MASTERTON TRUST LANDS TRUST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5028, 17 May 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON TRUST LANDS TRUST.

ANNUAL MEETING 01' VOTERS.

Tho animal meeting of voters of tho Masterton Trust Lands was held at the Drill Hall last evening, about twenty voters being present, tho Chairman of Trustees (Mr W. Lowes) presiding. Tho Chairman in presenting the report and balance-sheet, said ho regretted that theGoycrimiontaiidit had not yet taken place, but he could assure them that it was correct, and could be passed subject to audit. The Secretary then read the report and balance-sheet. The Chairman said it was not his intention to take up much time in going over the balance-sheet, as the report spoke for itself, and the balance-sheet bail been drawn up to give the fullest information, and would be duly circulated. The arrears, considering all things, were very small, and the whole management of the Trust by the Trustees and Secretary was, he thought, creditable and satisfactory. He would move the adoption of the report and balance-sheet as read. Mr W, IS. Chennolls seconded the motion.

The Chairman invited criticism of the balance-sheet, and stated that being a statutory meeting, it was not usual to introduce other matter. Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., said he could only endorse the remarks of the Clurrmau. The Trust had been well-managed in every way. I t was

a valuable endowment, mid the increase in value of the property was an evidence of Masterton's progress. He would like to ask the Chairman, I before concluding his remarks, if other matters appertaining to the Trust, could he introduced at the present meeting. He would like to see a little latitude allowed, as this was the annual opportunity which the inhabitants had of expressing—in some slight degree—their wishes 011 scholarship or any other questions.

The Chairman said that he should be pleased, as 011 every former occasion, to permit any latitude. He would like to say,however, that the Trustees were always glad to see any of the inhabitants and to bear anything they had to bring up, at their monthly meetings.

'L'lie report was then adopted. Ill' L. J. Hooper said lie was glad the Chairman had perniitied otlioimatters to be introduced, because he h:ul a resolution tobringl'orward. Jt was "That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when 11 Town Hall worthy of the town and district should bo erected at Masterton. The members of the Trust are therefore requested to take the necessary stops, for raising the money required, cither by the issue of debentures or by a loan on the security of their revenues." lie thought that it was now recognised that there was urgent need of such a building in Masterton, and he hoped, if the resolution were carried, that the Trustees would do their best to see the matter carried out. Mr Pickett seconded the motion. Mr A. W, Hogg said that for vcars he had been of opinion that a town Hall for Masterton was very desirable. It was universally admitted by everyone here, and those visi.ing Masterton, that there was no suitable building for theatrical performances, etc. The only building they had to use was the Theatre Koyal, which was simply a disgrace. The process of borrowing money would be an easy one, and where there was a will there was a way. He wits convinced that there would be no dilliculty in passing an Enabling Act to permit the Trust to borrow, By erecting such a building as proposed they would improve the valucof properly; improve business; and increase the circulating mediums. A Town Hall would also be an educational institution; because an opera house, or place of entertainment was really an adult school. He had not the slightest doubt that £3,000 worth of debentures at t> per cent, would be taken up readily in the district, and the inteiest spent locally. There was plenty of money lying idle waiting investment, and (he revenues of the Trust were absolutely secure, and were increasing at such a rate that they would soon be double the present income, This would enable the Trust to continue the same assistance to educational and other matters, and yet, with the increasing revenue, he easily able to meet interest. As a commercial concern the Hall should pay, as all companies passed through Masterton or Palmcrston, and as the latter place was about to erect an opera house, Masterton would be passed by altogether, unless it did something. Thus they would not only miss the best entertainments yisiting the colony, but would also lose a lot of capital, which is expended by travelling companies, lie thought they should he able to go a little ahead of Pulmeraton even, and with the present nest-egg of £SOO added to a borrowed £.1,000, be able to erect a Hall suitable for all purposes with ante-rooms which might, be publicly used for draughts, chess, etc. Ho was snvc thai the step suggested would give a groat impetus to Masterton, and he heartily endorsed the motion of Mr Hooper. J t was really a question of | whether present benelit was to he I derived or benefit to the next generaI lion by waiting for the nest-egg to I grow.

Mr A. Vile eudorsed Mr Hogg's remarks. Ho had done his best to press the matter in the Trust meetings, but for some reason his motions had been ovetlhtuwn, The public had a right to say whether or not they should havou Town Hall. He had used eyery means in his power to gain a Town Hall, and ho hoped this last resource would be successful.

Mr A. W. Rmiail at some length explained the nature of the Trust Lands Trust Act, and that the Trustees had merely to disburse the funds as directed by the Act. He personally did not see what they wanted it Town Hall or an Opera House particularly for. The Trustees were limited by the Act as to how they spent the funds. Mr Hogg explained in reply to Mr Renal) that an Enabling Bill wonld be a Local Bill, and not a very expensive matter. Mr Kenall continuing, said he did not care much whether there was a Town Hall or not. The other donors of the Trust hands seemed very indifferent in the matter. He should like lo know exactly what was intended by the motion; whether it was a Town Hall or an Opera Houso, Ho also had his donbts about the legislature permitting the foundation of the Trust to be altered. Personally he did not intend to offer i any opposition. The Chairman said that ho did not intend to say much, Mr Vilo

had been veiydelinito in im[iiv ; ssiii upon tho inhabitants l-,o\v lie ha worked upon tho minds of tl: Trustees re a Town 11 all, but h: point fell rather Hat. Mr Vile 1m only been a member of tho Trust fc one or two sessions, but still L should know that by accruing £SO from their past limited income, th Trustees had long agiiCiiniemnlate building a Town ilali. It ha been his desire and iiinbitio to avoid borrowing and to pruyid the money for a Town Hr.ll 'mm th Trust's revenue, a'n 1 !!irn he slum! have liked to have seen the imiidin: presented to the Borough Coiinci. Tho history of Town Halls, Oper Houses and sucii-like. showed tha they never paid. Mr Hogg, in show ing the advantages of visiting com panics, had forgotten the revers side, which was tliu amount takei away by travelling companies There had been so many demand lately on the Trust siiiceiisincivasei revenue, that they had not beei able to save so rapidly in pro portion as when Iho ivvenm was smaller. In his opinion tin interest, the salary of custodian rates, and every tiling world have ti come oat of the Trust funds, for hi felt convinced the i h : ng would not pa] Regarding Mr lion's assertion I lia a place of amusement would be! useful educational institution, hi thought one of the technical schools proposed by Mr Daniell, would ih farmoregoodfroni tl.atpoiiitof view He, however, was only onemeinbei of the Trust, and others might diil'et from him regarding the i|»csiion but he'was strongly against. Umwill" money for orectiii'' a 't'nwi Hall. Tho motion was then put iu tin meeting and carried on the voices none present dissenting. The meeting then cl.iseil with tin usual vote of thanks to the Chair man.