NGATEA PUBLIC HALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5124, 11 May 1927, Page 3

NGATEA PUBLIC HALL.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the Ngatea Public Hall Society was held last evening, members present being : Messrs G. T. Davidson (president), G. Phillips, C. W. Schultz, W. J. Clare, S. Phillips, C. S. McTaggart, S. Tarver (members of the committee), E. L. Walton, W. G. Hayward, and G. T. Darlington. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report, which was adopted, was read as follows : — “The ’ balance-sheet for the year ended March 31, 1927, shows increased revenue for. the year of just over £lOO, with an almost similar increase in expenditure. “Acting on the resolution adopted at the- last annual meeting, the committee gave a deal of thought to the provision of more suitable dressing rooms, and decided to go on ■with the erection of the two new’ rooms. This work, the filling of earth >,n front of the section, atlerations to electric light installation, and other alterations carried out have run into a. s&m of £lO6, which amount has been paid out of current revenue. The overdraft at the Bank of N.Z.. Thames, has been further reduced by £65, the debit balance now’ being £268 7s 4d. Should the bookings continue as good, it will be possible to very considerably reduce this balance in the year just commenced.” The president stated that the hall had been let free on several occasions, and on some occasions a reduction had been made. Mr Hayward congratulated the society on the successful year’s working.

Mr Walton mentioned the pleasing features that the revenue- had increased, that improvements had been made out of revenue, and that the debt was being-reduced. Ngatea did not have a hall of the size of someother places on the Plains, but the society was making a name for itself for sound business methods. As auditor he wished to congratulate the secretary, Mr S. Tarver, on the efficient manner in which the books had been kept.

Mr Darlington also congratulated the society on its year’s operations. OFFICERS. The following officers were appointed for the year: President, Mr Gi T. Davidson ; vice-presidents. Messrs JDarlington and W. J. Clare; secretary and treasurer, Mr S. Tarver; committee, Messrs S. Phillips, G. Phillips, C. W. Schultz. C. S. McTaggart, and W. McDuff ; hon. auditor, Mr E. L. Walton. On the motion of Mr Hayward the retiring committeemen were thanked for their services. IMPROVEMENTS TO HALL. The president mentioned that sundry improvements to the picture projection room were insisted' on by the insurance company to bring it up to the standard required by the regulations.

Mr Hayward expressed the opinion that the hall was inadequate for the requirements of the district, and had he- been on the committee during the past year he would have opposed the £lO6 spent on improvements. He supported the policy of paying off the debt as quickly as possible, and would urge that no further expense be incurred on improvements, as it would probably be rendered useless in a year or two, when a new hall was undertaken.

The president defended the action of the committee, contending that the improvements were urgently required. Mr Darlington also expressed the opinion that the hall was inadequate, and that in about a year the question of building a suitable hall should be considered. There was no doubt that the public were patronising the better building at Turua, and that the big functions which used to be held in Ngatea were now held in Turua.

Mr Walton said it was generally recognised that the building was inadequate, but he asked how many of the critics were prepared to take up debentures for a new building. Mr Walton moved that it be a recommendation to the new committee that no money be spent on the present building other than that urgently required.