Permit Available, Funds Needed For RSA Rooms

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1949, Page 3

Permit Available, Funds Needed For RSA Rooms

PROVIDED it can raise the necessary finance, the Whangarei Returned Services’ Association can have club buildings erected on its property in Rust Lane within six months. Plans for the conversion, extension and furnishing of the existing building on the property have met with the building controller’s approval.

In an endeavour to raise the funds required to accomplish its proposals, the association has issued a brochure to members and the public. The brochure sets out proposed plans, a complete financial position, and the history of the acquisition of the property. It also invites contributions by way of loans to the building fund. A view of the existing house and bowling green features the frontis-

piece with the caption “November-, 1948.” Below, a perspective drawing, from the same angle, shows alterations and extensions which transform the old building into a modern edifice—in November, 1949? PROPERTY PURCHASED When the purchase of the Rust Lane property was mooted in 1944, the executive of the association circularised all members inviting promises for debentures. From donations ,and proceeds of a picnic race meeting sponsored by the Whangarei Racing Club, the sum of £I2OO was received. With this money, together with a mortgage of £2OOO, the property was purchased from the Killen Estate for £5200. Continued endeavours to obtain funds from donations, competitions, and a further picnic race meeting raised a total amount of £3826. The mortgage of £2OOO was repaid, leaving £9OO in hand. Two years ago it was decided to lay down a bowling green and the balance of funds were used for this purpose A separate bowling club was formed and it assumed liability for the capital money expended ip forming the green. It is now proposed to alter and modernise the existing house property by extending the northwest wing to add a further 30ft x 40ft room. £3500 REQUIRED Alterations and extensions will provide for a club lounge and reading room, kitchens, lavatories, cloak and locker rooms, a billiards room (the association owns two billiards tables), president’s office and a meeting room. Total cost of structural alterations, furnishings, and equipment is estimated at £3500. A grant of £I2OO towards the cost has been offered by the Government. “We have vto get it,” said the association’s president (Mr F. C. Eyles), when interviewed yesterday. “The foundation is there, as we have facilities for sport already established.” Asked if RSA subscription entitles a member to belong to the bowling club, Mr Eyles explained that the bowling club was a separate incorporated body, which conducted its own affairs. The idea of the club buildings was to provide members of the association, who were not'interested in bowling, with other amusements. “If all pull their weight, the complete project should become an accomplished fact in the very near future," said Mr Eyles.