ARAPUNI CAMP.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 121, 18 February 1926, Page 1

ARAPUNI CAMP.

MEN’S SOCIAL WELFARE. Appeal For Sunday Billiards. By-law Forbids Permission. Mr. Thomas Gavin, A rap uni, wrote to the Matamata County Council:— “ I am taking the privilege of writing- you with regard, to the billiard rooms in the Arapuni camps. As leader of the men, I am in the responsible position of trying to bring about peace and harmony between the contractors and the workers, and believe in doing everything possible to bring about the speedy and successful completion of this great work, which is-undoubtedly of great national importance. One of the great things necessary was recreation for the men 1 during their spare hours, and to attend to the management and control of the men, which is not at all easy on account of the class of men that pass! through and one of the worst days for us is Sunday, because the men have nowhere to go. We thought it would be a good idea to have the billiard rooms open on Sunday, and so find some decent recreation for the men. As it is now, they indulge in gambling and drinking, and playing two-up, which leads to fighting and disunion. Th£ rooms were owned by Mr. Teasdale, a splendid fellow in every way, and the rooms are conducted in a way that is beyond reproach. | Drinking, gambling and fighting are I unknown at the rooms. Sir W. G. Armstrong's head man (Mr. Hand- ( man)., Mr. Dinnie (district engineer), the camp master and the local police and all were agreeable, and thought it a splendid idea.” The writer asked for the council’s permission to open tire billiard rooms on Sunday. Cl'.. Darby said Mr. Gavin was a union' official, and his influence was very beneficial. However, Mr. Teasdale had left the rooms and someone else had them now. He would like to enquire further under the altered circumstances.

The chairman (Cr. J. W. Anderson) said he saw* no objection; it was no worse playing billiards than playing bowls or tennis. Cr. Pohlen commented that the police had approved. The council should also write to them. 1 Cr. JUdd moved an amendment that if the council had the power, upon enquiries from the police and others, there were no objections, then the council should grant permission. Cr. Darby objected, and proposed that the matter be left in the riding member’s -hands. He thought it unfair for another member to move in the direction Cr. Judd had done, in regard to another member’s r-iding. The clerk read the act on the matter. showing that the council had not the power. The motion and amendment were then with .drawn. Paragraph 143 of the County Bylaws, under the heading “ Billidrd Saloons,”' reads: “ Shall cause the room to be closed from 11 o’clock at night until 8 o’clock on the following morning, except on Saturday, when he (licensee) shall cause it to be closed 1 from 11 o'clock at night until 8 o’clock on the following Monday morning.”