CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

Franklin Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 109, 16 September 1938, Page 8 (Supplement)

CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL

REST ROOWI AND PLAYGROUND PAPAKURA DECISION A meeting was held of interested residents in the proposed Plunket and Rest Room, at the council’s offices on Tuesday evening, when the Mayor, Mr S. Evans, presided. Those present were: Mrs Salter (president of the Women’s Institute), Mrs H. C. Baulf (secretary of the Social Welfare League), Miss M. Cooper (secretary of the Croquet Club), Mrs B. C. Carpenter (secretary), Mrs J. F. Johnstone and Mrs W. S. McIlraith (Papakura Plunket branch). Mrs A. M. Richardson (secretary ot' Women’s Institute), Councillors D. J. Graham, C. B. Bryant, J. S. de Montalk, A. Burgess, A. Parris, 11. Wishart (secretary of the Papakura Plunketand rest room building fund committee) and Mr C. Garlick (president of the Papakura Progress League). Apologies for absence were received from Mr and Mrs J. Jarvie, Mr J. F. Johnson and Mr G. F. McDonald.

The Mayor stated that a letter from Hon. W. E. Parry in reply to the council’s application for a grant for the rest room as a centennial memorial said the Government would subsidise the proposal £1 for every £3 raised locally. “That means,” said the Mayor, “the Government provide a quarter of the cost. If the building costs £6OO we must find £450” added Mr Evans. Referring to the cost of the playground lie expressed the opinion that the layout could he done under scheme 13. The proposal at present'means ii will lie necessary ot find another £250 at least, after what monies are already in hand.”

Mr Graham: Under tiie centennial memorial scheme have we io wait till 1940 for the completion of the building?

The Mayor: It would mean the official opening in 1940. Mrs Carpenter: Would there be any chance of opening sooner if we did not get the subsidy.

The Mayor: We get a quarter of the cost.

Mrs Johnstone: Can we lie sure the Government will make the grant? The Mayor: There is not much doubt that the Government will grant

The clerk: If we get a definite approval the building can go forward forthwith.

Mr Graham said the founders of the scheme thought the building would be completed this year. “Has there been a breach of promise made by ihe council?’’ he asked.

Mr Wishart, secretary of the building fund committee: No definite promise was made by the council. On Ihe motion of Mr E. A. J. Busing it was decided to forward a letter to ttie Centennial Provincial Council in Auckland stating that it was the intention to make the building of a rest room and provision of a children’s playground Papakura’s centennial memorial, and to make a request for the Government subsidy. Mrs Johnstone stressed Hie viewtlia l children’s playgrounds were very necessary.

The Mayor said (hat he thought the playground pari of I lie memorial did not present any difficulties as Ihe ground could he prepared by subsidised labour and Ihe amenities such as swing's could he added trom time to time as finances permitted. It .would also be necessary to find shrubs, plants and ilowers to plant around the rest room.

After considerable discussion how to raise the extra nipney suggestions including concerts, parties, entertainments, etc., it was resolved to run a queen carnival with three queens business, school and sports —immediately after Ihe election and to conclude on November 30.

The following committee was elected: Mesdamcs J. F. Johnstone, 13. G. Carpenter, Sailer, Messrs Dillicar, A. Parris and Tl. Wishart. Mr A. L. Cooper promised to carry on until meeting as secretary. The commitlee was requested to peruse plans of buildings submitted.