OPEN-AIR HOME FUND.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14972, 20 May 1914, Page 10

OPEN-AIR HOME FUND.

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE,

The Executive Committee appointed in connexion with the work of raising funds for the proposed open-air home for children met yesterday, Mr l>. Hamber presiding, in the absence of the Mayor (Mr H. Holland), over a good attendance.

Mesclames Bingham and W. S. King, tho Rev. J. J. North, and Messrs L. M. leitt, M.P., and E. Nordon were added to tho comnut-tee.

Mr C. T;' Aschman reported on bohalf of tho Bub-committeo set up to consider ways and means of raising funds for the project, , that, it was recommended '. that ■ various committees should be set up for the purpose of canvassing and carrying out the necessary, work of the campaign. Entertainments, Schools, District, Country and other Committees would each be allotted their sphere of work. The city would bo divided roughly into four districts for the purpose of canvassing. He detailed the work which each committee was expected to undertake. Tho recommendations were adopted and Uie various committees appointed.

Stress was laid on the necessity for securing the services of several energetic workers for each district. The secretary (Mr C. W. Hervey) reported that a concert would be held in aid of the fund on Saturday next in tho King's Theatre, and a firstclass programme had Ijeen arranged. It was resolved that the method of obtaining, subscriptions in tho city and districts be by means of a house-to-house collection. Street collections would be held in the country centres.

A suggestion was made that a fixed sum bo stated ac the amount necessary to be collected. Br. Blackmore estimated that £3000 would bo necessary for the site and buildings, and it was resolved to recommend the Mayor -in his appeal to the public to include this siwn'in his statement in addition to tho Government subsidy. Miss Old wrote suggesting the holding of. tango teas in private drawing rooms as a means of raising funds. She had an offer from a lady and a gentleman' who would dance,' and wished to know the committee's decision immediately, as after the next fortnight they would have less time at their disposal. —The letter was referred to the Entertainment Committee.

The <-h airman stated that- the Mayor had interviewed. all the local picture theatre managers regardinsr benefit performances to assist the fund.

Tho Mayor, who arrived later, stated th.ifc the manager of tho Queen's Theatre had prorrisod a benefit unconditionally; but the other, local managers had referred the readiest to their head offices in Wellington, and expected favonrable replies. He had not vet prepared his appeal, but would issue it within a day or two.

Tt was decided tn recommend the Entertair.mont Committee to .inproanh the Lytteitoii Marine Band with a request to ffive a benefit performance in the Gardens.

A motion of sympathy• was nasppcTin connexion with the death of Mrs Townend, who had been a strong supporter of the solioTie.