PUBLIC MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2699, 23 February 1924, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

TO DISCUSS CHILDREN’S PLAY GROUND.

A public meeting, convened by the Foxton Beautifying Society, to discuss a proposal for equipping a children’s play ground was held in the Town Hall supper-room on Thursday night. There was an nttendanee of about thirty persons, the Mayor (Mr Chrystall) presided. The Mayor said the Beautifying Society had suggested the equipping of a children’s playing area in Easton Park, The idea was a laudable one. He paid a tribute to the good work done by the Beautifying Society and added that the scheme carried oat in the old cemetery bad alone justified the existence of the society. The society, however, could not undertake extraordinary work and were limited in their operations bv the funds at their disposal. The -uni proposed to be raised for a children’s playground was £SOO and il was for the meeting to decide what steps should be taken to raise

Mr Perrenu, president of the Beautifying Society, said the subject had been discussed at a meeting of the society and plans bad been submitted by an expert. It was decided to place the matter before the public and this meeting was the outcome. Levin and Shannon bad raised funds for similar purposes and all the larger centres had done the same. The welfare of the children appealed to everyone and Hie society" bad invited representatives of local bodies and churches to be present to disi uss the proposal. He bad suggested that the Beautifying Society should contribute £SO out of its funds and be hoped the Borough Council would contribute a sum. Mr Banks favoured equipments in the parks and school playground. Such a scheme would be for the physical welfare of the children and should appeal to everyone.

The Mayor said the Citizens’ band contemplated a big effort to raise funds. The band was a deserving institution and be suggested that they should combine with the playground scheme and divide the funds. A previous public effort bad realised £9OO

Mr Winstnnlev suggested a combined effort and that local institutions should discuss a proposal and submit same to a further public meeting. lie did not think the present meeting was sufficiently representative to go on with the proposal. Mr Perreau said the meeting should set up a committee to bo called tlm Children’s Playground Committee and take the initial steps. The Rev. F. McDonald agreed Unit the present meeting was not sufficiently representative to take any definite step.

The Rev. Walton said it was a matter which should appeal to all. The streets were not the place for children and if the people put their shoulders to the wheel the proposal could be carried through. The Beautifying Society could not take the matter up as it was outside their constitution, but the members would co-operate in anv public movement to attain the object. Tlie Mayor said if was desirable to have the co-operation of the Band.

The Rev. McDonald moved, seconded by Mr Peirenn: That this meeting be adjourned and that the Band be asked to co-operate in a combined scheme and to share in the proceeds and that a committee lie appointed to confer with the band and also to request local bodies to discuss the proposal and report to a further meeting. This was canned and the following committee was set up: The Mayor and Mc-srs Perrenu. Banks, Win-!an!e\ and Osborne. The roinmittee subsequently waited upon !he Band secretary and it was suggested that the proposals he submitted in writing for the Band’s consideration.