WAR MEMORIAL FOR OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 21 August 1946, Page 2

WAR MEMORIAL FOR OTAKI

REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING OF DELEGATES A well-attended meeting of delegates from various sports bodies and other organisations was held in the Borough Cha'mbers last night, the Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, presiding. , There was a free and full discussion on various matters connected with the proposed war memorial, after which it was decided to hold a furtlier meeting on Tuesday, September 3, when it was expected that even a larger meeting would result, and all bodies would be represented. Organisations not represented last night forwarded apologies, but it was deemed unsatisfactory, it being considered advisable that all branches of sport and other bodies should be represented, either by one or two delegates. Mr. Atmore, after extending a welcome to all present, stated that Mr. Ray Bills had agreed to take the minutes of the meeting. He considered that an appointment of a secretary should be made, and remuneration should be agreed upon to whoever was appointed. It was decided that a society be formed and incorporated, while the Mayor' and Messrs. Mortiboy and Edhouse were appointed to draw up riiles to be submitted to a meeting. Various suggestions were inaoe as to the form of building that should be erected, some favouring a hall, others a gymnasium, or development of the domain, it being hoped that addii-ional land adjoining might be -secured, although in this respect representation had been made to Mr. D'Ath without effect. . However, it was considered by some that tnis diflieulty 'might be overcome. While some favoured a gymnasium and others a hall, it was considered that the two would not combine, and that dancing could not be indulged in on a floor where sports bodies held activities. There was a diversity of opinion on this, nnd various suggestions were made. Some favoured holding the matter in abeyance till a fuller meeting had been arranged so that all bodies represented could give an opinion. It was also stated that while some considered that the Raiiway Hall was likely to be lost to the town, others thought this might not eventuate, but it was generally thought that this building m any case would be unsuitable. It wns pointed out that if a gymnasium was erected the Government would give a subsidy for such a building. It was also thought that before a dcfinito decision- was arrived at an appeal should be made for money, and when this was accomplished it could then be decided as to wliat form the memorial would take, the size of such structure, etc.. All wbuld depend on the amount raised. It was finally agreed that a gymnasium would be the most suitable form of building if erected on the domain, or on land adjoining. An appeal for funds was well supported. It was decided that a further meeting of represcntatives be held on Tuesday, September 3, at 7.30 p.m., when it was hoped that all bodies in the town would be represented.