OHOPE IMPROVEMENTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 101, 15 December 1939, Page 5

OHOPE IMPROVEMENTS

CHILDREN'S PLAYING AREA

GENEROUS OFFER OF 125

The activities of the Qhope Ratepayers' Association were discussed at last Tuesday's meeting when the chairman, Mr Bullen, stated that though it existed for the interests of individual ratepayers the poor sense of co-operation by members had been most discouraging. It had been hoped to effect numerous improvements by working bees and community efforts, but thesie had been most farcical by the complete indifference of many members towards improving their facilities.

A number of tenants present, offered their services in the interests of the settlement, and asked if there was any way whereby they could be made members.

The chairman pointed out the difficulty of admitting such persons owing to the fact that they were not section holders. He promised however to bring the matter up with a view to going into the possibilities, and expressed ii as his opinion that there should be some method of' combining all) parties in the common interest of the Reach.

Mr Runnerstrum instanced the apathy of the past, by stating that he had offered to subsidise ,£SO for the purpose of setting up a suitably equipped children's playground, providing ten other ratepayers suDscribed £5 each. There had not been one single response, and so he had withdrawn his offer.

In reply to a question as to whether he would be willing to offer £25, if fifty others subscribed £1 each Mr Fiunnerstvum replied in the affirmative. As a result £8 was subscribed in the room, while offers were also received from a number of others whopromised to assist by raising the cash by socials. Mr Greagor offered the Captain's Cabin hall free for adance, and Mr Rayner undertook to assist organise a dance. Further efforts will be made to get further dontaions.

There v.'as- a distinct note of enthusiasm and it was decided to approach representatives of the original Progress League with a view toseeking their co-operation by releasing their funds for the purpose of developing the Strand and foreshore.

Mr MeCready promised to investigate the position of a further sum of approximately £50 lying in the General Fund te the credit of Ohope.

In moving a vote of thanks to Mr McCready for his trouble in coming out to meet ratepayers, Mr Runnerstrum expressed the opinion that Ohope would 'now shake itself up a bit' and by the co-operation of its residents proceed to make better progress in future.