EAST END RESERVE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1921, Page 8

EAST END RESERVE.

COMMITTEE'S ANNUAL MEETING. REVIEW OF THE WORK. The annual meeting ottke East End Bathing Reserve Committee was held last night. The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) presided. The annual report presented by the chairman (Mr. E. G. Hamblyn) mentioned that the meeting was being held a little earlier than usual this year on the suggestion of. the Mayor, the idea being that It would give the incoming committee an opportunity of preparing some scheme for the working arrangements during the summer months. "The appearance of the grounds (the report stated) does not show that a great deal of work lias been done, but the committee has not been idle, and a good deal of wrtk of a repair nature has been necessary. The swings have been put In good order, and there are other Improvements which are not noticeable at a casual glance. The committee is Ln an unfortunate position as regards improvements. For some time past the committee has had in view the erection of a new entrance and the re-forming and tarring of the main drive, but unfortunately nothing definite has been decided. There are further protection works along the foreshore to be carried out by the Borough Council, and at the present time It is thought by the committee that any works to the drive, etc., would be money wasted, as there must be a fair amount of heavy carting to be done when the protection works are being carried out. However, in lieu of tte Improvements to the grounds, the committee decided to put the pavilion in good order and to paint It, and this work has been going on for some time

With reference to the Lncoftie and expenditure statements, the balance of £52 16s 8d brought forward was more than wiped out b? outstanding accounts, which amounted to £76. The bathing season was an excellent onie and the reserve was particularly well patronised. The revenue from the bathing sheds amounted to the sum of £7O 14s 3d. Tte other items of Income show an Increase, The main item of expenditure is under the heading of “socials/' and amounts to £145 0s Id. The receipts from this source were good, and show a nett profit of £66 odd. The amount spent in wages was £129. There is a credit balance of £3B 2s 7d, but against this there are one or two small amounts to be deducted." The report acknowledged the assistance given by the members of the committee, the secretary (Mr. W. L. Hughes), the ladies, who had sp successfully carried out catering arrangements,' and the Press. The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, expressed hearty thanks to the committee for the work accomplished during the past year under adverse circumstances. He had been brought in contact with the committee, and knew of the position t and was pleased to note that they tad come out with a small credit balance, notwithstanding the large expense Incurred in re-palntlng the pavilion and putting the \ grounds in order. They had to beer in cnind that this was the first reserve brought under what might be termed popular control, namely, management by a citizens’ committee, and It had been u source of regret to the older people to see the tendency in the East L'nd to let things go. Tt.’s was in marked contrast to the enthusiasm displayed by other voluntary committees in the town. He was satisfied, however, that the present committee had been an active one. He hoped the efforts would be continued this year, and that they would solicit the support of the people, which l:e was sure would be forthcoming. The Borough Council, on behalf of the citizens, expected that the reserve as a whole would be developed in an intelligent manner, said Mr. Wilson. The committee had grounds which were -admirably adapted for tree planting, and this was a work which might well be taken up. The erosion of the river along the banks was making serious Inroads, and he believed this could be stopped If the right methods were employed. He Instanced what had been done in regard to the Avon in Christchurch, where the sloping banks were put down In grass and tree planting carried out. It would also be the duty of the committee to see that the erection of the groyne on tte beach, to prevent the erosion of the sea, was carried but promptly. The Mayor concluded by moving the adoption of the report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hamblyn. l Mr. Hughes expressed his thanks to the borough accountant (Mr. Matthews) for assistance given In regard to the preparation of the balance sheet. The report was adopted. The following names for the executive were selected for approval by the Borough Council : Messrs. E. G. Hamblyn, S. Stroud, W. Hargreaves, W. L; Hughes, W. Nicoll, O. Kinsella, and A. R. Davies. A general committee comprising all present was elected, witt power to add. As there is no committee !.n charge of the Mt. Bryon reserve, the Mayor suggested that the East End Committee should take charge. He pointed out that it was an approach to the reserve, and said it might be made a splendid adjunct to the East End.—The question was deferred for the consideration of the committee. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Davies, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the outgoing officers, special mention being made of the chainman and secretary. At a meeting of the committee held later Mr. Davies was elected chairman.