APATHY DEPLORED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1939, Page 5

APATHY DEPLORED

INTEREST IN TRUST LANDS TRUST. ATTENDANCE AT ANNUAL MEETING. The apparent apathy of the public towards the affairs of the Masterton Trust Lands Trust came in for some criticism at last night's annual meeting and caused the chairman; Mr H. P. Hugo, to say that he was disgusted with the attendance. The matter was raised by Mr E. G. Eton, who said it was a pity that there should be such a lack of interest in the Trust. It was a very meagre attendance and if they took out the nine Trustees, their friends and a couple of reporters they would no one left. “It looks to me as if the voters are well satisfied with the management of the affairs of the Trust,” observed Mr Hugo. This was the only time of the year when the voters could come along and “have a shot at us.” More interest should be taken in the Trust, the members of which would welcome comments and even criticism, which would keep them up to the mark. He urged that every effort should be made to secure a much larger attendance and make the annual meetings really worth while. After having referred to the various organisations which benefited by Trust grants, Mr H. H. Daniell said: "If they did not get anything they might come along.” Mr W. L. Butler said the Trust existed to benefit worthy organisations and the balance sheet showed that it was doing its job. The trouble was that the Masterton people did not seem to be community minded. It was a great pity that they did not come along and take an interest in the affairs of the Trust which, after all, were their own affairs. Mr W. A. Clarke regretted the apathy of the Masterton public. It showed bad taste when those receiving grants would not come to the annual meetings to indicate their appreciation. As president of the Y.M.C.A. he could say that the association -was very grateful for what it had received from the Trust and it looked forwara to even greater assistance in the future. "If they want a grant they soon come along.” remarked Miss Tankersley, who added, “it certainly shows bad taste. If they can come and ask for grants they surely can come along and say ‘thank you.’” Mr F. C. Daniell said that the Wairarapa College Board of Governors fully appreciated the Trust grant towards the library and the salary of the librarian. It was one of the most valuable grants that could be made to the college.