HALL FOR PAEROA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32630, 5 October 1945, Page 4

HALL FOR PAEROA

QUESTION DISCUSSED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MATTER REFERRED TO COUNCIL At Wednesday night’s meeting of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce, Mr E. Kahn again raised the question of the provision of a suitable hall in Paeroa. He contended that the time was now opportune when some scheme should be decided upon and preliminary steps taken. The actual construction might not take place for some years but it was necessary to do some planning in advance, urged Mr Kahn.' Mr W-. iPirie stated that the Paeroa Caledonian /Society had 1 discussed' the question., of building a hall of their own but would prefer to devote their efforts to assisting in the major project. He considered that it was- far better for all bodies to get together in one big effort rather than to have several minor projects on hand at the one time. Handsome Subscriptions Mr jW. Tubman said that if some scheme was propounded he couldguarantee several handsome subscriptions to assist with the ifinance. Mr C. N. O’Neill said that he agreed with the proposal and although the hall may not be gone on with immediately, plans should be made. The provision of a community centre was 1 a subject which should exercise the minds of all citizens who believe in the future of Paeroa. Youth Of The Town The Government was behind any proposal of this nature. Provision must be made foi’ the youth of the town if it was wished to retain them

and their interest in (Paeroa. At present there was no place suitable for entertainment on a large scale and the various interests were spread over a wide area. He suggested thg£ the chamber again approach the Pa£-"’ roa Borough Council. iMr J. H. Bartlett said that the deputation to the council had not done a great deal to awaken the interest • of the municipality in the project and he quoted the reply received from the council.

Opinion of Councillor

Mr C. C. We'bb said' that as a councillor he had not been impressed with the way the deputation had presented its case to the council. Too issues had been raised. The deputa-r tion had dealt with the town hall, the question of this being a memorial hall, youth centres and community centres. 'He considered that the chamber should go to the council with some definite suggestion. Once the council had discussed' the matter and decided upon a course of action a scheme could be drawn up and all the various proposals incorporated. Until, the housing position was alleviated actual construction could not be commenced but the preliminary steps could be taken. Housing First Mr E. Lee suggested that action bedeferred until such time as the housing position eased. It was finally agreed on the motion of Messrs O’Neill and Bartlett, that the Chamber again write to the Paeroa Borough Council as follows: — “That plans for the provision of a suitable public hall, to be erected when the housing shortage is alleviated, should be put in hand now, and that • the Chamber of Commerce will be glad to co-operate in any way to end.” i