NGATEA PUBLIC HALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5272, 9 May 1928, Page 3

NGATEA PUBLIC HALL.

ANNUAL MEETING. The sixth annual general meeting of the Ngatea Public Hall Society (inc.) was held last evening, Mr G. T. Davidsofii presiding. At the advertised time there was not a quorum of, members present, but the tenth mam arrived at 8.25 p.m. and the meeting was commenced. Other members arrived; later in reply to telephone messages. There- were present Messrs G. Phillips, C. W. Schultz, C. McTaggart, W. J. Clare, S. Phillips, E. L. Walton, J. Costello, W. G. Hayward, J. Darlington, E. W. Martin, and S. Tarver, secretary (members of the society), and Messrs J. W. Neate, J. King, E. C. Barriball, R. Cornthwaite, H. Barriball, and LBuckingham.

The annual report by the president, Mr G. T. Davidson, was as follows : — “The balance-sheet for the year ended March 31, 1928, shows the receipts tot have exceeded the previous year’s figures by £B. There being no large items of extraordinary expenditure during the year,, the overdraft at the bank has. been reduced by £164-.

“Further filling in front of the hall, the formation of paths and the metalling of same with red metal, has cost £l2.

“There has been a persistent appeal for a new, or better piano to be secured for the hall, and the committee has held the question. o>ver for this annual meeting to decide whait shall be done. The committee has had a letter frpm the bank manager asking that the overdraft limit be reduced, and the. comm’ttee also begs to refer this to the annual meeting,^with a recommendation that the limit be reduced to £l5O.

“The agreement for. screening cinematograph pictures will expire on June 30, and it will be for the incom* in.g comm’ttee to arrange a ne.'V agreement. “The bookings continue to be good, and the end of the financial year just entered upon shoull see U& with a credit balance at the bank. “Use of the hall has been, granted free for the schoolchildren's musical exercises on one day a week, and a few other concessions have been made where the occasion warranted it- ’ In moving the adoption of the report Mr Davidson pointed o|ut that all improvements had been done out of revenue. All expenditure had been kept down as much as possible to conform to the motion carried at the previous annual, meeting. Mr W. Gu Hayward, seconded, and expressed the opinion that the committee was toi be congratulated on its work.

Mr E. L. Walton also congraiulateil the committee on carrying out a consistent policy. The time would come when the people of Ngatea woukl have to consider a new 'hall, but the aim of the present society was to administer the existing ihall. An alteration to the articles of association would be 'necessary to build a new haff. It would be desirable to follow the system adopted by the Turua people infinancing a new building. In connection with the present building, he would not advocate any further additicins.

•Mr 'W. G. Hayward suggested that consideration should be given the question of piping and filling the drain on the road frontage. This would be a permanent improvement. Discussion on the. matter was deferred, and the report and balancesheet were adopted.

NEW MEMBERS.

The following hew members were elected : J. W. Neate, J. J. King, E. CBarriball, R. Cornthwaite, and LBuckingham. OFFICERS.

The folF wing officers were elected : President, Mr G. T. Davidson; vicepresidents, Messrs W. G. Hayward and W. J. Clare ; secretary, Mr S- Tarver ; auditor, Mr. E. L. Walton ; committee, Messrs E. C. Barriball, L. Buckingham. J. Darlington, J. King, and S; PhiHiijs. On biie motion of Mr Walton., a vote of appreciation was accorded the outgoing committeemen. PIANO. The urgency of procuring a better, piano for the hall was stressed by Mr Barriball. A recommedation was made to the new committee that it favourably consider the purchase of a new piano. OVERDRAFT LIMIT. Arising out of the question of reducing the overdraft limit Mr Walton asked for opinions on what, expenditures were contemplated during the coming ye,ar. Mr W- J. Clare urged the wiping out of tiie overdraft before any extraordinary expenditure was authorised. W. G. Hayward urged the filling W of, the drain in- front of the. hall. It was a permanent improvement, and necessary as a parking place for ears. Mr Davidson pointed out that in addition to the cost of the filling there was also-the cost of the fencing. Mr W. G. Hayward opposed reducing the overdraft limit from £1350, as little as £l5O. He knew the new committee would not waste money, and was of opinion that it was not wise to restrict its operations undulyA motion was> carried restricting the limit to £2OO, and it was decided that the ne\v committee should not make, any extensive alterations to the buildings during the next twelve months. PUBLICITY. A recommendation was made that the Press be admitted M committee meetings. FILLING DRAIN. Mr Hayward' moved that it be a recommendation to the committee to favourably consider the piping and filling of the drain in front of the hall.

Mr Cornthwaite seconjded. As an amendment Mr Schultz moved, and Mr Clare seconded, that the matter be deferred for 12 months. The amendment was defeated, and Mr WaUon mqved as a further amendment that it be a direction, to the committee to pipe and fill the drain' Mr Darlington seconded, and ameiid-