DISTRICT NEEDS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 19, 22 July 1932, Page 12

DISTRICT NEEDS

DISCUSSION AT NGAIO

QUESTION OF BATHS

The needs of the district were discussed- at last evening's meeting of the Ngaio Progressive Association. Mr. H. L. Cumniings presided over a fair attendance.

Mr. Cutaniings spoke of the difficulty there had been in getting an ultimate plan of the Jay-out of the leserve in tho vicinity" of the hall. He hoped to be ablo'to provide fora paddling pool for tho children —20ft by 20ft, or 30ft by_ 30ft—and this would lead into the swimming baths. There was an excellent water supply available. " The Act would havo to bo amended to allow for special rating for tho provision of the baths. It was proposed to use part of £220 held by the association for preliminary work by unemployed labour in the, preparation of tho site.

Mr. C. Glenday gave it as his opinion that unemployed labour was the dearest kind of labour; a contract should be let for tho construction of tho baths.

Mr. Cummings replied that up-to-date baths would cost about £2500, and as the amending of tho Act would take a fair time, it' was proposed that the unemployed labour should be used while it was avai'lablo for the cost«o£ insurance, supervision, and material.

Mr. W. P. Boilings said it was possible to get a contract at almost any price' now, and the association should try and get one for the construction of the baths when conditions were a little better, but before prices rose high.

Mr. O. -Gidall thought the reserve should be left in its natural state as regards the-provision of playing facilities for children. There was an area nearby which made a fine playing field.

Another speakci said tlieio was plenty of room in the district in which children could play.

* -In reply to a question, by Mrs. Gidall, Mr. ,Cnmmings said that if the poll of ratepayers for the special rating for the bathS \vas defeated, ' the children "-would .have.to go'diity,'" or walk to Khandallah.'

-Thelw.ork done by the association, ■with regard } to roads and footpaths and street lighting was. outlined T>y Mr. Curnmings, who appealed for more mombersi saying-that many people not members of' tho association' made requests to "it for help in meeting their needs. - Tho .corner of Awarua street and the Main road, it was stated, would be widened when money Tvas available for 'theiwork.' " : .' , , • , ,The following officers were elected: — President," Mr. H. L.' Cummings; vicepresident; Mr. A. Franks;-honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. K. Irving; honorary auditor, Mr. W. J. Hicks; committee,) Messrs. G. E. Littlejohu, H. Prince, -H. B. Mason,, J. A. Glasgow, H." J. Johnson, and D'avcy.