DEPOT NEEDED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20915, 21 September 1939, Page 11

DEPOT NEEDED

URGENT NECESSITY RED CROSS SOCIETY REQUEST LACK OF ACCOMMODATION The need for the establishment of a lecture room and central depot for the Hamilton branch of the New Zealand Red Cross Society was the subject of a letter received from tlie secretary of the branch, Mr R. Challiner, at a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council last night, when it was stated that, in view of the state of world affairs, the matter was urgent. The society suggested that a section of land at Garden Place might be made available for the purpose. The Mayor, Mr 11. D. Caro, presided over the meeting. “ We have over TOO financial members, the majority of whom require instruction in first-aid and home nursing, and new applications are coming in daily,” said the letter. ” This branch was formed as the result of a public meeting last May and our only income is the annual subscription of 2s 6d a member. We require a suitable building for the classes.” After detailing the difficulties that had been experienced in the endeavour to secure suitable quarters, the letter said it was desired to have rooms in a central position where the equipment would be accessible by day and night. The writer had investigated t-be possibility of securing a cen-trally-situated building which might serve as a depot and lecture room, but had found that none was available, except at a high rental. In any case, it was not right for the society to use war funds subscribed by the public. Garden Place Site The letter suggested that a site in Garden Place be made available to the society for the duration of the war. It was understood that a piece of land measuring about 20 feet wide was owned bv the council, and it would be ideal for the purpose as the society required a building about 20ft. by 43ft. Continuing, the letter outlined a scheme by which it was hoped to erect a temporary, tire-proof building free of charge. The site mentioned was only a suggestion to indicate the requirements, but. any central position would be suitable. On the motion of the Mayor the matter was referred to the trading and finance committee with power to act. The difficulties under which the lectures were being conducted were commented on by Mr 0. Gmail, who also spoke of the enthusiasm of the members of the society and of tut* progress that was being made. The opinion that there were a number of places that might be explored to meet the purpose was expressed by Mr J. R. Fow. The Hamilton Citizens’ Band had purchased a section of land near the post office with a view to establishing a band room, and it was possible that some arrangement could be reached in that direction.