NEW PLYMOUTH BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1919, Page 7

NEW PLYMOUTH BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

ACTIVITIES RESUMED, A meeting of those interested in the 'New Plymouth Beautifying Society wag held at the Soldiers' Club last night, Mr. R. C. Hughes presiding. There was on attendance of about a dozen ladies and gentlemen. Apologies were received from, the following gentlemen, all of whom had expressed their sympathy with the objects of the society and willingness ,to become members: The Mayor (Mr. C. H. Burgess), Messrs Newton King, J. W. Chaney, S. W. Shaw, R. Cock, S. Teed, W. Weston, W. H. Skinner, S. F. Johns, JJ. Day, and Captain Waller. ' The chairman went over the latest work done by the society prior to the period during which its activities had been suspended. He stated, however, that now the war had ended there was every reason why they should resume their work, as there were plenty of places about the town which could be made beauty spots, in addition to the well recognised scenie spots. A statement of the financial position of the society was presented, which showed a small balance. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr. R. Clinton Hughes; vice-presidents, Mrs. C. H. Burgess and Mr. D. J. Hughes; committee, Mrs. Dockrill, Messrs Russell, C. D, Lightband, E. Sole, G. W. Browne, L. B. Webster, W. W. Smith, and Robert Davies; secretary, Miss Kerr Duncan; treasurer, Mr. N. K. MacDiannid) auditor, Mr. L. B. Webster. Particular reference'was made to the value of the work ladies could do in connection with such a society. A general discussion then took place on the objects of the society and the particular directions in wliiyh its work should proceed, and suggestions were made for broadening the scope of the society's work in the direction of combining with the Tourist and Expansion League in advertising the attractions of New Plymouth abroad, and in inducing tourists from other countries to visit here. Some members went as far as to advocate that the Tourist Department should be asked to subsidise a steamer to carry passengers between New Plymouth and Sydney and vice versa. Some reference was made during the discussion to the harbor development works, and fears were expressed for the safety of the Sugar Loaf Islands and Partttutu, it being alleged that the Harbor Board had commenced excavations at ParUuru.

Mr. B. J. Hughes, speaking for tbe Harbor Board, said there was no intention of destroying Paritutu. Samples of the stone had been taken, bat nothing more, and, as far as he was concerned, while tin the board he would see that Paritutu was preserved. In regard to the island of Moturoa, he said it ivonld only be a matter of time before ttic sea would destroy it. He did not think the Harbor Board was wrong in cutting Moturoa for stone for the retaining wall and the breakwater extension.

The chairman said he. was pleased to hear Mr. Hughes' explanation in regard to Paritutu. He thought there was any amount of suitable stone on the slopes of Mount Egmont without tak'jig it from Paritutu.

Several other speakers urged the preservation of old landmarks, hut recognised that the imperative need of making a deep harbor at New Plymouth came even before sentiment for landmarks.

A scheme for bringing an inter-colonial boat to New Plymouth to take passengers to Sydney, with a view to inducing visitors from there to come here, was generally approved. A motion by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Lightband, recommending the committee to approach the Tourist and Expansion League with a view to combined action in the direction suggested, was carried unanimously. It was also decided to approach the proper authorities with a request that a portion of the Saxton Bush at Vbgeltown should be reserved as a public domain.

In reply to Mr. Sole, the chairman said the subscription would be the same as previously, namely os for men and 2s Od for ladies.

| It was decided that the next meeting [Jjjt_held on the first Wednesday in