MEMORIAL HALL SITE

Chronicle (Levin), 1 April 1949, Page 2

MEMORIAL HALL SITE

Long Discussion Reveals Change Of Opinion !; That there is now a fairly deflnite swing of public opinion in favour of Otaki's Memorial Hall being separated from any project to provide additional sportfe areas was revealed at a meeting of the Otaki War Memorial Society last nighd The meeting, wnich lasted three hours, saw many views advanced, all present taking part in the discussions. Following the raising of a large sum of money it had been anticipated that the meeting might be in the nature of a prenminary skirmisn, and Mr. H. W. Hakaraia early charged the chairman, Mr. C. F. Atmore, wUh stonewalling and questioned the minutes which were read. The chairman read the recommendations contained in a communication from the UnderSecretary of Internal Aifairs giving the decision of its offlcers, who had been asked to inspect and report on the sites availabie, in favour of the extension of the present domain. Mr. Hakaraia' objected, stating that the Otaki BoPough Councii had accepted a recommendation to acquire land in the vicinity of the courthouse. He considere'd that the resolution should have been dealc with by the councii. The chairman repfled that the acceptance was subject to the approval of any plan by the Internal Affairs Department, as stated in the minutes, and that the communication from the department reopened the discussion. Mr. Hakaraia then made his stonewalling charge and stated that he would go with a deputalion to the Minister and the Prime Minister. He then left the meeting. Views were freely advanced for and a^ainst the extension of the present domain, and for and against the acquiring of the land adjacent to the courthouse. It was generally agreed, however, that a decision regarding a memorial hall should be no longer delayed. Suggestions fo.r the apportionment of monies raised between the hall and sports area 'wefp put forward. Following a notice of motion to rescind the resolution before the councii in the lignt of the recommendations from the linternal Affairs Department, the meeting was adjourned to allow representaiives to rediscuss tne various malters brought forward with various organisations. The next meeting was fixed for April 12. A