THE PRICE OF A WAR MEMORIAL IS SUBJECT OF DEBATE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 93, 8 September 1950, Page 5

THE PRICE OF A WAR MEMORIAL IS SUBJECT OF DEBATE

Argument as to what sum it should be aimed to secure resulted, at the meeting of the Whakatane War Memorial Organising Committee on Tuesday night in a decision to make the object £3O 000, including subsidy from the Department of Internal Affairs. Discussion began when Dr Cole moved that the sum be £20,000, which, said the chairman, Mr H. G. Warren, should be obtainable when donations, including that of the Bay of Plenty Winter Show Association, were taken into account.

Mr G. A. Wilkes moved an amendment that the object be £25,000 and this was followed by an amendment, moved by Mr Hurndell that it be £30,000. There was talk in a lighter vein, of £40,000.

Mr A. J. Canning pointed out Thai, when he had suggested £20,000, he had been considered to be aimmg too high. From his experience 'of raising money in the district, he said, £20,000 should be the maximum sought.

Mr Hurndell’s amendment was eventually carried as the motion. Mr L. D. Lovelock remarked that, to secure £30,000 inclusive of subsidy, nearly £20,000 would need to be collected.

A LAYMAN’S CONCEPTION OF A CENTRE

(By W.W.T.)

Two distinct views of what a Community Centre is are emerging in Whakatane. The most popular is that which sees it as a. recreation, social and meeting hall. The other is that which sees it as a centre of education and culture, directed by the Education Department. Though this matter of control is beginning to enter largely into discussions, it is, at this stage, not particularly relevant. A Community Centre subsidised as a War Memorial must, says the law, be controlled by the local authority—in this case the Whakatane Borough Council—so that is that, whoever may direct it for the controlling authority. Too often the term “Community Centre” is used with no conception of meaning whatever. Indeed, its meaning will never be clearly defined and it would be good to see it disappear. In Whakatane, the idea is prevalanent that such a Centre is a glorified town hall. But it is more than that. This limited idea is the result of war memorial subsidisation.

My memory goes back to the early 1930’s when, at Rangiora, J. E. Strachan tried to introduce a centre of adult study and culture which would incorporate a library, a music emporium an art gallery, an auditorium, as well as lesser features. His idea spread by way of Oxford (Canterbury) to Feilding and thence, sponsored by the Education Department, to all parts of New Zealand. Strachen. was principal of Rangiora High School and he saw his centre as an associate of his school. His Centre never came into being at Rangiora but its conception has become the forerunner of an important development in our education movement, with particular reference to adult education.

Whoever may direct the Whakatane Centre, there is no reason at ali why this conception cannot be at least partly incorporated. Indeed it would be a vast pity if it were not Today’s big need in Whakatane may be a meeting and recreation hail but the educative idea need not be lost sight of. The ideal Community Centre for this town would be a real Centre—• a hub for the wheel of study, administration and recreation.