DELAY WITH MAJOR PROJECT : GISBORNE R.S.A. MAY BUILD TEMPORARY PREMISES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22917, 8 April 1949, Page 4

DELAY WITH MAJOR PROJECT : GISBORNE R.S.A. MAY BUILD TEMPORARY PREMISES

IN the face of material shortages which are now estimated to continue for several years, the executive of the Gisborne Returned Services’ Association faces the possibility of having to erect temporary premises on a scale much lower than that envisaged in connection with its war memorial building.

The major project already has suffered deferment for three years owing to the agreed necessity for channelling all available and suitable materials into housing for Kiwi families. It now seems that five or six years at least must elapse before it can be pressed on towards completion.

This fact was recognised in a discussion which took place at the monthly meeting of the district executive, held on Wednesday evening, arising from reports upon inquiries which have been proceeding for some months as to the possibility of finding premises for temporary occupation. No Existing Quarters Available

The sub-committee which had conducted these inquiries had reported a complete failure to uncover any possibilities in existing buildings. Some premises which might have served as temporary clubrooms had been converted to office suites within the last year or two, while others which had the elements of possibility were already committed to other uses. This report was final, and bore out indications on which the executive had. during the past month, conducted discussions with the Kiwi social committee on the provision of games evenings and other entertainments for young ex-servicemen and their families.

As an immediate step towards providing this entertainment the committee had been asked to submit proposals for periodical gatherings on the understanding that the district executive would arrange for the hire of accommodation. A programme duly submitted by the committee was approved, and will be given effect to as soon as possible, the executive having voted a grant for immediate expenses. Site Involved in Community Centre On the larger' question of providing the association’s own premises, factors ether than the shortages of materials had to be taken into account. These included the likelihood that the site purchased three years ago for the War Memorial building would be incorporated in the community centre scheme for Gisborne, and that the R.S-A. might be asked to accept an exchange of sites. While this possibility is still remote, in point of time, it placed a limit upon the extent to which the present site could be used in the meantime.

It was agreed, however, that space would be available for a temporary building at ane end of the Childers road property, and that the provision of finance for this project would not be an insuperable obstacle. Sub-committees were appointed to investigate various aspects of this proposal, and it is hoped to have information from the sub-committees in time to submit a recommendation to a general meeting of the association on Anzac Day. Those who took part in the discussion were Messrs. Gordon Jones, A. H. Barwick. M. R. Maude, J. Leggat, A. S. Muir, H. D. Chrisp, A. W. Harper, K. F. Jones and W. Bourke.