TOWN HALL LOAN

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 17, 30 March 1938, Page 2

TOWN HALL LOAN

COUNTER PROPOSAL MOVED SPECIAL MEETING TO BE| HELD At. last night’s meeting of the Qpotiki Borough Council, Cr. S. Shalloon, who had previously given;, notice, moved that the council repeal resolutions on the borough minute book relating to the erection of borough municipal chambers, public hall, ladies rest and Plunket room *., as proposed by Cr. Short, and that the following proposal be substituted. That the council co-operate with the Opotiki County Council in building a ladies’ rest and Plunket room on existing site in Church Street, Opotiki: That the council consider the pwchase of a suitable site (other than the existing site) and that consideration be given to the preparation of plans and specifications’ for a municipal hall suitable for borough purposes and at a cost of approximately £2OOO. Speaking in support of his motion, Or Shalfoon said the town needed a hall and rest room. The Loans Board had disagreed with the major scheme, so he was getting on with the job. Something should be done immediately to get the Plunket room, rest room and dance hall which could be used for different things. They could find a section for the hall elsewhere—at the yard or somewhere else. Or. Shalfon said he reserved the right to speak again later. —The motion was seconded by Cr J. J. Moody. Cr. Short asked if it were proposed to' purchase the site out. of the £2OOO. In reply Cr. Shalfoon said he did not fix a definite amount The cost was only approximate. The county council was willing to pay a share towards the cost of the Plunket room and rest room. They should! have had these already. Outsider,s would not come here for a ball betau.se there was not enough room to dance. It was not necessary to spend a huge amount on the scheme. Cr. Short suggested that Cr. Shalfoon should hold his motion back until a reply was received to the council’s letter to the i .oca l Bodies Loans Board asking for reasons against authority to raise the proposed ioah. Cr Johnson supported Cr Short’s suggestion. in seconding Or. Shalloon’s motion, Cr. J. J. Moody said lie agreed with what C'v. Shalfoon bad said. The county people would use the hall more than the borough. He considered the county council should join in and assist, in the cost of the- building. The Mayor said they would like to see what had become of the original scheme. Cr. Moody; It’s turned down! It’s turned down! It seems to mo you’re chasinor nothing. The borough could stand £2OOO but not £IO,COO. Cr. Johnson said the position of the borough was sound. ’J hey had not had a lean for years. The borough could easily stand £IO,OOO. Cr. Shalfoon stated that the majority of the ratepayers had signed the petit-on. The majority of the council were trying to step too high, they could easily have a good dance hall and.the county council could help with the Plunket room and rest room, lie objected to a huge loan being placed on the ratepayers. A suggestion was made that tr. Johnson could make inquires when in Wellington next month, as to the objections to the proposed loan. Or. Moody said Cr. Johnson would have to have the sanction of the majority of the ratepayers before lie could put anything before the authorities. Or. Shalfoon suggested it would be an easy matter to call a meeting oi ratepayers and see what the opinion would be. Other councillors suggested that a special meeting of the council be held later on. They would not like to vote against the motion under the circumstances. Cr. Short said it would be only a fair thing that a reply should he received to the council’s letter before dealing with a fresh-j'st'heine. After further discussion Cr. Shalfoon said he did not want to force the matter and he to an adjournment of the meeting.