THE TRUST LANDS TRUST.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1938, Page 6

THE TRUST LANDS TRUST.

QNE of the least satisfying, and indeed least creditable features of community life in the Small Farm Area, which is largely Masterton, is the indifference with which most people regard the administration of the Trust Lands Trust. In the annual report of the Trust for the year lately ended, it is; observed that in recent years the attendance of the public at the annual meeting has been very small, and that the Trustees feel that greater public interest should be taken in Trust matters and hope that the attendance at the annual meeting to be held in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms this evening will be more in keeping with the importance of the Trust and its position in our community This is an overture to which public-spirited citizens, not least those who have the welfare of youth very much at heart, should be very willing to respond.

The Trust is at a very interesting stage of its career. In spite of the exceptional calls made upon its finances in repairing earthquake damage to buildings and in other ways, it has been able to make curtailed grants to schools and to university students. In the midst of its difficulties, it has been able, in its restoration of the Opera House, to provide an excellent community theatre of which good use is being made and seems likely to be made as time goes on. At present the finances of the Trust need careful nursing, but before very long it will again have substantial revenues at its disposal in furtherance of educational and other objects of a worthy kind.

Over an extended period of years, able and loyal service has been given to the Trust by a succession oi members, one of whom, Mr David Ca'selberg, has just retired with thirty-one years’ service to his credit.' The community has reason to be grateful to those who have administered the affairs of the Trust, and are doing so today, but gratitude may best be shown by a wider and keener interest in these affairs which would assist and encourage the Trustees in their responsible task. The appeal they have made for a larger attendance at the annual meeting this evening than has been usual in recent years is one that may be seconded most heartily.