HORTICULTURAL HALL

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 4

HORTICULTURAL HALL

New Building For Lower Hutt Tlie Hutt Valley Horticultural Society is to build Its own hall iu Lower Hutt, a resolution to this effect having been carried at the meeting of the society last night. The site will be on the riverbank on the south side of the new bridge entering Lower Hutt and right in front of the scout hall. To finance the scheme it has been decided to issue 5 per cent, debentures for 10 years. A helpful start has already been made. 340 £5 debentures being applied for after the meeting. It was suggested by Mr. W. T. Strand that it would be preferable to build the hail in Riddiford Park, but after a lengthy discussion he agreed with the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mentioning that he appreciated the large attendance, the president, Mr. D. S. Patrick, said it was proposed to place before the' meeting a plan of a proposed new building the society contemplated. For many years there had been a movement and a wish for the society to own its own hall. During his term the question had been put to him, and for two years he had looked around and certain offers had been made. However, they were out of all reason so far as the society was concerned.

The object of the society was for the love of horticulture, remarked Mr. Patrick, who said he wanted to. place on record his thanks to the committee for the support it had given him. The present hall, which present difficulties to the committee, cost £7O a year for five shows. The society had paid its way and had a very nice credit balance. It was felt now it could make more headway if it had a hall of its own. The scheme had been recommended by the finance committee, the executive and the general committee, which was absolutely behind the movement.

The site proposed was on the south side of the bridge on the riverbank, right in front of the scout hall. The access would be from Ward Street and Market. Street.

Mr. Patrick said it was one of the best sites possible to get in the borough, and the building, which would be seen by every one who passed, would be a credit to the society and the borough. The plans had been submitted to builde'rs and none of fault the building. The architect’s estimate was £2SOO. and the society had been promised a subsidy to the extent of £2BO from the Unemployment Board. The building would be 150 feet over all; the main ball 100 feet by 45 feet, and the stage 22 feet by 25 feet 6 inches. It would have two dressing rooms, two reception rooms and a tearoom.

“What we propose to do to finance the scheme is to issue 5 per cent, debentures for ten years with the right for the society to redeem them each year it has a credit balance in hand,” said the president.

At present negotiations were going on for a small art union, and it was proposed that trustees should be appointed for the debenture holders'. Mr. Patrick expressed the opinion that the scheme would be a good investment. The following resolution, which was carried, was moved by Mr. N. B. Gibbons:- —“That in the opinion of this meeting the scheme foffthe erection of a hall as outlined by the president be proceeded with. We heartily endorse the proposal and authorise the committee to take every action necessary to carry forward the proposal to a successful conclusion. We recognise the necessity for the society to have its own hall and we compliment the president on the work he has put in in preparing this scheme.” ' To a member, Mr. Patrick said the main hall would be 8 feet above the level of the ground.