TOWN HALL FOR TURUA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4623, 9 November 1923, Page 2

TOWN HALL FOR TURUA.

DEPUTATION TO TOWN BOARD. A deputation comprising Messrs WMadgwick, G. Gray, and J. A. Bennett waited upon the Turua Town Board at its last meeting in reference to the proposal to erect a town hall in Turua. Mr G. Gray said that a representative meeting of Turua and the outer district residents had appointed them to approach the Board and ask it to proceed with a loan for the purpose of erecting a town hall. He presented a petition bearing the signatures of 21 ratepayers of the town board area. Mr Gray then gave an estimate of the probable outlay and receipts, showing a probable profit of over £lOO per annum. should the hall not be a paying proposition—which was very doubtful—he was sure that the people of Turua. were broad-minded enough to agree to pay a small rate. For the benefit of the Board he gave the plans and estimates that had been obtained by the Turua Building Company for the-erection of a hall. The chairman said that there was no doubt, that a hall was badly needed. He was sure the Board would support the proposal, but in matters of finance the Board was in the hands of the county. Mr W. Madgwick supported Mr Gray’s remarks, and said that he would do his best to aid the matter in the Council. Mi 1 J. Bennett said that the ratepayers were unanimous in : wanting, a hall. Should a rate be required, they would pay. It was a pity that the proposal had not been taken up when first, introduced. There was no question that the hall Was required. In reply to the chairman Mr Gray said that Mr Bagnall had assured the Building Company that the present hall would be closed as soon as a public hall was opened. Mr Madgwick said that; in the remote instance of a rate being required it would be the Council’s policy to increase the charges so that the outsiders would have tp contribute. He urged that the Board go in for a decent hall, and not put up anything “cheap and nasty.” Mr A. P. Gardiner said that the population and the valuation of the Town Board’s area had doubled in the last seven years. Assuming the same rate of progr,ees, the population of the area in seven years would oe 500. Considerable discussion on the probable increase of population of the township then took place. The point stressed was the necessity of making the hall big enough for future requirements. A hall could not be satisfactorily enlarged. When the roads were in better order the people from a larger area would come to Turua at night. Mr Gray said he would not, recommend the Board to adopt the Building Company’s plans. These were for a building to suit present requirements of the township, and would in a very short time prove too small. There was no doubt that the population would increase and that people from a larger area would use the town when the roads were better. Discussing the seating accommoda? tion required, Mr Gray said that, there were about 4’oo persons at a recent concert. . The chairman thanked the deputation. for the information supplied and gave assurance that the Board would support the matter. Mr Gray then thanked the Board and the deputation retired. Mr A. P. Gardiner moved: “That this meeting formally commits itself to proceed with the hall proposition as outlined by the deputation, and that the petition be further circulated among the remaining 44 ratepayers.” Considerable discussion took plane as to what amount of loan should bo raised. ‘ Mi; Olsen suggested £3o'oo at the utmost. Jt was pointed out that many details had to be looked into before an approximate cost of a suitable hall could be arrived at. The resolution was seconded by Mr C. Scott. ' Mr J. T. Davies said that there was no doubt that if the hall did not pav the public would come to the Board’s assistance rather than let it collect a rate. Mr Gardiner agreed to add to his resolution, “that the approximate cost of the building, furniture, and land tp be £3000.” The motion was carried unanimously, and it. was decided ,to hold a special meeting th consider the matter.