HUTT GALAS.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 15, 21 October 1927, Page 1

HUTT GALAS.

During . the past few years four separate "Galas" have been organised and successfully run in our borough by bands of enthusiasts ably led by Mr. Strand (the Mayor) and Mr. Mcßain, one of our Councillors. Quite large sums of money have been raised —no less than one thousand pounds on the occasion of the second "Gala" and approximately five hundred pounds on the third occasion. On the first occasion nearly three hundred pounds were raised, but what the result of the last one—-held last Easter—was, we cannot say, because no balance sheet has yet been made available. All these sums of money were paid over to the Borough Council to control, principally because the money was spent on -grounds—recreation or scenic—-the property of the ratepayers. Now we do not for o^fimoment suggest that the money .--¥aranot. been judiciously expended and laralie right direction, but what we doJSmtend is that quite insufficient iSßpcity is given to this spending or^raffthe progress of the work being cfprafied out. Members of committee^^pr individual Councillors no doubtlpiave this information, but surely the public who so generously subscribed the money should be kept posted as to what has . been or is being done.. We have in mind particularly the children's play area in Alicetown, the site on which stood the drill hall. We remember that a total of" six hundred and fifty pounds was available for this work—five hundred from the "Gala" and one hundred and fifty set aside by the Council. This money was for clearing, levelling, digging, sowing and planting the section and also to provide some, at least, of the necessary equipment for the children. Mr. Chapman was persuaded to undertake the planning and supervision and we have ample evidence that he has done admirable work. But (beyond the cutting of the grass) nothing now appears to be

going on. Is therte no more money left? Is the preparation or purchase of the various play devices being seen to? Will the area be quite ready and the equipment also for the approaching summer? We wish to make it clear that people are wondering what is going on "aiß^ these peopiehave a right to know, so we urge those responsible to make a full statement of the position. Very many who rendered valuable aid in previous calas are becoming disheartened at this lack of publicity and threaten to have nothing to do with gala movements in the future. We cannot afford to lose a single helper—indeed, more were required; so for the sake of the future we ask for a full and comprehensive statement. Regarding the last gala, we remind our readers that the movement was late in starting—the storm of the preceding night did much damage particularly to the large tents, and prevented many hundreds from attending, sq little, if any, profit can be expected from it. But surely after a lapse of six months it is quite reasonable to ask for a balance sheet which—so far as we know—has not yet been submitted or passed. May we finally suggest the formation of a permanent Gala Society which wounld function continuously and not Just for a few weeks prior to the holding of a function-7—woujd make for continuity in office of the most enthusiastic leaders and would make for permanence* among those splendid workers whoj have done so much for these galas in the past. The formation of such a society has been discussed, but we urge that the time is opportune for something definite to be done. We know our Mayor is a very busy man: will he give a lead—we are sure many, very many, will follow.