Takaro Progressive Association

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 114, 15 May 1941, Page 4

Takaro Progressive Association

At the monthly meeting of the Takaro Progressive Association those present being Messrs. E. H. Smith (president), P. T. Jamieson, J. N. Spooner, E. B. Borham, A. D. Barkwith, H. Been, Mesdamos P. T. Jamieson, J. W. Spooner, E. Lyall, S. J. A. Busst, E. C. Hammond, R. Packer. Mr. Wasso’s recommendation that tho incoming committee inspect Bums Avenue and ask the council for improvements when necessary, was adopted. Pleasure w y as expressed in the recognition of the Association by the candidates for the Mayoralty in asking that their meetings be chaired by the Association. The chairman said that tho Association was pleased to chair meetings in tho district and to give help where they could. The Association was non-political and it did not deflect the views of the Association in chairing any meeting political or otherwise. Tho question of Mr. Smith holding meetings to address the electors during his campaign was raised. Mr. Smith said it would be difficult to formulate any policy on which to speak at any length. Mostly what the electors wanted to know about a council candidate was bis qualifications to hold his position on the council. Personally he had had a considerable amount to do with public bodies and sports bodies. The position of chairman of tho Havelock Town Board for several years, member of the Wairau Licensing Committee and Government nominee on the Havelock Harbour Board, were amongst some of the jobs he had held in the past. He had also been connected executively with most sports bodies in the Marlborough district. At the present time ho was actively connected with sports bodies in Palmerston North and had been so for some years, more particularly bowling and hockey. He is and had been for a considerable number of years a Justice of tho Peace. Above all, being now retired from business, be felt ho could devoto the time required to carry out the duties of a councillor. It was decided to forward letters to the West End and Terrace End Associations asking for the support of Mr. Smith's candidature. Referring to a letter from tho West End Association regarding the state of the roadway in Main Street where the railway linos crossed it noar the station, the chairman said that as this matter, although out of our district, really wanted attending to, it had been treated as urgent and dealt with. Tha chairtnan ’s action was approved. Arrangements for this year's canvass of the district for membership was discussed. It was felt that at the present timo owing to the many activities of individual mem hers of the committe on Patriotic and Home Guard duties that canvassing might take some time to complete. However, the district had always stood solidly behind its associations in the past and there was every reason to believe that residents would continue to do so. At this juncture the meeting received a deputation from D Coy. of the Home Guard seeking the support of the association in a recruiting campaign in tho district. Commander Hooper said that although tho Home Guard was receiving a fair amount of support, it tvas far from satisfactory. There were many men who could give the timo required who bad not como forward. Out of tho entire district there were only fifty-eight who,had joined up. Leaving out the key men who resided in the district and also those in E.P.S. jobs, this was far from satisfactory. It was not much uso in an emergency for men to expect to be able to do their part without training. He felt that the time he had put into the movement had not been wasted. In supporting Commander Hooper Mr. Bees said that Mr. Hooper was far too modest about his work as he knew that many hours had been spent by Mr. Hooper in bringing D Coy. up to its present efficiency, also that through his efforts D Coy., which came out of the area would shortly have uniforms and already were equipped with guns. People did not seem to realise the real necessity of tho Home Guard nor their duty to the city in this respect. During subsequent discussion it was felt that every effort should be made to assist in this matter. A chaU lengo had been issued and the men of the district should take it up and not let the willing horse do all the work. The chairman made reference to the serious accident which had befallen Mr. Wass and family. Hopes for their entire recovery and sympathy was expressed. #A letter of sympathy is to bo forwarded.