OHOPE’S FUTURE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 93, 1 July 1946, Page 5

OHOPE’S FUTURE

FORMATION OF PROGRESS LEAGUE

' .AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING

A representative meeting of over seventy ratepayers, residents and others interested in the affairs and future welfare of Ohope, took place in the Captain's Cabin Hall last Thursday evening for the purpose of forming a Progress League. The enthusiasm which prompted the large attendance was unmistakable and an atmosphere of genuine interest in the many problems confronting the beach was apparent throughout.

In a brief address, indicating the opinions of the elder residents of the beach, Mr T. P. Dowling stated that the attendance at the meeting that night showed a greater interest in Ohope than had ever been displayed before. He had already had the opportunity of comparing the proposed constitution of the new League, should such be formed, with that of the old Ratepayers’ Association, and could definitely say that it was much better in all respects. Mr G. E. Mahy expressed his sentiments in the same vein.

Rating and Expenditure

Prior to the resolution to form the League, Mr H. C. McCready, the Riding member for Ohope, gave a brief outline of the general position of the beach with regard to rates collected and moneys expended. The General Rate, he said, realised £312 5s 2d; Conversion Loan rate £IOB Is 9d; Harbour Board Loan £72; Hospital Rate £228; making a total of £720. The expenditure included £329 spent on roading, £lB on lighting, £3 on the Otirawairere track and £IOO to the Domain Board.

The general exclamation of surprise which went round the meeting on the completion of the reading of the above figures left no doubt as to the query as to where all the money had gone. “You want money spent on the Ijeach, but where are we to get the fenoney from in the first place,” inquired Cr McCready. “From these ■figures and your own observations, lyou 'can see just exactly what has ■been spent, and what you have got |tfor your money. It can’t be helped though. With the present ‘4O-hour blight’ you get very little for your money anywhere.”

y r of League

r - wsa&e&-*t questions relating to rating, particularly connected with the ‘one to fifty-eight’ stretch had been discussed, it was -decided to proceed with the formation of the League. Accordingly, it was resolved that such a body be formed, to bear the name of The Ohope Progress League. Officers were elected as under:— Chairman: Mr Cobb. Secretary-Treasurer: Mr E. R. Marryatt. Hon. Auditor: Mr I. B. Hubbard. Committee: Messrs. C. H. Brebner, G. E. Mahy, Clarke, W. G. Hurst, ;F. W. Lysaght, Nunn, McCowan, Herdman and Armstrong. A resolution to incorporate the body was passed.

Objects

In the draft constitution which was presented for any necessary amendment, and approval, stress was laid upon the following objects: (1) To promote the welfare and advancement of Ohope; (2) To develop the beach as a resort. Membership was extended to all residents and ratepayers of the beach, with a proviso for others, who could be nominated and elected. The annual subscription was fixed at 2/6.

In the general business which fol- . lowed, several points including the dedication of a road along the frontages of ‘one to fifty-eight’f erosion, fire protection, transport services, and suggestions for beautifying the beach were discussed, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks . to Mr McCready for his attendance, -and the information he had supplied.