PUBLIC MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2705, 8 March 1924, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

CARNIVAL PROPOSAL DISCUSSED. COMBINED •‘EFFORT REJECTED. BAND FUNDS TO RECEIVE FIRST CLAIM. A short time ago the local Beautifying Society convened a public meeting to discuss a proposal for raising funds to equip a ehidren’s play ground in one of the local parks. It was pointed out at that meeting that the Band proposed holding a big effort in aid of its funds and the meeting decided to co-operate with the Band and appointed a committee to discuss a combined effort. An agreement was reached between the two parties as to the division of the funds and the report submitted to a further meeting in the Town Hall supper-room last night.

There was an attendance of about 50 present the band enthusiasts predominating. Mr M. Perreau was appointed to the chair and briefly outlined what had been done. He outlined the playground suggestions and hoped they would unite to raise money for both objects, -which were of a deserving nature and worthy of public support. The suggestion was that both objects would share the funds equally up to £I,OOO, the band to receive any amount, over this sum.

Mr Brittain, who was present, explained the playground scheme and stated that he was prepared to undertake the same and wait for payment, well-knowing that once the equipment was provided, the money would be forthcoming. Mr Aitcheson said the band was sympathetic with the paygrotind proposal bill first of all they had to pay for their equipment or go info liquidation. He questioned whether the hand's rules would al low them to participate in a comhin ed effort.

Mr J. Madden said the hand's present indebtedness was £lO9 11<)d. Over and above this amount the full equipment would cost £B5l 15/-. So that the hand required a little over £I,OOO. The baud was sympathetic to the playground effort, hut this should come after the band effort. The hand had stood down for other efforts and should now he given preference. He referred to the support promised the hand from Shannon. Oroun Downs and other adjacent districts which wouid lie prejudiced if the two efforts were combined. Tie obairniaii said this would menn the nbamloument of the a-gi.-emenl hoi ween tile two parties. Messrs Holder and Aitcheson stressed the band being given precedence over the playground which they would willingly assist later. Mr Winstanley said the meeting should endorse the agreement enleied into and which pledged £SOO for the playground. Air Rimmer moved and Mr Banks seconded that the agreement- entered into between the playground committee and Band be endorsed. The motion on being put was lost. Mr Madden moved that this rnectinb of citizens favours a caamival in aid of the band funds and that an effort be held later in aid of the children’s playground. After a brief discussion the motion was carried unanimously. A further motion was carried that those present pledge their support to the carnival and that any amount over £IOOO raised he handed over to the playground fund. Mr Brittain in acknowledging a vote of thanks said as an old bandsman and knowing something of the liuaneial difficulties thev bad to face they had his sympathy (applause). He did not think that the playground scheme had been aliandoned and he was still prepared to go on with the work at a later date and he prophesied that the playground would be an established fact before long. The usual vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting.