THE BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 3

THE BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

AN APPEAL. (To the Editor). Sir,—Will you allow me sufficient space in your columns to make an appeal for continued financial assistance for tins Society. Three years ago it was formed for the purpose of co-operating with the Borough Council in improving Cass and Macandrew Squares. Tho first act of the Society was to approach the Council and suggest that a permanent working caretaker should he appointed and that wo should undertake to find half the salary of £ls per month. This was arranged and Mr 11. Haile was appointed. Tho system has worked satisfactorily. Owing to the liberal support received from the citizens the Society has not only been able to pay half the caretaker’s salary hut lias been enabled to employ a considerable amount of additional labor to assist the caretaker and the condition of Cass and Macandrew Squares show that a large amount of good work has been done.

The total sum received during the three years has amounted to about 1770. Of this amount no less than 1250 was handed in by Mrs Win Wilson, being the proceeds of the Ladies’ Literary Society’s sale of work, and tho Poster Bazaar. Paddy’s Markets (2) gave us .11-10. Poppy Day (2) £95 (this amount was spent in giving work to unemployed returned soldiers. Mrs Stavclev’s concert contributed £l6, (open air concert). Subscriptions and donations amounted to £l4O. McLean’s Pictures benefit, Kanieri dance, Calidonian Society concert, lectures, Community Singing, Kiwi dance, , -Messrs Gibbous and McFadyen’s concert, sale of rights etc. gave the Society tho balance of the £770. Summarised the expenditure lias been: £ Borough Council, half Caretaker’s salary 248 Borough Council, half cost tea house anil coppers 60 Casual labor 268 Gravel, paint, stones, cartages, grass seed, paint, tools, tar, printing A advertising, lime, etc 185 £770 In addition to this expenditure Mr and Mrs William Butler erected permanent swings, swing pole etc at their own cost of about £7O, while M.r George Davidson and Mr 11. Thompson donated permanent ornamental seats tor the cast cml of Cass Square. Further seats are wanted. Will any citizen follow the example of Messrs Davidson and Thompson? Tlie funds of the Society are now exhausted and appeals must he made to enable the Society to carry on and I am confident the people will respond. There is no doubt that the general improvement and extra conveniences provided has caused our friends from the northern parts of Westland to select Cass Square for their annual gatherings., Tho ground is in one of Hokitika's best assets and is'“not only rt central sports .ground but it can he considered as the People’s Park. 1 will only say in conclusion that the Society is carried on practically without administrative expense. Tlie only cost under this heading for tho three vears has been hooks, stationery mid stamps 38s, while the printing and advertising has been almost nominal. Please help us carry on. Any contributions forwarded to -Air J. Niven, Hon. Sec., or mysef, will he duly acknowledged. T am etc., If. L. MICHEL, President. Hokitika, March 28th, 1924.