
Mr. L. Morrison, on behalf of his sister, thanked the gathering for their token of esteem and kindly feeling. Dancing was continued until 2 o'clock, Messrs. Bonner, H. King, and Taylor supplying the music. Mr. M. Donoghue made an efficient M.C19 .

1932

21 November 1932
THE NARRANGO HOP
(To the Editor).
Sir, - Kindly permit me space here to comment upon the senseless behaviour of some person or persons who attended the dance in aid of the queen candidate which took place in the Narrango Hall recently. They were not content with having displayed their ignorance by the drawings and insulting remarks on the blackboards referring to our local school teacher, but went further in destroying a dish which was left there for the use of the school children. A lot of other refuse was left about the hall. If they were so eager to express their mean opinions why did they not go face to face with Miss Clark, thereby giving her an opportunity to defend herself. They have shown that utter ignorance and disrespect for other people's belongings. If those responsible have anything to say for themselves I would be pleased to hear from them, either through these columns or personally. - I am. etc., MRS A. S. KING. Syndiroi, Olinda P.O., via Rylstone20 .

1933

13 April1933
CRICKET CLUB DANCE.
Cox's Creek cricket club will benefit to the extent of about £10 as the result of their annual dance, held in the Narrango Hall on Friday evening last. Dancing continued from 3 p.m. till 3 a.m. to the strains of music supplied by Messrs Jack Jones (accordeon), and Chas. Lang (bagpipes), whilst Mr. Don. Rogers acted as M.C. In his efficient style. A novelty dance was won by Mr. Rogers and Miss Tiny Bowles, whilst competitions were held for a case of fruit (won by Mr. Hussey) and a very attractive supper cloth, Miss P. Hobby securing the latter. One of the evening's attractions was a "sword dance" skilfully executed by "Pataudi" Rogers, to the skirl of the pipes of the Mr. Lang21 .

8 June 1933
M. UNITY LODGE DANCE
A goodly crowd turned up and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the Rylstone Rose Lodge dance held in the Narrango hall on Friday, June 2. Dancing commenced at 7.30. and continued until early morn, the crowd reluctantly leaving at 3 a.m. Novelty dances were won by Mr. W. Currey and Miss E. Black. Mr. Tib Currey and Miss Bowles, whilst the Lucky Nose was secured by Mr. Jim Charles. Music was supplied by Bro. L. Cassell and Mr. Cyril McDonald. Mr. Jack Jones very kindly playing several extras Bro. Don Rogers acted as M.C. The Lodge members desire to warmly thank Mrs. Davis for her valued assistance, and the Bonner boys for their great work in fixing up the hall. Mrs. Davis is always a tower of strength when a dance is held at Narrango, and gives her assistance wholeheartedly. Bros. brought along a bus load of patrons from Rylstone, and assisted in making the dance a success22 .

6 July 1933
TENNIS CLUB DANCE.
THE Garden Vale-Olinda Tennis Club's annual dance, held in the Narrango hall on Friday evening, June 30, was a wonderful success, close upon £12 being netted after all expenses were paid, and the band of willing workers comprising the committee are to be complimented upon the manner in which they carried out their arduous duties. The hall was decorated in artistic style with streamers and balloons, with masses of green fern adorning the walls, and presented a very nice sight. Music was supplied by Messrs. Cyril McDonald (violin) and J. Jones (accordeon), whilst Messrs. Bird, J. Bonner and L. Cassell kindly gave extras. Cox's bus ran from Rylstone, and numerous cars brought many dancers from all parts of the district. Several dances and competitions were held during the evening, the following being amongst the winners: - Five-tiered cake, Mr. Eames; silver dish, Mr. Williamson; tea cosy, Miss M. Bonner; box of chocolates, Mr. Art King and Miss Bird; spot waltz, Mr. W. Cox and Miss Jones. Supper was served at midnight, and dancing continued until after 4 a.m. Truly, the Olinda folk know how to stage a great evening's fun. During supper Mr. Jack Jones sang, and Mr. Tib Currie recited. These Items were much appreciated23 .

3 August 1933
AMUSEMENTS.
A VERY successful dance was held in the Narrango hall on Friday last by the Cox's Creek Tennis Club, and, although the weather was far from pleasant, a large crowd attended the event24 .

1934

22 February 1934
DANCE
A VERY successful dance was held in the Narrango hall last Friday night in aid of the Cox's Creek Cricket Club. The club will benefit to the amount of about £7. The music supplied by Messrs. O'Brien, Garland and Agnew was very good25 .

9 August 1934
NARRANGO HALL
ANOTHER dance is to be held at Narrango on Friday night, the proceeds to be devoted to the fund for enlarging the premises. A good night's fun is always assured patrons at this lively country centre26 .

13 August 1934
MORE BUILDINGS
TENDERS close with Mr. H. Hardwick not later than August 31 for the erection of shop premises for Mr. I. Adams, while August 24 is the last day on which tenders may be lodged for the building of a hall at Narrango. Particulars concerning the latter job may be obtained from Mr. F. Bowles, Olinda27 .

30 November 1934
THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908.
PROCLAMATION.
(L.S.)
PHILIP GAME,
Governor.
IT is hereby notified that the provisions of Part II of the abovementioned Act shall be applied to the premises specified in the appended Schedule.
Signed and sealed at Sydney, this 20th day of November, 1934.
By His Excellency's Command,
FRANK A. CHAFFEY.
GOD SAVE THE KING!
Schedule.
Locality and Name of Hall.
Narrango - Narrango Hall. (6347)28 .

1936

6 January 1936
SPORTS AT NARRANGO.
JUST 90 cases were on the pleasure ground at Narrango for the sports meeting on Boxing Day, when everything went off without a hitch. At night the hall was crowded with dancers and the committee are very pleased with the financial result29 .

1941

14 August 1941
NARRANGO SOLDIER HONORED.
Over 100 people were present at the Narrango Hall on Thursday night last to honor Pte. Tommy Eames. Mr. O. Crossley made presentations on behalf of the Welfare Unit and local residents. The latter was a tobacco pouch with far better stuff than tobacco in it. A great night was spent in dancing, and the ladies supplied a nice supper30 .

1942

26 November 1942
NEWS ITEMS
The Narrango Hall was well filled on Saturday night last, the occasion being a send-off to Cpl. Darcy Morrison, R.A.A.F. Everyone present had a great night's fun, but it was not much fun trying to get home after the big storm31 .

1950

18 August 1950
THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908-1946. -
PROCLAMATION.
(L.S.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor.
IT is hereby notified that Part II of the above-cited Act shall no longer apply to the public hall specified in the appended Schedule, as such public hall has ceased to be used for public entertainment purposes.
Signed and sealed at Sydney, this twenty-sixth day of April, 1950.
By His Excellency's Command,
C. H. MATTHEWS.
GOD SAVE THE KING!
Schedule.
Narrango Hall, Narrango. (5996)32 .

1954

1 April 1954
Social at Narrango
A highly successful social evening was held on Saturday, March 27, at Narrango Hall, organised by the supporters of Mr. Wal. Hayman, popular hotelkeeper of Rylstone, to assist his candidature in the Popular Man competition, the proceeds of which go to the Rylstone Swimming Pool fund. The programme included dancing and games, and a generous supper was served. Generous Gesture. During the course of the evening, Mr. A. W. Gettens, of Gettens Bros., offered to donate 50 sheep to be auctioned to assist Mr. Hayman's candidature. He asked other graziers in the district to do the same, and as a result donations were made by Messrs. Les. Mills, Dusty Ireland and Harvey Meers, bringing the figure to 75. A Dutch auction, in which the highest bid was made by Mr. Harvey Meers, brought in a further £533 .

20 May 1954
PERSONAL
The first function in aid of the Rylstone Young Anglican queen candidate, Miss Mary Muffet, will be a dance to be held in the Narrango Hall on Saturday next34 .

1957

14 June 1957
THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908-1954. -
PROCLAMATION.
(L.S.) J. NORTHCOTT, Governor.
IT is hereby notified that the provisions of Part II of the Theatres and Public Halls Act, 1908-1954, shall be applied to the premises specified in the Schedule hereunder.
Signed and sealed at Sydney, this fifth day of June, 1957. By His Excellency's Command, C. A. KELLY.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
Schedule.
Narrango Hall, Narrango. (5575)35 .

1972

14 July 1972
THEATRES AND PUBLIC HALLS ACT, 1908,
AS AMENDED - PROCLAMATION
(L.S.) A. R. CUTLER, Governor.
I, Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, Governor of the State of New South Wales, with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the provisions of the Theatres and Public Halls Act, 1908, as amended, do, by this my Proclamation, declare that the provisions of Part II of the said Act shall no longer apply to the public halls specified in the Schedule.
Signed and sealed at Sydney, this twenty-eighth day of June, 1972.
By His Excellency's Command,
E. A. WILLIS.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
Schedule
Narrango Hall, Narrango36 .

References