TOWN HALL CHARGES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3474, 30 April 1920, Page 5

TOWN HALL CHARGES.

(To the Editor.)

Sir-,—Replying further. to. Mr Lenihan’s criticism: The Town’ Hall Committee‘ reviewed the old schedule on December 19 last. The charge of £8 (piano and light in addition) for the three special nights as in the past was allowed 'to‘§tand, with this amendment, that these three nights, viz.: New Yearfs Night, Show Night, and Patrick‘s Night,'be reserved for. those local associations who had used them fior years past, and had established a right to them by preced_ent.- Dealing with other charges on the schedule the £6 for nights when the maximum charge to” the public was 5/ and over was raised to £7. The four shilling rate £5 to £6, and the three shillings from £4 to £5. The committee considered ‘that the circumstances justified this. ‘The old Ordinary night charge of £3 110/ to local concerts and socials was {lowered to £3 and the £5 to Flower ianrl Poultry Shows was reduced to £2 10/. The remainder of the schediule was unaltered. These recommen!dations were adopted by the Council.

In 1918 it was resolved that Whilst holding that requests from Returned Soldiers or Patriotic Societies, or for any function held for patriotic’ purposes, should be considered on their respective merits, the Council would favourably receive a request for a. 50 per cent. reduction. There is no resolution that this reduction would he allowed for all time and for any purpose. It could not be held that the last. St. Patrick’s concert was for patriotic purposes. What became 'of the bulk of the takings will be rel'erl‘ed to directly. The picture people applied for the Hall for the 17th .\I:x1'Cl1 before the Hibernians, but the application was held up in favour of the latter society. On the first of March Mr Lenihan applied for the Hall and was told the terms. He paid the required deposit £4 without complaint or comment. It is understood that the takings for the St. Patrick Concert were about £BO, that £6O of

this was paid to» an outside company of a'rl:ists{ "Whether this was warranted is not for us to question here, but £8 does not seem to be an excessive charge for an £BO house.

With reference to the complaint that we are shutting off outside companies and giving the people no choice of any entertainment iexcegt pictures, here again Mr Lenihan seelns~ to be astray. The lessee has the exclusive right for Saturday night only. This night visiting companies seldom. ask_ for, as it means staying here over Sunday. With reference to ’l‘hursda3£, we have the right to take six nights in the year. Beyond this anyone requiring it would -have to make arrangements with the lessee. The regulation prohibiting sub-letting. does not refer to sub-letting of the

Hall to another ‘for an occas<ional’ night, but must be read in a much; Wider sense as ,referring to sublet-‘ ting permanently to another company‘; or firm for in lengthened term. For the other four nights of the‘ week the Hall is at the disposal :2--f

anyone I'-equiring it. We have mere-' 13/ to give the lessee a certain length‘ of notice that it. will be wanted.

With regard to the*argument tliatf ‘ every encouragement should be given; to our local Sports Associations who-. are catering for our own people and: giving their time and labour to pl'o~‘ viule an enjoyable outing and day‘S._ pleasure to our citizens and surrounding settlers, I am in full sympathy, with it,.and gave all the support I.‘ could when the question was before the Council (in conjunction with Cr, Tirnbs), but the majority were against‘, us. The decision of the majority is the decision of the Council, and as.‘ the nominal head, it is for me to ex» plain andmdefend their action as-' against my own personal view. In conclusion, I would respectfully request all who may have a grievance‘ to confine their criticism to the Conn»cil _a_nd_,_,l,n.\:selt, and not level it at. meinbers offrhe staff, who are faithfully carrying out our instructions.“lam,V_etc. . ? A. J. JOBLIN. '