XMAS AND NEW YEAR CARNIVAL FOR WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 16, 5 November 1948, Page 5

XMAS AND NEW YEAR CARNIVAL FOR WHAKATANE

“In the past we people here in Whakatane have .perhaps done a bit too well and have been inclined to ■forget the visitors who come to our town during the holidays,” said the chairman, Mr C. L. Jordan, opening a meeting of the Whakatane Christmas Carnival Committee in Whakatane last night. “It is for us to entertain visitors so that they may leave the town with a good impression. “Whatever is done is for the benefit of Whakatane as a whole. Every business’ profits.” Mr Jordan said that often he had met people in the town who had complained of there being nothing to do and had gone off to Rotorua or Tauranga. This was a big loss to. the town. Mr Jordan was explaining how the committee first grew and its work. He then asked those present, (there were 13) to decide whether they wanted a carnival. Mr H. G. Warren moved that a carnival' be held. This motion was carried unanimously. Mr Warren was then elected to the chair. He said it was all right criticising the citizens of Whakatane, but in last year’s arrangements there had been some unpleasantness, which had cooled the enthusiasm of many people. He was sdre Whakatane* would rise and support the carnival when arrangements were got under way. Little actual business could be done. HoWever, future possible plans were, discussed while Mr Warren emphasised the importance of adequate funds. At present the asociation had only £l4 12s in the bank but Mr Warren added that he did not think much difficulty would be met in raising the required amount. Events for each day are planned during both the Christmas and New Year holidays. Suggestions are being received and finality on a number of questions will be reached at the next meeting. However, preliminary plans are under preparation and the ball is rolling. If the association receives the support it should, Whakatane will be a gay town during the holidays. , This meeting was the second called of the asociation, the first one lapsing for lack of support. Officers elected were:—

Chairman, Mr H. Warren; treasurer, Mr R. Morpeth; publicity officer, Mr C. Kingsley-Smith; executive committee, all present; Maori organiser, Mr K. Kotene.