HOKITIKA BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1925, Page 1

HOKITIKA BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

The Committee of the above met at 7.30 p.m. Present: Messrs D. J. Evans (Vice-President), A. G. Pilkington, T. Irvine, is. J. Preston, and J. Niven.

The minutes of tile previous meeting were confirmed. The Chairman reported that owing to the epidemic the Gala Day had been postponed, hut would he organised as soon as possible. A monster hall was to he held on the 2Stli. prox. The tarring of the remainder of the square track was necessary, and the matter would he further considered when the new plant was itYailamo. The Secretary presented the following : ANNUAL I IMPORT. Since our last annual meeting the Committee has met live times, the regular meetings on several occasions having been put off for the convenience of members, hut the purpose of the Association has been steadily kept in view. ’file work of (lie Association depends on its revenue. During the year our methods of raising revenue have not had the success desired, the weather, other attractions, and the paralyse epidemic having deprived us of looked forward to chances of obtaining substantial sums. As the revenue has been hardly enough to keep work going there has been tin's past year no special undertaking, some of the tarring of last year having been done in anticipation of this year’s revenue. Work has been restricted mainly to keeping the squares in order and to improving the surface of the playing fields. The obtaining of a horsemower by the Borough Council has relieved us of a drain on our revenue, and more frequent mowing now pos’■able, will have a most beneficial effect on the grass and the appearance of Cass Square. The scats in Macandrew Square and those hy the Pioneer Memorial received a much wanted coat of paint.

The question of a sundial for the grounds having boon raised. Mrs Shannon kindly donated, and had one set uj) in Macandrew Square in memory of her father.

ft is intended to have, if possible, certain fixed annual functions as means of raising funds. A flower show and carnival and also a Beautifying Association Ball have already been decided on. The first show, which was promising to ho very successful, had to he dropped this year for health reasons; the first hall "ill take plaee next month, and, being run hy several gentlemen who have gained a reputation for good work in this line, is expected to he one of the specially good gatherings of the year. The statement of revenue and ex penditure shows that this year's donation- and .subscriptions to the extent of £<)2 Is ad, form the largest item of income; sales, £23 Os <)d come next, with the I’oppy Day allocation of £lO 12s 7d following. A football benefit) a picture benefit, a concert sales of privileges, sport entry fees, interest, and a .small balance from last year help to swell the revenue, but a loan from the President was thankfully received whereby to pay a turtain amount owing. The total received is shown to he £1 10 Us 2d. Of this, more than half. £75 Os I’d. lias been paid for wages, £lB S.s tor cartage, £ls for -eats. £l2 IDs Oil for expenses of revenue raising schemes, and £1) 1.7 s Od for printing and advertising. With other smaller items added on, the expenditure has been £l3O Ms Oil. leaving a balance of £1 Is 3d in hand.

We still owe, however. £33 for tar, £29. part of our contribution to the Borough Council for the gardenia s salary, £33 Us 0d for advances made to enable certain debts to he met, and two small items of IG.s Gil. The Association wishes to record its thanks to those townspeople who have liberally subscribed funds and prizes, tu the Rugby Sub-Union for a benefit match, to Mr McLean for a picture benefit, to the various ladies and gentlemen who gave' their valuable help at the concert, to those ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the sales and sports, to the Borough Council, the Reserves Committee and the gardener for their goodwill and cooperation. and to the press for its constant and liberal support.

The statement of accounts was sub mitted.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance, sheet. Regret was expressed that it had not been possible to hold the gala day, hut under favourable circumstances later, it was hoped to make the event a pronounced success. The total liabilities at date were about £IOO, or about £7 less than last year. Mr Preston .seconded, and suggested an active campaign for an annual membership. The motion was carried. ELECTION 01* OFFICERS. President: Ron 11. L. Michel, M.L.C.; Vice-Presidents. Mrs V. Milson and Mr D. J. Evans; Secretary and Treasurer, Air J. Niven; Auditor. Air A. G. Pilkington; Committee. Revd. J. Perkins. .Messrs Preston. Richards. Pilkington; Mesdamcs Bennett. Pilkington, Benjamin, Parkin' and Coles. VOTES OF APPRECIATION. The Chairman stated the present would he Arr Irvine’s final meeting, as he was leaving the district very soon. A vote of thanks was recorded, apt elation being expressed of Air Irvine’s helpful suggestions with the work o the Society. Mr Irvine in acknowledging the motion said he hoped the Borough Council would carry on the proposal of having the names affixed in prominent places to the streets. Hokitika was now receiving many visitors, and it would lie very helpful to have the streets named. A vote of thanks was accorded Air Niven. Secretary and Treasurer hv acclamation. and thanks "ere voted also to the President and Vice-President. The meeting concluded at 8.30 p.m.