NELSON CENTENARY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 96, 20 October 1934, Page 7

NELSON CENTENARY

MAYOR LOOKING FORWARD

A HALL LOAN PROPOSAL

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

* NELSON, October 19,

A matter very dear to the heart of Nelson's Mayor (Mr. W. J. Moffatt) was placed before tho City Council last evening when Mr. Moffatt was successful in having carried the following motion: "That when the water supply proposals are submitted to a poll of the ratepayers a proposal for an extension of the Municipal Buildings, including a new, gas showroom and an- Early Settlers' Memorial Hall, at a cost of about £8000, be also submitted for approval."

Mr. Moffatt said that for seven years ho had had the subject in his mind, and finally he had seized a suitable opportunity to place something definite before the council. The cost, the City Engineer had said, after a very cursory survey, would be in the vicinity of £8000. There was a good body of public opinion, the Mayor was convinced, behind his proposal. The Centenary of Nelson was not so very far away, and ho hoped to have tho early settlers' hall in commission by then to be taken over by an enthusiastic body of citizens, which ho was sure would be forthcoming. Councillor Russell seconded the motion stating that he was democratic enough to allow the ratepayers to have an opportunity of deciding. He commended the Mayor on his tenacity in tho matter. Councillor Eussell stated that when, the Unemployment Commissioner was in Nelson he was asked whether'tho subsidy would be extended to such work, and replied that favourable consideration would probably be given to the question. The motion was opposed on the ground that until the council knew exactly what was to be done with the water question tho matter of the hall should be deferred. The settlers' memorial ought to be built out of public subscription. The Mayor, in reply, said that Dr. Bett had promised a wonderful gift to the city if a fireproof building was provided to house it, and tho speaker wished a settlers' hall. Ho wished to lay the foundation of the Nelson Centenary, and it was essential that something' of a memorial nature should bo built ■ The motion was carried by 6 votes to .1. ■ ■