THE APITI TROUBLE.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 278, 29 May 1907, Page 2

THE APITI TROUBLE.

j TO THE BDITOB. | Sir, — In consequence of the paragraph in a contemporary of 21st inst. by a correspondent, which states that Messrs Stephens Bros, are having their Hall renovated, and when completed it is to be placed at the disposal of the residents for 12 months, free for any local affair, and with your kind permission, Mr Editor, I will make a statement, for it seems to me that the paragraph was inserted with the object of injuring the prospects of the Public Hall Committee—During the past 2 or 3 years the various sports, Church, and Horticultural Committees have been put to much inconvenience through the action of the late lessees of the Hall, and at the eleventh hour the use of the building has been denied to committees, although engaged in a business-like manner, and in plenty of time beforehand. In addition to this, the residents recognised that the Hall was inadequate and unfit in more ways than one for their present requirements. As a result Mr Stephens (the present proprietor) on behalf of the public, called a meeting at which he presided, and agreed with those present that better Hall accommodation was needed. He also agreed that a section should be bought, and advocated that a building should be put up on shares, and led the public to believe that it did not matter to him whether the present Hall was closed or not; in fact, he intended to turn it into a storeroom. Subsequently, delegates waited on Mr Stephens to procure information as to what his terms would be to renovate and let the Hall for a number of years. After fully considering and discussing the matter at another public meeting, it was finally decided to thank Mi- Stephens for his offer, and that the residents would nut up a public building on the Government site set apart for that purpose, and as much of the money as possible to be raised by public subscription and the balance to be borrowed on personal security. There is now £160 promised, a good part of which is in hand, Dr. Gregory being treasurer. For reasons Dest known to himself, Mr Stephens has completely changed his plans now. However, there is no doubt the residents will co-operate and act in common, which will conduce towards the best interests of the public in years to come. Whoever put the paragraph in the contemporary, relating to our local storekeeper, "who, through his capital and energy, has converted our bush shanties into respectable houses," implied an untruth, showed, a want of sense, and cast a slur on the residents. There is not the slightest doubt but that the residents deserve all the credit for any improvement that may have been added to their houses. I also believe that the majority of the settlers in this district are noted for their energy and persoverance, although, perhaps, not blessed with so much capital as \ our local storekeeper appears to possess. Yours, etc., RESIDENT.