NORTH-EAST HARBOR NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 18668, 24 June 1924, Page 2

NORTH-EAST HARBOR NOTES

[From Octe CcMitEsrotAiSKT.] The ordinary monthly meeting of tho Improvement Society was held in the hall on Saturday. The president (Mr Bewley) presided over a good attendance of members. A letter, was received from the Boating Club suggesting that the society should go into the matter of having a public convenience erected at the bay. After tho matter had been fully discussed it was resolved that a public meeting be held in the hall on Saturday evening, July 5, when tho matter could be thoroughly gone into. With a view to augmenting the funds of the society, it was resolved that the Ladies’ Committee run an extended dance on Saturday evening next in lieu of the ordinary weekly function, and also that a fancy dress dance be held towards the end of July, at which prizes ho given for the best “get-ups.” Mr S. Butler, who has occupied the position of secretary for the past two or three years, tendered his resignation. It was resolved that the thanks of the committee and members for his past services be recorded in the minutes. His successor will probably be appointed at the next meeting of committee. ; The members of the Glee Club are busy getting into form for future engagements, the weekly practices being well attended. At last Thursday’s practice there were about two dozen members present, and a good night’s work was put in. It is’tho club’s intention to give several entertainments in the district during the present session, and it behoves the members to got in as much practice as possible. The suggestion has been made that the club should compete at the next Dunedin Competitions. It is certainly a good one, and would give the members something to look forward to. Apart from the pleasure which would attend such an undertaking, there is the question of experience and benefit which would be derived. Getting into closer touch and competition with kindred dubs would be the means of giving members that feeling of confidence and assurance in their work which plays so

important a part. The “Busy Bees” had a, “busy” afternoon on Saturday. A social hour was held in the hall for the mothers and the “workers.” there being a good “swarm” present. A number of items were sung by those present during the afternoon, and a : nice cup of tea and choice eatables were handed round. Miss Fraser, who has spent a considerable time doing missionary work in China, was present, and she gave a most interesting lecture on the work which is being carried on among the people of the Flowery Land. Needless to say, the speaker received an attentive iiearing, her remarks being followed with keen interest by both adults and children, bucli lectures tend to give the children a broader knowledge of life as it exists in various parts of the world, and will no doubt show them that their linos are cast in pleasant places. The scope of the 'local “Bees” is being widened so that any children who wish to do so may join np and take part in the good work that | is being done. | 'The matter of public conveniences for the bay has taken another step forward. At the last meeting of the Improvement .Society it was resolved that- a public , meeting be called to deal with the matter. | It is to be hoped that the male residents of the district will show their real interest in this very important project by being present en masse. It will only be by a j thorough discussion of the merits of the ! various schemes put forward that a final and satisfactory arrangement will be arrived at. Of course, the selecting of a suitable site may ho a somewhat difficult ( matter, but no doubt even this will be \ overcome. Whatever scheme may be ultimately decided on will certainly' be a bit expensive, and the ways and means of dealing with this aspect of the question I will require to receive careful attention. | This is a matter that has been before the f.i>ciety previously, but the cost has evidently been the bugbear. It is to be hoped that some finality will be reached in the matter, and that by the time the

holiday season is round again the project will be a reality. That thisi (popular seaside resort is going ahead is quite evident by the increasing number of residents who are talcing up their permanent abode here. There are not many available houses, and, judging by the number of inquiries being made, it is recognised that building activity will be on the increase. The advantages of : living down tho bay do not appear to be realised by the great majority of town folk. These include fresh air and freedom j for the children, the bathing and boating facilities, the cheaper rates, the less costly dwellings. The difference in the rates payable alone would probably be sufficient to provide for the year’s travelling back and forward. j Perhaps at this juncture it may not he out of place to mention that the Road Board has a by-law dealing with the erection of buildings in the area under its jurisdiction. It it a little-known fact that a permit has lo bo obtained before a building can bo erected, and intending residents who purpose building would be well advised in nuking themselves acquainted with tho lava The board intends enforcing this and the motor speed by-law. : There are a number of minor works coming under the jurisdiction of the Improvement Society which, if carried out, would be tho means of adding to the attractiveness of the bay. Take, for instance, the rubbish tip in the “muddy” adjoining the hall. Were the use of this as a Lip stopped and that portion running in a line with the front of the ball to the Main road reclaimed, shrubs could be planted , and perhaps a scat or two placed there i for the convenience of visitors and others. ; I hen there is the eastern side of the | Main road, between the two stores, which j at present has a considerable growth of ' noxious weeds along it. Were these cleared off and a few scats erected, it would certainly be an improvement; but it is not suggested that the growth of native plants be disturbed. 'lbis is a matter that might well be done in conjunction with the Boating Club, as the latter body will be the one to benefit most by the work. One has only to think of the comfort and pleasure* derived by the members and spectators on regatta day, as well as on tire various other aquatic functions, to realise the beneficial nature of tho work. Tho hall itself could well do with some attention to the inside structure if full justice is to be done lo the efforts of performers at our various entertainments. Now that the debt on the building has been reduced to a minimum, the time seems opportune for these improvements. j The weekly meeting of the Card Club was again well attended, the tables being fully occupied. The progressive euchre tournament, which extends over the winter mouths, is now getting into an interesting stage, and each evening’s play sees an i alteration in the position of the various : players. At the end of the season prizes are presented to the winning lady and man, as well us the customary “ booby ” prizes. ! The Young Men’s Club/ is holding its monthly social on Wednesday evening in the hall. An enjoyable time may be looked forward to, with (Fencing, games, etc. These functions arc proving popular ones, and arc the means of keeping the club before the public.