CLUB MEETINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 April 1921, Page 3

CLUB MEETINGS

i The executives of the Returned Sol- ‘ diers and Overseas Club met on Saturday night to consider the question of rooms’ accommodation. As some reference to the matter had appeared in the 1 press, it was resolved to communicate a report of the meeting to the local news- ' paper | i ()n behalf of the Returned feoldieis, a deputation reported that Mx Coulson | (who had requested possession of the premises at the end of this month) had declined to sell the building, and that no advance had been made in legard to any possible negotiations, i On behalf of the Overseas Club, Mr Evans reported that when entering into . i possession of the building in 1916, Mr | Coulson had agreed to sell, and that 'offer had not been withdrawn; but that twice in the intervening period the rent had been raised. When the building was procured by the Overseas Club : it was decided to set apart the prin- j cipal room as a Soldiers’ Club, and that had been done throughout—the soldiers having the use of the premises free of charge. The Overseas Club had spent some £35 in adapting the ' building to requirements, and up to J March had paid about £2OO in rent. It appeared that another tenant who was offering more money had become available and Mr Coulson was disposed to accept the new tenant. After giving notice to leave the premises Mr Coulson had notified Mr Evans that the Overseas could remain in possession if the rent was increased from the present amount of £l, to £2 per week. When this offer went before the joint executives, Messrs Sellers and Evans had been deputed to wait on the new tenant likely to succeed the Overseas and the position was explained: first that no other suitable building was available, and second that the new tenancy would mean the ejectment of the soldiers. Promptly a reply was given that the new tenant would not think, of such action, and agreed to notify Mr Coulson accordingly. Then followed the overtures from the Returned Soldiers to purchase the premise, and these ware futile. The matter was discussed freely, in the course of which the Returned Soldier representatives took exception to the published statement by Mr Cbulsin that an effort was being made to discredit his candidature for municipal honors, and it was resolved to forward a : disclaimer to the press. | Ultimately it was resolved that an | effort to purchase the building be made 1 by the Overseas Club under its original leasing terms, at the price fixed, namely, £SOO, or at a sum not exceeding £6OO, as shall lie fixed by local arbitrators Hon Michel, and Messrs Perry : and Aitken being named as suggested 1 persons to deal with the equities of the case. j Meantime, the Returned Soldiers c.vI pressed a desire to remain in possession jof the premises till such time as the i matters in dispute could bo adjusted. | The meeting then concluded. ■Y.V-. **> •BKJWJ i.VUV uU urn Art-r^