FIFTY THOUSAND CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 224, 21 August 1935, Page 9

FIFTY THOUSAND CLUB

MOVEMENT UNDER WAY. AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. Following upon a preliminary meeting held recently, when a provisional committee was set up to formulate the details for its successful operation, an enthusiastic meeting of about 80 citizens (both ladies and gentlemen) in the City Council Chambers last evening launched the. Palmerston North 50,000 Club, the object of which is to stimulate the expansion of the city and direct attention to it as the most important inland centre of the Dominion. The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) presided until the election of Mr F. Jackson as the first president of the club, and there was evident a keen desire on the part of business men and citizens generally to ensure the success of the new organisation and the advancement of Palmerston North. The greater part of the evening was devoted to an examination and adoption of the draft rules and objects of the club, and the election of officers.

Mr Mansford, welcoming the citizens and voicing a number of apologies for unavoidable absence, commented that the large attendance was very gratifying. The meeting commenced at once to examine the draft constitution. OBJECTS OF CLUB.

The following were decided upon as the objects to l>e kept to the forefront in the conduct of the club: To further by whole-hearted co-op-eration tho advancement and expansion of the city of Palmerston North, and to assist in the development of the city and surrounding district generally. By the creation and fostering of that necessary spirit of civic pride and enthusiasm which should exist in the mind of every man, woman and child in the city and district.

By furthering tho establishment and expansion in the eitv and surrounding districts of such industries as may be suitably and economically carried on, giving special prominence to those related to the products of the district, to the production of which the natural resources of the city and district so fittingly lend themselves.

By tho encouragement of afforestation, irrigation, aviation, railway extension and improved transport facilities, and improved reading wherever found necessary, and by co-operating with existing leagues and organisations which may have for their object the carrying out of these aims. It is intended that this club shall not usurp the functions of, but shall co-operate with, any other body or corporation having kindred objects. By encouraging the establishment and extension of manufactories within and around the city of Palmerston North, and bv providing reliable information as to factory sites, motive power, natural conditions, labour available, transport facilities, markets, etc.; the club to establish an office for the handling of this most important branch.

To co-operate with all existing or hereafter established organisations in securing improved shipping and railage facilities, handling imports and exports and quicker and cheaper transit. To co-operate with any organisation for the promotion of education in all its branches, with special reference to the technical and art schools, agricultural colleges and the establishment of necessary continuation schools, more particularly in relation to trade and commerce.

To impress on all the citizens and authorities in New Zealand that, by reason of its geographical position, the city of Palmerston North is ideal for tho holding of all North Island and Dominion conferences, and by any and every means to foster and encourage the lidding of such conferences in the city.

To co-operate with the City Council and other local bodies in beautifying the city and surrounding district and to foster and encourage the establishment and development of motor camp sites, picnic sites and scenic and other reserves.

By any and every means to show the citizens of the Dominion and the outside world that Palmerston North — blight, beautiful, busy—is an ideal spot to live in, excellent in its health records, municipal enterprise, scholastic organisations, and for its natural beauty of situation which have gained for it the reputation of being the Garden City of New Zealand. To secure the interest, active support and solid and united action of members of Parliament 'and public men in tho furtherance of all matters and questions pertaining to the welfare and the advancement of the city of Palmerston North and the surrounding district. To collect and publish statistics and other information relating to any of tho subjects dealt with in the foregoing objects. To organise carnivals and other attractions and in connection therewith to purchase, sell, hire or run in Palmerston North and elsewhere, circling waves, roundabouts and any other carnival attraction or side show, and generally to assist all athletic sports and clubs.

To do all such other things as are incidental to the attainment of the above objects or any of them.

FINANCE. It was decided that the income and property of the club be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of tho association, and no portion shall bo paid or transferred directly or indirectly to any person who at any time is, or has been, a member of'the club, or to any person claiming through any member —“provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent payment in good faith of remuneration to any officers or servants of the club, or to any members of the club, or other person in return for services actually rendered to the club.” The number of members of the club is unlimited.

Every person, company or corporate body, resident or carrying on business within the city or district, shall become members on payment of the following annual subscription:—For individuals, 2s 6d; for business firms and for companies, a minimum of one guinea ; for junior associate members (under 21 years), Is. Every person on payment of one guinea shall bo deemed to be a life member. Contributions to tho funds will be accepted from every ]>erson, company or corporate l>ody resident or carrying on business within tho city and district or elsewhere. The executive committee was given power to elect as an lionorarv life member any person who. in its opinion, shall have rendered signal service to the club by special contribution or otherwise.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of the first panel of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr F. Jackson; vice-presidents, Messrs H. E. Townshend, R. L. C. Aitehison, A. Clark, M. N. Wallace, and J. Ireland ; executive Committee, Messrs P. S. Larcomb, H. B. Free, G. G. Priest, 0. V. Day, W. H. Brown, W. B. Tennent, G. Tremaine, A. W. Just, C. N. Rabone, A. P. Stuart, 11. E. Kissling, and A. M. Lascelles. The Mayor is an ex-officio member of the executive. Mr Larcomb’s offer to continue the secretarial duties until the first meeting of the executive was accepted with thanks, and the executive was authorised to appoint a secretary-treasurer (or secretary and treasurer) and an auditor. The executive committee will meet at least once a month. Special committees may he appointed by the executive for the purpose of attending to and carrying out, subject to the executive, the various objects of the club.

On the motion of Mr M. N. Wallace, the provisional executive were accorded a hearty vote of appreciation for their work in drawing up the rules.

Mr Jackson, on assuming office, referred to the building activity of the city, and tho splendid asset of the new airport at Milson. By electing the executive, tho members’ work did not end, but by co-operation excellent results would be obtained.

The initial donation, that of £1 Is from the Palmerston North Drapers’, Clothiers’, and Boot Retailers’ Association, was received with acclamation. Mr W. F. Cutler introduced a subject he had mentioned at the previous meeting, the desirability of a branch of the railway workshops being established in Palmerston North. The meeting concluded without any discussion, however. Subsequently the executivo met and discussed routine business.