MASTERTON TOWN LANDS TRUST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 4995, 6 April 1895, Page 2

MASTERTON TOWN LANDS TRUST.

MONTHLY MEETING.

Tlie regular monthly meetirlßf tho Mastorton Town Lands Trustees was held last evening. PresentMessrs W. Lowes (Chairman), E. Feist, 0. E. Daniel], A. Vile T P Lett, and A. W. lteuall. • MINUTES, • The minutes of tho last meeting were rand and confirmed. treasurer's report. The Treasurer reported a credit balance at date, of £199 lis sd. THE SALVATION AIIMY BAKRACKS, The Salvation Army authorities wrote, asking a reduction of the rent paid by them to £35, instead of £45, as at present. The Chairman said, not long ago the matter had been gone into, and proposals made to the Army authorities, which had been accepted. The Trust had spent a good deal on the property, and he was ratheTjfctfrprised at the matter being blight up again. The Clerk explained that the' present rental was only £3 per annum more than under the old lease, and the Trustees paid all rates, taxes, and insurances. The agreement to paint the building, had not been carried out by tho tenants, After discussiou, it was moved by Mr Feist, and seconded by Mr Daniel), that the applicants be informed that the Trustees cannot alter the terms of the loaso,.but will inako a special grant of £5 towards the painting, providing it is done at once. The motion was carried.

REPAIRS. E. Braggins wrote asking the Trust to effect repairs to the |house occupied by lib, and now k the Trust's hands. W The Chairman said the repairs were much needed. It would be well to cover the roof with iron and paint it. Mr Vile said some other proper, ties belonging to the Trust required repairs, notably Mr Hatch's house. It was resolved that Messrs Vile, Daniell and Feist report on these matters at next meeting. Mr Braggins also wrote asking that in consideration of his services as night-watchman, now thatsevoral other properties had fallen into the Trust's hands, that sonio cencession be made in his rental. This matter was also referred to the above Committee. THE I'AUK TRUST. The Secretary to the Masterton Park Trustees wrote asking that the first instalment of the grant promised be paid now, and that the Trustees pay the second half at the end of May.

The request was granted, pmvid- * ing funds permit, and thej?ark Trustees carry out their ajjflpient to raise the further sum stated. THE BRILI. HALL. Tlio Chairman said he understood that Messrs Geo. K, Bond and Neville Thornton intended submitting plans and some proposal to * lease the Drill Hall and alter it for a Theatre. The Clerk said he had recciyodno communication. The Chairman expressed surprise that the Athletic Club did not make an offorfc to secure tho Hall for their own use. , Mr Vilo said he believed the matter was under consideration. After some discussion it was resolved to offer Mr Dan Lea tho use of tho Hall at 10s per week, a month's notice to bo given on eithes side, and tho Trustees to reserve the right to let tho Hall for publio ' meetings or halls. accounts. q& Accounts were paßsed for payment as follows:—Penty <fc Fordc, £10; J. Watt, 2s 6d, TOWN HALL. Mr A. Vile moved, in accordance' with notice given, that a poll of the inhabitants ho taken on tho question of whether the Trustees shall approach Parliament during the coming session aud ask for an amondment of IheTrust Lands Trust Act, to enable them to raiso the sum , of £2,500 for erecting a Town Hall, * He moved in this direction with a degree of reluctance because ho regretted that a Town Hall could not be obtained in a simpler way, It was_ plainly their duty—in his opinion-and in the opinion of a large section of the community, to *■ provide a Town Hall for Masterton, They found there was no possibility of providing a Hall at presjti, and therefore he thought they yf& to take tho course suggested, and take a poll of the inhabitants. This would pledge the Trust to nothing, The Chairman seconded pro forma > • for the purposes of discussion. Mr Eenall opposed, stating that the Borough Council was the proper body to provide a Town Hall.

The Chairman said, while quite recognising tbo necessity of a Town Hall, and while fully prepared to support the building of a Town Hall, ( when funds permitted, he would nover support any pledging or mortgaging of the Trust's property, • Mr Feist opposed the motion as he did not regard it as the Trust's duty to provide a Town Hall, It was also an unnecessary thiug to approach the. Government on the matter, becaußO,' as Mr Renall had pointed out, thaw was no chance of Parliament alter* ing the foundation of the Trust. The | poll would be carried no doubt, but it was altogether unnecessary. The Chairman said,'that for his part, ho did not intend ta&fe any risk by giving the Gove'rnnM the/ chance to alter the Trust's foundation.

Mr Daniell said his sympathies*, would bo with the erection of a Town Hall when funds are available, but he was not in favor of any mortgaging. Mr Vile replied at some length, ' contending that the people of Mas- 1 terton should be consulted. The Chairman said the real point was that it would be like pledging funds, specially provided for educational purposes, for providing amusement. A Theatre was, he contended, a risky investment, The motion was then put and' lost. .NOTICE OF MOTION, Mr. 0, E, Darnell gave notice of motion for noxt meeting," That in the interest of the youth of tho town ' of Masterton, It is desirable that ovouing classes should be established for technical instruction, and in order to encourage tbe'formation of Buoh classes the Trust will be prepared to assist to defray the cost Jpoh classes if formed under Jumper conditions." • '".'•' • The Trustees then went into Com- % mittea to deal with:the "Black List," : ■;■-. v- ,"•;..;