OTAKI PATRIOTIC COMMTTIEE

Chronicle (Levin), 5 August 1946, Page 2

OTAKI PATRIOTIC COMMTTIEE

FINE WORK ACCOMPLISHED Without doubt one of the best working committees ever formed in Otaki was the Otaki Patriotic Committee and residents, not only of the town but of the whole district, realise the excellent work done. Not only did the committee work assiduously .but it found enjoyment for all, at the same time giving fitting farewells to the many "soldiers who went overseas and entertaining them on their return. Function after f unction was well attended and conducted on lines that did credit for those responsible. The chairman, Mr. R-. T. Mortiboy, and the joint seeretaries, Messrs. Fred Edwards and Ray Bills, proved the right officers in the right place, and nothing was left undone in seeing that all entertainments were well organised and thoroughly carried out. They had the backing of a hardworking committee and a body of men who took pride in their work, denying themselves pleasure in catering for others. The various dances held were most successful. and.it was gratifying to know that. the committee had support from various parts of the district, residents attending in full force, and speaking highly of the fine management and of the good the committee was accomplishing. ; The flnal meeting of the commit;tee was held at the residence of :Mr. and Mrs. Mortiboy on Friday inight, when finances were given consideration. Receipts fi-om 1941 ;to,.1946 were no less than £2721 6s 4d, a most creditable total. The expenses totalled £1681 8s, thus showing the handsome profit of £1039 18s 4d. The amount paid out for parcels for soldiers was £137 2s 10d and to the minesweeper fund £i3. Sums were paid at various times to the executive, as follows: £88 6s 6d, £300, £200, £11 3s 6d and £48 4s 3d, and to the Women 's War Service Auxiliary £20 12s 8d, a total of £912 4s. The committee has in hand the sum of £156 9s 3d, which will be handed to the executive this week. Plus this amount mere are assets valued at £20. These will be taken over by the Beach pavilion Committee.' • The victory ball, which proved such a great social success, was the means of attracting residents from various parts of the district between Wellington and Palmerston Northr>^Thj9,fieaeipts^were £121 17s 6d ahd'thb expenditure £108 4s lOd. At the conclusion of the meeting mention was made by various members pf the fine work done by Mr. Mortiboy. -Mr. Southgate, in moving a vote of appreciation, paid high tribute to Mr. Mortiboy's excellent work, and the amount of time he had spent for the good ot all concerned. He considered Mr. Mortiboy had proved the right man in the right place. Mr. Mortiboy had devoted a great deal of his time to-the committee's cause, and it- was pleasing to know that he iiad received assistance from various members of the committee. • The motion was seconded by Mr. Fred Edwards, who also spoke in complimentary terms of the' excellent work accomplished oy Mr. Mortiboy, who had proved a most efficient chairman. JMr. Edwards also spoke of the help given . by Mrs. Mortiboy, it being due to. her help that Mr. Mortiboy ' had accomplished such aood results.

Applause greeted the remarks of Messrs. Southgate and Edwards. Mr. Mortiboy, in reply, considered that he had only done his duty. To the eommittee he paid a glowing tribute, considering it was the fine'st committee he had had the

pleasure of working with in Otaki. It. was gratifying to know that the committee's efforts had' been erowned with success. This he considered sufficient reward, ahhough he appreciated the remarks kindly made. Supper was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Mortiboy, and a very pleasant | evening was spent. Many remin- 1 isc'eiices of the past were related and enjoyed, and it was a happyj gathering that Uisbanded at a I later hour. During the evening it was agreed ! by the committee that help be given ; Ihe Beach Paviiion Committee, which, despite assistance received n t the time of the carnival, was in debit to the extent of £80. The jommittee desired to give assistance, and .after discussion it was agreed That the social committee eqmmunicate with the Progressive AssoCiation's Committee with a view of combining to work ofl'-.the amount owing. It was agreed tliat Mrs. 'Fred Edwards and Messrs. -E. and H. Taylor and Mr. T. W. Synnott be added to the social committee, it being reeognised that these persons had done good work in the past. Wlves of the committeemen were present at The meeting. -During the evening Mr. Bunnv Carkeek, representative of the Maori race, paid a well-deserveci tributf to the splendid work done by Messrs. Fred Edwards and -Ray Bills, joint seeretaries of the social committee. He made reference tc the - amount of time expended, oi the fine work done otherwise, and considered that the committer could not have had more capabP seeretaries. The remarks wert endorsed by others and suitably acknowledged by Mr. Edwards. Mr. Bills had been unfortunately detained in Wellington, and an

■ * •• ■ • • i apology .was feceived . for his absence. Mr. and Mrs; Carkeek gave vocal items during the evening which were appfeciated, after - which Mr. and Mrs. Mortiboy were warmly I tlianked for entertaining those ! present. The public. no doubt, will join in j •xtending congratulations to the Patriotic Committee and endorsing -he remarks made to its officers, To the public who so generously ;upported the committee's efforts 1 Jiroughout the war years tlianks! ire also due. j Dancc io be Held ' j It has now been decided to hold a lance on August 16 at the Raiiway Ball, the money raised to be given cowards paying off the deficit on the beach._.pa.yili.on^ - -