RUNANGA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1942, Page 4

RUNANGA NOTES

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A special meeting of the Runanga Co-operative Society was held last evening, Mr. F. Oakley presiding over a fair attendance. The Chairman explained that the purpose of the meeting was to obtain the members' views on the proposal to erect a new bakehouse at Runanga, and a branch store at Dunollie.

When the proposal to build a bakehouse was considered some time ago. it was found that permission could not be obtained from the Building Controller. Since then, trouble had been experienced in the present bakehouse, with the electric oven. A new oven was held in Christchurch for the Society, but it was not possible to instal it in the present building. It was also desired to instal a flour sifter. but this could not be accommodated. A fresh approach had been made to the Building Controller, and he had granted permission for the new building on condition that the proposed hall was not erected on top. as this would entail the use of extra steel. Mr. S. Morris moved, and Mr. W. O’Neill seconded, that the new building be proceeded with. Mr. J. McTaggart, who originally sponsored the scheme to build a bakehouse, opposed the motion, stating that the time was inopportune under the present war situation. The motion was carried with one dissentient.

Stating that it might be some time before a start could be made, and indeed, permission had yet to be obtained, the Chairman sought the approval of members to the building of a branch shop at Dunollie. Bread deliveries were being restricted, and parts of Dunollie were a longdistance from the main shop. The Society owned two sections there, where the population was ever increasing. There were more than 70 members in Dunollie. Mr. S. Morris moved, and Mrs. Robertson seconded that, as soon as possible, a store be constructed in Dunollie. The mover said that if the necessary labour were not available, then the members would provide the labour, even if it were voluntary labour.

Mr. J. McTaggart also opposed this scheme, giving as reasons, in addition to the war situation, that the proposal was not economically sound. He said that if a branch was opened, then the members at Barrytown and Rapahoe had an equal right to a branch store. Members did not find the distance too far to go to town to shop, or to entertainment.

The Chairman said comparison could not be drawn between Rapahoe and Barrytown, where the membership was very small. A good delivery was provided to both places. If the Mines Department saw fit to undertake the erection of a large number of new homes at Dunollie. then it should be equally right for the Society to go ahead with a branch store there at the present time.

The motion was carried with one dissentient.