PUBLIC OPINION

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 13, 9 April 1952, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION

;(Continued from Page 4.) be for the excluslve use of members of the R.S.A. This committee was evqntually formed and at its first meeting which; the writer attended it was decided to run a Queen Carnival , the result of which the pnblic not only of Taupo but of the surrounding district are fully conversant with. Throughout the three months that the Carnival was in progress, I and my committee representing , the Maori Queen candidate travelled very extensively throughout the Taupo district, I myself going as far afield as Manunui near Taumarunui organising danees and other functions as well as appealing to our Maori Trust Board and timber corporations for jfinancial support which was readily forthcoming, and during that period, in answering the numerous questions as for what purpose were 'tfhe funds. The answer always was for a Memorial Hall for our soldiers (Pakeha and Maori) who fell in the two World Wars, consistent with the general policy decided upon hy the General Committee. Sueb Hall to be open with the exception of the RjS.A. club rooms to the general Public. I don't think however that any one will dispute the fact that the intention was that the Hall was to be built on a section kindly donated by the McAuley family to the R.S.A. and to be controlled by this body.

However, unforseen circumstances arising later which have been explain ed through your paper 26/3/52 by the President. of the R.S.A , caused a diversion from the original plan, making it necesary to vest the authority in the local Town Board. Although differing from the views ' of your correspondent that the above sum was ykised 8peciall|r for the purpose of erecting rooms etc. for w the exclusive use of the R.S.A., this being provided for in that portion of the Hall get aside for them, I must congratulate him for reviving Public interest in the matter, as the Maori people and others who contributed so generously howard the fund are all feeling concemed at ihe delay, insomuch as we -think that not enough is being done to push the projeet along, due perhaps to the Town Board being occupied with rnore important business. Perhaps if a sub-committee repreeentative of all those who aselsted were formed to assist the Board, quteker progress could be made.— I am, etc., Arthur Grace, Chairman Maori Queen Committee during ihe Carai- ^ 4/4/52

PUBLIC 0PINI0N

THE RjS.A. HALL Further to Mr Reid's letter in your last issue, I wish to support him in his contention that the R.S.A. of Taupo have ample funds in hand to build their own Club Rooms and Social Hall without the assistance of a subsidy. With £4,300 cash, plus two free sections, plus an offer from the Women's Institute to furnish the Club Rooms, what more is wanted? I just visited a new Club in Mananui which cost a total of £3,470 but this amount covered the cost of a 60' x 37' building and, 2 Billiard Tables, Lockers, and thoroughly furnished in every detail. So, what is Taupo waiting for. — I am, etc.,

L. P.

SILVA.

Taupo, April 4, 1952.