Difficulty Over Combined Centennial Projects

Northern Advocate, 16 May 1939, Page 6

Difficulty Over Combined Centennial Projects

Except in the case of tree-planting schemes, Centennial memorial proposals incorporating several different schemes under one controlling body will not be accepted, explained Mr J. W. Keenan, Under-Secretary of the Department of Internal Affairs, when speaking at the Auckland Provincial Centennial Executive meeting on Saturday night. He was referring particularly to applications from the Bay of Islands Sub-Zone for the extension of an existing hall at Kaikohe, and the construction of a public library at Kaikohe, respective costs being £I2OO and £350.

Mr Keenan suggested that, if the schemes were to be proceeded with, they should be bracketed. “With regard to the first case,” he said, “I would like to know how an extension to an existing building could be considered as a Centennial project.” “It is a tribute to the past, and a hope for the future,” explained Mr K. Usmar, one of the joint permanent secretaries. “We will be embarrassed in Auckland itself if your principle holds, because there we have a scheme for combined memorials.”

Schemes Will Be Adhered To,

“There is a difference when the combined scheme is for the benefit of all,” said Mr Keenan. “Such a scheme would not benefit only the place in which it is lodated. “Still, it looks as though we will be in difficulty over Whangarei’s proposals at that rate,” continued Mr Usmar.

Mr H. T. Atkinson (Bay of Islands) explained that the “extension” re'ally was re-erection. Mr W, Jones (Whangarei) remarked that the town was g-.ing to stand

by its three schemes and the county’s objective. Mr I. J. Goldstine (One Tree Hill), moved that representations be made to the Governmnt to Sanction memorials such as thos*i indicated, even though they represented more than one memorial.

“The reception of that resolution will depend very greatly on what is being considered,” remarked Mr Heenan. “The principle has been established so as to ensure that works are not put forward as memorials that would normally come about under Public Works undertakings. The motion was carried.