The staff of the Hutt Valley Workshops certainly lived up to their reputation for capacity to do things well when their Social Hall was opened on the 15th July.

Skilled craftsmen had helped to make the large hall a bower of delight. A thousand coloured electrics shone through the graceful fronds of giant fern trees. A panoramic view of sea and seashore gave the impression that the glass-like floor ran out upon the beach. It was a great night for the girls; for though the brawny builders of locomotives and wagons rolled up in full strength, a large proportion of them appeared to be unattached, and there were always many men looking on when every lady was skimming through the mazes of the latest thing in “hops.” A fine spirit of hospitality and comradeship was found from the Workshops Manager (Mr. Walworth) right down through all the members of his staff, and had its effect in making all the guests thoroughly enjoy the evening.

The inclusion of social halls at places where large numbers of railwaymen are employed is, of course, part of the scheme for fostering the social and educational intercourse of the railway staffs. This commodious social hall of the Hutt Valley Workshops was officially opened by the Minister of Labour (Hon. W. A. Veitch) in the absence from Wellington of the Minister of Railways (Hon. W. B. Taverner).

Apologies for non-attendance were received from the Prime Minister (Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward), the Minister of Defence (Hon. T. M. Wilford), and the Leader of the Opposition (Right Hon. J. G. Coates).