OTAKI QUEEN CARNIVAL.

Otaki Mail, 2 July 1923, Page 3

OTAKI QUEEN CARNIVAL.

A CREDIT BALANCE OF £985 17s 6d.

A iaoeting of the Executive of the Otaki Queen Carnival was lield oh Friday evening, His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. P. Brandon) presiding. Mr Witehell (treasurer) submitted a balance-sheet which showed that the Beach queen Committee k«d raised £354 ,15s (id, Railway committee £275 5s o'd, Maori committee £2*l4 ISs Sd, and the Town committee £IIS 15s 3d, while the Coronation ceremony had been the means of raising £47 Us", The expenses incurred were:—Donations to queeni for dresses £2O, theatre £9, music £3, advertising and printing £S 4s, supper £5,. total £55 lis od, leaving a balance of

£9So 17s 6d. The Mayor considered the performance a very creditable one, and said the thanks of the Executive were due to the various committees, who had selected the queens and taken control. The Committees were also deserving of thanks for tln> hanuionious manner in which they had worked together to raise money the domain, and all, no doubt, were agreeably surprised at the amount raised. The ladies responsible for starting the movement were also deserving of thanks, and to depart from the object set out by them, viz., securing croquet greens, would be unfair. First consideration would have to be given to the Indies while the general improvement of the domain should have next consideration. Mr Eddy agreed, and said had it not

boen for the ladies interested in the croquet there would have been no carnival. They had nccoinplisliod'mueh work before handing the matter over. Mr Pcreival, in agreeing, said he would like to see part of the money raised go towards purchasing other land and thought it would be a good idea to increase the area if possible. The croquet, green would take a very small portion, and the Committee could not break faith with those who had started the carnival. The Mayor thought it would be wise fur each committee to appoint a representative and lo ask all sports bodies to do likewise te confer with the Borough Council and discuss matters. The domain, lie said, was not for any particular branch of sport, but for the whole of the people. 1 Mr Pcreival said a suggestion had been made that they sell the present domain and purchase a larger area at the back of the Central Hotel. The Mayor considered it would be better-'to improve the prescut ground, while Mr Eddy said it would never be possible to get the freehold of the land mentioned by Mr Pcreival. He. thought, tile discussion premature as the Executive could not yet strike its actual balance, and thought Mr Pcreival might again submit plans and then invite representatives of sports bodies lo attend. Mr Pcreival said the idea, was to get greens for two croquet lawns, free use of which would be given to strangers provided they would help pay for material used. The Mayor said they could not give an exclusive, right to any body, and stated that, anyone could play on the greens as long as they behaved. Any foe paid would go to the Borough Council towards upkeep. Mr Eddy differed with the Mayor and said exclusive right could bo given and parts dedicated to certain sports bodies. There were uo restrictions beyond paying a fee for the upkeep. The Mayor said he had considered the Domain Act and found that no particular part could be set apart for particular sports body. They could not debar anyone from playing on the ground, but they could say that a certain part was to bo reserved for croquet and that anyone trespassing would be excluded. Anyone wishing to play croquet, however, could do so, and other sports bodies could not interfere. The Borough Council would hitvc control. It rvas decided that each committee appoint a i'oprcsontutivo to confer with the Br rough'.Council as to how the money would be spent, and to invite one representative of each sports body to attend. it was agreed to deposit the money in the Bank of Xew Zealand for three months, it being agreed that it would not be wanted during that time. The Mayor stated that, a deal of the credit for the success of the carnival was due to Mr Buy, and it was agreed that the Executive make him a presentation, also that the. queens be each given something in recognition of their services* Mr* Eddy did not agree that a large sum should be given, objecting to money “being thrown away with both hands." He did not believe in throwing bouquets. It was pointed out that the qUeons had to ifctevgo a deal of expense and xeero’-wortSy of ..recognition. It was agreed that the presentations be, made at a social, on a date to be fixed at a mcetiug to be held, on July 30th. : •: •... , Accounts, amounting to £33 11s sd, were' passed for payment. The Mayor, in moving a hearty vote thanks to tho Secretary, said Mr Taylor had curried out his duties in a most able manner, and that the thanks of all were due to him. Mr Taylor, he said, had done a tremendous amount- of work. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Taylor, in reply, said he considered the success of the carnival due to the four queen secret a nos. who had done really fmo work. Hearty votes of thanks were also accorded Miss .Brandon (the only lady on the Executive, and who had done good work), the Commitieo, and to Mr Morse and tho '“Otaki Mail" for their assistance.