MUNCIPAL HALL FOR OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 6 September 1947, Page 2

MUNCIPAL HALL FOR OTAKI

■' 4 FURTHER MOYEMENT MADE . That Otaki is badly in need of a hall was ;shown ' at a meeting held in the Borough Couneil chambers on Thursday night, the Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, presiding. There was an attendance ,of between twenty and thirty persons. . M'ost sports bodies and in§titutions were represented. The Mayor, after extending . a welcome, reported what had been done in the past, reading the various resolutions and stating that rules had been incorporated. The Government's proposals were also read. It was then stated that the 14-roomed residence of the late Mr. Barber at Te' Horo had been offered to the committee at a reasonable price, and, if purchased, could be moved in sections. It was immediately suggested that the building be secured and erected in Otaki as a war memorial, it being stated that the amount of timber in the building would build a large place. To raise funds for the purchase of the structure it was proposed that concerts be organised, ,and that outside talent, as well as local talent, be secured. It was considered that by' these means a good deal of money could be raised, and at the same time an appeal . for donations could be made. The question of a committee to manage coneerts, etc., was discussed, and-it was admitted that such entailed much hard work and a good deal of time. Mr. R. T. Mortiboy was appointed to act as chairman of the committee, while it was decided to ask Mr. Rae Bills and Mr. Fred Edwards to act as joint' secretaries for the memorial movement. After further discussion Mr. E. J. Cook moved that the war memorial take the fprm of a community centre and this was carried unanimously. The removal of the building was discussed and it was decided that various carpenters of the town' be asked to give- assistance', it being considered that if voluntary labour was secured much good work could be carried out- by these experienced men at low cost. It _.was agreed that -the matter be pushed forward without delay. The matter of a suitable section was discussed, and it was hoped that one in a central position could be obtained. .