MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2651, 27 October 1923, Page 3

MUNICIPAL CHAMBERS.

\ OFFICIAL OPENING. ■ - '■ ■ | . ‘ The official opening of the local Municipal Chambers took place on "Ss Thursday evening and was celebra- ; ted by a banquet in the. spacious .. ■ jeouneil room.. Among those pfesent wvere of local institutions, and :spcieties, Mr J. Linklater MrB.G. Gower (ex- * -Mayor) , members of the Council and Borough Council employees. Apologies for absence were ; received from Messrs G. H. Stiles, Alf Fraser (ex-Mayors), M.'-R,' Varnham (architect), Crs. Geo. C. Coley, Alex Ross and Thorpe, and Mr A. S. Easton. v v The- Mayor , extended a welcome, ~,on behalf of the Council, to the guests, who. he said were representative of the community and rate- ■\ payers^ After justice had been done to the good things provided, the loyal toast was honoured, followed by the National Anthem. \ The toast of the architect. (Mr M. R. Varnham) and builder (Mr T.-W. Hunt) was proposed by Cr. Bryant - who congratulated the ratepayers upon having such a fine building. Cr. Smith, also paid a tribute to the work of the architect and builder. In responding, Mr Hunt said that they had produced the best from the money alloted for the work and he thought the ' building would serve the purpose for many years to come. He was sorry that the Council had not more money to spend on the building. In proposing the toast of “the Borough Council and ratepayers,” Mr B. G.. Gower congratulated the Council on its building and commented upon the progress made by the borough during recent years. In responding, the Mayor said that Mr Gower’s services linked with his own represented half the period since the borough ufas constituted in 1888. He referred to the progress made during the past 20 years and they had much to be thankful for. He spoke of the benefits of A local government and to the work undertaken for the health and happiness of the community. \He paid a tribute to the work of the architect and builder of the present Chambers. The Council was subjected to a certain amount of criticism, but he paid a tribute to the good work of his colleagues. , Cr. McMunay said lie diS not agree with the Mayor, for he. hopecl in a very few years the town would ‘ have prdgressed i so much that the present buildings would be quite inadequate. Although they had had progress, -there should be very much more. At one time they Had twenty . . steamers trading to Foxton and with 1 the increased population in the districts behind the peri, they should t have a great deal more than that % now. Owing to Foxton’s beautiful climate, they should encourage people to live here and they could only do that byGaying down good streets and footpaths. This could be done without raising the rates by laying down streets in permanent material and tfius saving maintenance. The old style of patch-work should be done away, with, as it was false economy and our methods should show progressive foresight. Cr. Adams said he agreed with the last .speaker about the climate, but he wanted more progress. The

neighbouring towns of Feilding and Levin were covered with bush when Foxton was a borough/ and he had noticed that recently one had bor- ’■ rowed £69,000 and the other £48,000 for street improvements. He considered a library and readingroom should have been included in r the present building.’ Foxton was not able to get the money it required from the Government, despite the fact that they had a member who supported the Government. He was not satisfied with the present buildings. In any ease more money was required for public works and to im- ... prove the town and make it attractive for people to come and live here. “The Borough Employees,” was ; proposed by the Mayor, who welcomed them, and considered they should have more social gatherings in which they could take part with the Council. The Mayor paid a tribute to the heads of the various departments, and considered they had as good a stair as any borough in ’.New Zealand. Cr, Walker endorsed the Mayor’s and specially referred to the Town Clerk. '' Messrs Trueman, Huntley and Downes relied on behalf of the staff. “Local Institutions” was proposed by the MayOr, • who said the_ town was well off for local institutions, which were all doing good work for the advancement of the town. Hq said Foxton had been the victim in the past of unfortunate circumstances which had kept it back. Our public men were above the average. Cr. Adams also spoke to the toast and referred to the Chamber' of Commerce. The Government should be urged to send the railway ooal through Foxton, and thus save the heavy haulage from Wellington. Thousands of pounds could also have been saved had the cement for the Mangahao works been via Foxton and cement could. be procured locally instead of importiug it from England. Cr. Smith said that the trouble was that some, people were too fond of decrying Foxton and crying’ “stinking fish.” Instead of assisting local institutions they had nothing good to say of them. If they were not satisfied with the town and , prepared to assist its progress, they ‘ should either keep quiet or go elsewhere 1 applause). Mr J. Linklater, M.F., (chairman of the Harbour Board), responded on behalf of the Harbour Board, and. thanked the Mayo? and Councillors

for the invitation to be present that night. He took a great interest in the port, and had done so ever since he became a member of (he Harbour Board some years ago. When the cuts were put through this would mean a lot for Foxton, for then the rich Moutoa would be able to be cut up for closer settlement and he hoped the proposal the Harbour Board had in view when the cuts were completed would also be of great benefit as no doubt the river would be greatly improved. The hydro-electric scheme would also be of great help to the town. He agreed with Cr. Smith, that Foxtonites should boost their town mote. One of your best assets was the beach; this was one of the best and safest beaches in New Zealand, and /he was certain it would grow rapidly in favour, and be one of the most popular of holiday resorts. He w r as ‘surprised to learn that the Council had not been successful with their finance with the Government. This was the first he had heard of it. He would be only too pleased to assist the (Council in this connection. Foxton had progressed marvellously during recent years and he referred to the fine buildings erected in the main .thoroughfare. Referring to the Government, he said the country had just passed through one of the most trying experiences in its history, but indications pointed to a period of prosperity. The Government had 'made provision for h substantial increase to settlers under the Advances to Settlers Act. Locally provision had been made to erect immediately a new police station. Mr J. K. Hornblow (president of the Chamber of Commerce) congratulated the Council on the new buildings. The' Chamber of Commerce had done excellent work and had it tint been for the Chamber, w.e would not now have the wharf and the valuable reserves at the Heads. It was .also 'the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, ably backed by the late R. B. McKenzie, who brought up the question of' linkiug by railway of' Marton and Levin. He was satisfied that this line would yet he an accomplished/ fact and that the member I’m- the, district would be among iis strongest advocates. The Chamber of Commerce was willing at all times' to co-operate with the Council in any move for the benefit of the town. He hoped the new chambers would inspire Councillors with a progressive policy for the future welfare of the town.

Mr?D.'Christie (Retailers’ Association) and the Rev. W. Walton (president of the Horticultural Society) jilso spoke on behalf of their societies and urged a forward policy in public affairs. Mr Hornblow proposed the health of'the Mayor and in doing so paid, a tribute to the painstaking way the 5 Mayor carried out his duties. They could not always see eye to eye with him, but. they were all satisfied the Mayor acted conscientiously. ' t The Mayor briefly returned thanks and proposed the toast of the caterers and the singing of “Anld Lang Syne” terminated a very enjoyable evening. During the evening, Messrs S. Head and Poole sang songs, and Mr J. K. Hornblow gave a recitation. Mr Thornher pi’esided at the piano. .