WHANGAREI BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

Northern Advocate, 19 January 1920, Page 3

WHANGAREI BEAUTIFYING SOCIETY.

A(.'COMPLI SiIMFNTS A \ 1) I >E VELOPMENTS. SUSTAINED INTEREST. There was a meeting held of the general committee of the Beautifying Society at the supper room on Friday evening. Mr S. J. McCormick, the president, was in the chair, and there were also present Rev. G. W. Lochore, Messrs D. W. Jack, A. Price L. Hanlon. H. C. Rishworth, D. W. Miller, R. C. M. Harington, F. C. Denz, T. L. Drummond Dr. Mcllraith, Mesdames A. R. Pickmere, Harington, Steadman, and I). W. Miller. The minutes having been read, and several small items dealt with, the special place for four of the recently purchased garden seats was determined. NEW SEATS. A sample seat entirely of wood was ordered from Mr H. G. Foster, it being understood that if such was satisfactory more would be needed for several places in the town. It was notified that inquiries were on foot as to other pattern public seats and iron tree protectors. FLOWER DAY. Mrs Harington referred to the special flower day in November remarking that they had had several most willing workers, and £16 was collected for the society. Regret was expressed that there was not a larger response to the appeal for gifts of flowers and produce.

On the motion of the chairman, a most hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies for their much appreciated assistance. CHILDREN'S OPERETTA.

The secretary reported that even after the heavy expenses of advertising, printing, and hall hire, there was a net profit of nearly £100. Moreover the children concerned had had a most happy time preparing for > and during the two night performances in the town hall.

Mr S. J. McCormick expressed plea, sure at the marvellous result, and a spirited vote of thanks to Mrs D. W. Miller and her many eager helpers was carried by acclamation. SUPERVISOR. Mr H. Weaver, the supervisor of the society's gardener, sent a verbal message of regret at his enforced absence. GARDENER'S REPORT. This referred in detail to the work accomplished at the Triangle, the two plots prepared and planted with flowers by the railway station, and the long stretch five feet wide by the railway fence facing the Triangle which had ibeen prepared for planting. BRIDGE TO DOBBIE'S PARK.

Keen interest was shown in the suggestion to open up the 100 odd acres of Dobbie's Park to the people by a bridge across the creek at Mair Park. There was no doubt as to the unanimous opinion that this beauty spot should be speedily brought with, in range; and an equally emphatic opinion was general that any bridge erected should be in keeping with the surroundings and made a "thing of beauty."

Mr Jack moved that steps be immediately taken to get an estimate of the cost.

Mr Harington seconded the motion, stressing the importance of beauty also.

Mr Rishworth suggested that such an undertaking was essentially a borough work and he recommended deferring the matter until the Parks Committee and the Swimming Club had been approached.

Dr. Mcllraith thought that it would be advisalble to get the Borough Coun. oil to beautify the stream by the convenient bridge. He felt reluctant about spending £100 of the society's funds in that way. There was special need for beautification in and around the town proper. Rev. G. W. Lochore thought that the cost of the bridge would be too heavy, although the scheme was very desirable. Mr McCormick thought that other bodies should be consulted. The motion was ultimately amended and unanimously agreed to, by the addition of the words "after consultation with the Swimming Club and Parks Committee." Mr Jack considered that the Beautifying Society should have an income of five or six hundred a year, and that a bigger Borough Council 1 subsidy was necessary. At Mr Hanlon's suggestion it was agreed that, the matter of the approach to Mair Park should be considered at the same time.

STREET PLANTING. The matter of planting trees in the borough streets was discussed informally, itlbeitig understood that the engineer, Mr Darlington Whitmore, is engaged in preparing a list of streets and suitable trees for the purpose. PICTURE BENEFIT. It. was resolved to thank the management of the Britannia Theatre for their promise of a benefit perform ance and to ask for definite suggestion as to date and terms in writing. RIGHT OK WAY IMPROVEMENT. A letter was read from Mr J. L, Richardson re the right of way between the Town Hall and the Presbyterian Church. He agreed to donate the sum of £20 towards beautifying the bank after the necessary excavation is finished, provided the work is completed within months. Messrs McCormick .:;<<! fiarington were appointed to coufcr with the persons eweewed,

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Rev. O. W. Lochoro spoke of the boautiiication work proceeding in tho grounds of the church, intimating that a rustic fence and other improve, meats were under consideration. IMPROVING KENSINGTON PARK. A letter was read from the Town Clerk advising that a meeting of the Borough Council was called for the 19th inst. "for the purpose of considering the question of laying out Ken. sington Park as a recreation ground." An invitation was extended to tha Beautifying Society to be represented. On the motion of Mr Rishworth, seconded by Dr. Mcllraith, it was agreed that the executive committee attend the meeting.

WATER AND BANK STREET CORNER. Reference was made to this spot and the need for a straightening up, and the secretary said that he would remind the owners of previous conversations on the matter. MEMBERS' MEETING. It was resolved that the first meeting of members be held at a date in January the arrangements for the meeting being in the hands of Messrs L. T. Pickmere and D .W. Miller, the former undertaking the musical arrangements. RAILWAY STATION IMPROVEMENTS. Notwithstanding the impossibility of adopting a big beautificaUon scheme at the railway station owing to the suggested extensive alterations the stationmaster Mr Denz, intimated his intention of planting roses, etc., in a few places.

CLERICAL ASSISTANCE. The secretary was voted £5 as an honorarium for clerical assistance obtained. SCHEME OF WORK. By common consent the importance of drawing up a comprehensive scheme of work was urged, Dr. Mcllraith remarking that as big a display as possible should be made in the streets themselves.

Mr Miller stated that the drawing up of such had been delayed owing to the difficulty experienced in getting a meeting of the Parks Committee of the Borough Council and the executive of the society. Quite a number of practical projects were waiting for the formal permission of the Parks Committee, and the latter were keen to co-operate in every way to improve the town.

AUCKLAND'S GARDENING SUPERINTENDENT. It was agreed to thank Mr Pearson for his interest in Whangarei's beautification and to invite him for a week-end visit for his valued advice. FINANCES. The secretary remarked that with the Borough Council's subsidy of £100 which had been more than earned, and for which application had been made, therewwats t after all liabilities had been covered, money in hand to the extent of £138. BANK STREET EMBANKMENT. Dr. Mcllraith suggested that the embankment opposite the Town Hall might be acquired as an open space and rest spot. All agreed, and in-, quiries are to be made. RAISING SEEDS. Mr Hanlon introduced the subject of raising plants from seed, and, pending the acquisition of ground by the society, it was agreed to ask the gardener to keep this in view and utilise his home facilities for the present. POST OFFICE. The improvement of the post office yard had Ibeen deferred to the responsible officer and was awaiting his report. The delay has been occasioned by the fact that large extensions of the post office are contemplated, and may interfere with any garden and public seat schemes.