THE QUEEN CARNIVAL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 270, 19 August 1915, Page 4

THE QUEEN CARNIVAL.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. ■h A meeting of the General Carnival Committee was held at the Supper Room, Town Hall, last night, when there were present:'—Messrs. McLennan (chairman), Drayton, Burrell, Peyton, Evans, MitcheD, Byrne, Champion, Anderson, Murrell, James, Currie, Downing, Mercer, A. E. Wakeman, P. E. Wakeman, R. W. Smith, Train. H.

Connolly, Thurston, Ncagle, Bray, Todd, McCormick, Wrightson, Cnnninghame, S. Powell, Dymock, Whenuaroa, Loader, De Latour, Lyall, and others. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Apologies were tendered for the absence of Messrs. J. P. Aldridge and F. McLaughlan. The Chairman said the chief business of the evening was the consideration of the applications for the position of" organiser. They knew of the recent developments whereby the Government had prohibited raffling and art unions. He though, perhaps, they might con- I sidor the applications all the same.

Mr. James said Mr. David McLaren had called upon him, and said that the position nOAV was'that the law would have to be adhered to, but throughout the country it was considered that +’ means of raising money should not be ( prohibited. He said that it Avas intended to ask Parliament to pass a short Bill to appoint a Commission that Avould deal with this matter. The speaker moved that the applications for secretary' be considered.— Mr. Poavell seconded.—Carried. Mr. James said that as there was the I possibility of their income being curtailed, they needed to give this consideration. He thought it might be wise if they endeavoured to ascertain if there was a member of the Committee Avho Avould undertake the work, if assured of the whole-hearted support of the executive. It would be risky to appoint an organising secretary on a salary if they were not allowed to hold art unions. Mr. Mercer considered Mr. James ’ suggestaion a good one. A member of the Committee should be elected pro tern, and he considered that the applicants for the position of secretary shouJ.l meet the Chairman.

Mr. James, to test the feeling of the meeting, moved that Mr. Walsh, of Pahiatua, be invited to attend a meeting of the Committee and that expenses be defrayed. Mr. Loader seconded. , Mr. Mercer moved an amendment on the lines of Mr. James’ motion, with the addition that Mr. Ballard’s name be added. Mr. Bray thought there must be a man in Taihape who would be patriotic enough to take on the work of organising. They had done very well at Rangataua, and Taihape must have such a man.

Mr. Thurston said he would like to move a further amendment that Mr. Walsh, of Pahiatua, be appointed, subject to conditions drawn up by the

executive. Mr. MeDonnel? seconded. Mr. Mercer withdrew his amendment in order to a!low Mr. Thurston’s motion to stand. Mr. Janies said it would be desirable if they could arrange for a personal interview. Mr. McDonnell said it v was best to make the appointment straight away. Mr, Thurston’s motion was then carried unanimously. Mr. James gave notice of motion that he would move at next meeting that the executive be given power to add to its numbers. —Mr. McDonnell seconded. Mr. James said he moved this notice of motion because lie thought they might want to increase the size of the executive. He wondered whether they should appoint a secretary pro tern. The Chairman said Mr. Drayton had previously stated that he would act as secretary pro tern, and he was still prepared to do so. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Loader offered to give the executive the use of a room at his shop. The Chairman thanked Mr. Loader, and explained that his offer would come before the executive at a later date;

Mr James moved: ‘ ‘ That this Committee is of opinion that in the interests of the various patriotic movements throughout tho Dominion it is desirable that the Prime Minister be urged to introduce legislation of a temporary character with a view to providing the greatest possible freedom in regard to the holding of art unions, raffles, auctions,. etc., promoted by accredited patriotic societies.

Mr. McDonnell seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. The question of the nomination of Queens was discussed at some length. Mr. S. Powell moved that a notice be inserted in the press to the effect that the Committee are prepared to cept nominations for Queen of the Carnival; and that further particulars could be obtained; from the secretary. Mr. Mercer seconded the motion, which was carried. The question as to what night should be set apart for the executive of the Carnival Committee to meet was raised, and, on the motion of Mr. Cham-

pion, Wednesday night in each week was decided upon. The meeting closed with a hearir vote of thanks to the chair.