DIVIDED OPINIONS

Evening Star, Issue 20592, 18 September 1930, Page 7

DIVIDED OPINIONS

SKATING IN TOWN HAIL APPLICATION FOR LEASE REFUSED CLOSE VOTING BY COUNCILLORS A discussion last night as to whether or not roller skating should be permitted in the Town Hall revealed city councillors in moods both tcsthetical and materialistic. The subject was broached when Or Clark commenced speaking to the Finance Committee’s report, the clause that provoked the discussion taking the form of a recommendation that the Town Hall should be let for rollerskating for a term of not less than three months on six days of the week at a rental of £6O a week, the council retaining the right to lot the hall for any other purpose at any time. Cr Tapley moved, as ah amendment, that this section of the clause bo deleted, and after close voting the amendment was carried. However, an application regarding a similar use of the South Dunedin Town Hall was granted. Cr Clark stated that the Finance Committee had not been unanimous on the point, and he understood that it would bo suggested in council that the matter should bo referred back. Ho would ask the council to decide the question that night. The parties who intended to take the hall would require considerable time in which to procure the necessary skates and implements. Through the use of the hall for skating good revenue would undoubtedly bo produced for the city The place would be available for this purpose when not otherwise required The necessary alterations would bo put in hand by the city building surveyor at the expense of the company. As far as finance was concerned, the letting of the hall would pay the council, but it had been held by some that skating would by no means improve the floor. At the same time it had been explained that the new fibre typo of skates would do no damage. “ I object strongly to passing this clause," said Cr Tapley. “I think it would bo sacrilege to let that beautiful ball as a skating rink. I am sure it was never intended that it should be let as such.” There was no doubt, he added, that they could get some considerable revenue in this way. but be felt that the hall’s general utility would be affected by a skating rink being there—in spite of the fact that the council reserved the right to close it down as far as that purpose was concerned. In a rink it was necessary that certain appliances should always be thcro. and these might be a nuisance when the hall was required for other purposes. In a skating rink, moreover, a certain amount of grease came out on the floor. It was for this reason that rinks were penalised by insurance companies. In addition, they would risk having the organ damaged by the dust that might be raised. If they let that room he thought it would bo most unfair to the donor of the organ, and they would be doing something against which the public would bo up in arms. “J. think that the aesthetic aspect should bo maintained,” concluded_ Cr Tapley. “If you turn the hall into a skating rink you will detract a great deal from its prestige. I move that the section of the clause applying to the hall bo deleted.” Cr Lawrence seconded this amendment. Ho thought that if skating were allowed it would be to the detriment of the surface of the floor. Cr Wilkinson, in supporting the two previous speakers, considered that they should take no risks in this matter. “1 must say that, in the first place 1 was prejudiced against the plan, ’ said Cr Shacklock, “ but I have been assured that the proposed fibre rollers would not damage the floor, and also that a rail or guard would keep skaters away from the walls.” Cr Campbell strongly supported Cr Tapley. “ 1 would like further information on the subject,” stated Cr Bogg. “ What revenue is expected from leasing the ball for skating? Cr Clark; £6O a week. Cr Bogg said the Town Hall was erected for the convenience of the people, and hero was a project that would suit them and bring in a certain amount of business besides. They would find a great many of Dunedin’s citizens would be quite in favour of the proposal. If the skating was run under good management be could not see what damage could be done. What could bo better than to see tlio young people sliding round the ball while the city organist provided music for them at a big organ? (Laughter.) “ I see no serious reason why the hall should not be used as a skating rink,” concluded Cr Bogg. “As long as care is taken to protect the place it ought to bo used for boxing, wrestling, skating, or anything else. How mud) candle grease is put on the floor before a dance?” Cr Tapley: They don’t put grease on at all for a dance. Cr Begg made a final plea to the effect that they must have more revenue. I “A great deal of nonsense has been spoken against the proposal to let the hall ” said Cr Wilson. “ I did not take kindly to the idea at first, but when I looked into it and was assured that thex-e would be no damage I could see ixo objection. If damage was done there would bo no renewal of the lease. All the necessary fittings would be provided by the hirer at his own expense. A lot of twaddle has been talked to-night about the dignity of the hall and of its dignity and beauty being outraged. On two or three occasions, as a matter of faqt, thcro have been complaints about dances that the council has allowed to take place there.” ' Cr Mitchell: The coster ball, for instance ? Cr Wilson; Yes, and a more recent ball. However, if flic hirer conducts skating as ho docs his own particular chuiccs there will bo no danger of damage being done. Cr Scott said they wore running a commercial concern, and ho believed that they would not be doing the right thing if they did not let the hall. If damage was being done they could stop the skating in throe months’ time or earlier. The Mayor: In the fli'st place you must realise that the hoards were not laid down on the floor to suit skating. Skaters move around in a circle, and a wooden floor that was not specially constructed would never .stand the “ racket.” Cr Clark stated that the Finance Committee introduced the mutter with an impartial attitude, and it was for the council to say “ Yes ” or “ No.” If they gi'anted the lease a certain amount of plant would be put in by the lessee, and in view of that fact they would have to allow him to carry on lor at least three months, irrespective of whether or not damage was done. The amendment was carried by six votes to five, those voting against it being Crs Begg, Shacklock, Scott, Wilson, and Marlow.