TOWN IMPROVEMENTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1938, Page 5

TOWN IMPROVEMENTS

BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY’S WORK PUBLIC SUPPORT WANTED RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT. PRESIDENT REVIEWS POSITION. For fifteen years ""the Masterton Beautifying Society has carried out an active programme of town improvement and beautifying work, though in the past year or two public interest has been at a low ebb. Unless a better measure of support is forthcoming there is a possibility of the society ceasing to exist. The annual meeting, called recently, was attended by five people, all members of the committee. It was decided to call a further meeting, which will be held next Tuesday, to ascertain if the required support was forthcoming. Discussing the position of the society, the president, Dr. Archer Hosking, said he was quite sure the support of the public would be forthcoming if it was required. He pointed out that in the past the society had held several most successful carnivals and he and other members of the society were extremely grateful for the generous support that was given by the public on those occasions and also for the untiring work of members of the society and others. The enthusiasm displayed by those who organised the carnivals and by all helpers was remarkable and Dr. Hosking said he was quite sure that the same support would be extended again. Since its inception the society had spent a considerable sum in improvement and beautifying work in all parts of the town and the results of those activities were forcibly brought to public notice by the beautiful scene presented by flowering street trees in the spring, which brought forth general admiration, ■ especially from visitors and newcomers to the town. The committee had done splendid work, though its .numbers had dwindled to six or seven. “We want the people interested in the town to get together,” said Dr. Hosking, “and come along and talk things over. The public is all right, and the present committee is all right but we want more to come in, especially younger people, who can take a live interest in. the society and strengthen the committee in the direction of its work. It is an enthusiastic band of workers that we want.” Dr. Hosking added that although the society already had carried out a vast amount of beautifying work in the town there was ample scope for future activities'. SOCIETY’S RECORD. The society was formed on March 12, 1923, largely at the instigation of Dr. Hosking, who was elected president of the society at its inaugural meeting and has remained in that position ever since. The society has an impressive record of public service to its credit. Since its inception it has spent no less than £4,500 on town improvements. Its biggest task has been the beautifying of many of Masterton’s streets, ten miles of which have been planted with ornamental trees at,.a cost of. about £l6OO. At certain times of the year particular streets are a blaze of colour and the centre of admiration, especially by visitors and as the trees grow their beauty will further adorn the roadways. In Masterton Park, too, the society has left its mark. A rockery, rose garden, fernery, and native tree border have been established there by the society, at an expenditure of about £l2OO and considerably enhance the general beauty of this pleasure, ground. In addition, about £450 has been spent on the Waipoua River area, including £ 100 on the construction of a memorial bridge in honour of the late Mr James Allan, who was one of the society s most loyal and tireless workers. Substantial assistance also was given in the establishment and development of South Park, the society’s expenditure in that direction amounting to £620. Forty seats have been placed in Mastertbn streets for the convenience of residents at a cost of about £2OO, while £6O has been spent in improving and planting the Cole-Essex Street pathway. Besides these major works the society has been responsible for many other improvements and beautifying schemes.in various parts of the town and has spent a large sum in general maintenance work.