COUNCIL SUBSIDY FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 200, 25 November 1955, Page 2

COUNCIL SUBSIDY FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE

A letter from the secretary of the Taupo District Public Relations Office, Mr V. M. Simpson, was before the Borougli Council meeting lield on November 16. Mr Simpson stated that the provisional committee, which had been set up by a public meeting held on October 11 to consider the establishment of a public relations office, felt there was a definite need for action, and had duly met and formed the Taupo District Public Iielations Association. He enclosecl a copy of its airns and objects for the Council's records. Though a drive for funds had not yet been carried out, £50 was already assured. On behalf of the committee the letter requested the Oouncil to promise a reasonable donation or subsidy provided the Association was able to show that the public had also contributed in a worthwhile manner. Cr J. E. Barton considered that the Council mi.ght provide a subsidy of say £10 for each £100 raised by the Association, up to a maximum subsidy of £50. Cr Vedder considered the first move had to come from the public and the Businessmen's Association, not from the ratepayers. Cr Currie said that a lot depended on the community spirit, and that the objects of the Public Relations Office were not only to bring business into the shops. He hoped the subsidy would be a little better than mentioned. Cr Lewis thought they should know what the Public Relations Association were expeci.mg. Cr J. M. Stanley asked what subsidy the Rotorua Borough Council had given to the Rotorua Public Relations Office recently formed. The Mayor, Mr J. E. Story, said the Rotorua Oouncil had given a subsidy of £1000 for £1500 raised. by the Public Relations Office. Cr K. E. Young thought more information should be supplied as to the Association's plans and oxpected liabilities. It might be necessary to give more. The Council would be exceeding its duties in rnaking a donation to an organisation without a constitution and not incorporated. Cr Barton asked that the copy of the Association's aims and objects forwarded with the letter be read. The Assistant Town Clerk, Mr K. Winton, then read the statement of the Association's aims and objects (reported in Taupo Times, November 11, front page). Cr Barton considered the statement gave a pretty clear idea of the Association's aims and he accordingly moved that the Council give a subsidy of £10 for each £100 raised by the Association, up to a maximum subsidy of £50, pnyable when the Association was incorporated. The motion was seconded by Cr Yedder and carried.