MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 3 October 1936, Page 12

MOTUEKA

HEALTH STAMP CAMPAIGN IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT STRESSED (From Our Own Correspondent) A public meeting for the purpose of setting up a committee to undertake the sale of Health Stamps and organise functions to raise funds for the Children’s Health Camp, was held in the High School. Representatives of the Women’s Division, the Women’s Institute, Toe H, Salvation Army, District High School staff, and other ,organisations were among those present, in addition to the general public.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr K. J. Holyoake, M.P., Mr C. L. Harvey, chairman of the Harbour Board, and Councillor A. E. Fry, each of whom promised whole-hearted support.

The Mayor (Mr R. J. L. York), who presided, outlined the object of the meeting and stressed the importance of the movement which, he hoped, would be heartily supported by all sections of the community. All countries were, he said, taking a keen interest in matters pertaining to health, especially of the rising generation, and he trusted that the success which attended last year’s campaign in this district would be repeated if not exceeded on this occasion. Mr A. Orr. Postmaster, stated that the Health Stamp campaign last year had resulted in over £II,OOO being paid to the Health Camp Committees, while this year the Department was aiming at a larger amount. This, however, could not be achieved without the co-operation of all sections of the community. Mr Orr read correspondence received -from Mr S. Street, secretary of the Nelson Children’s Health Camp Association, in which the assistance of the Postmaster and general public was sought in the matter of raising funds towards the movement. It was stated in the letter that the method adopted last year by postmasters inviting responsible citizens in the various centres to form properly organised committees to run concerts, dances, etc., and undertake the sale of Health Stamps, seemed to be a very good one; and it was requested that the same plan be adopted for this year’s campaign. The camp to be held this coming summer would probably be at Tahunanui or Wakefield, but the site had not yet been agreed upon. Not less than forty children would be in camp, and with the experience gained at last year’s camp it was confidently anticipated that the results would be even greater than before.

Mr Orr, continuing, said that the object was a good one and that the people should assist the movement in every way possible. Although the Health Stamps would not be on sale until .Ist November, the executive could proceed with the campaign immediately. The Department would give its whole-hearted aid. Mr Orr concluded by stating that if any associations or societies had not been circularised in connection with the movement it was because of his lack of knowledge of local conditions —certainly not of enthusiasm for the cause.

It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Cozens and Captain Raethel, that an executive of eight be set up to conduct the local campaign. The following were appointed to the executive: The Mayor (Mr R. J. L. York), Mesdames A. Rowling, Berry L. Inwood, W. E. Snow and Messrs A. G. Nightingale, N. J. Drew and N. Cozens; treasurer, Mr A. Orr. The appointment of a secretary was left in the hands of the executive.

It was decided, on the motion of Mr Cozens and Mrs Snow, that the campaign close on 14th November.

It was also decided to invite the cooperation of the ministers of the various denominations in promoting the campaign. Prior to the commencement of the business of the meeting the Mayor extended a cordial welcome to Mr A. Orr, Postmaster, and wished him and Mrs Orr success in their new sphere. Mr Orr briefly thanked Mr York for his kindly remarks and good wishes.

MOTUEKA PUBLIC LIBRARY

ANNUAL MEETING At the annual meeting of subscribers to the Motueka Library held on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Mr R. J. L. York) presided over an attendance of twenty-two members. The Librarian, Mrs I. Gifford, submitted her report for the year together with a statement of accounts, both of which were duly adopted, on the motion of Messrs L. E. Rhodes and S. E. Hulbert.

The Mayor said that the statement of accounts, showing a credit balance of £lls los llcl, disclosed the position of the Library as at the 31st March. It had been a successful year for the Library as well as for the reading room. The membership had increased since April with the result that there were 210 subscribers on the list, a record for the Motueka Library. Since the close of the year an additional 159 books had been placed on the shelves. At the request of the public the reading room was opened on Sunday evenings. For a time the room was well patronised, but with the reduction of workers at the aerodrome the attendance had diminished considerably. The Council, however, was watching the position, and if the attendance did not improve the opening

of the reading room on Sunday evenings would be discontinued. Mr York stated that Mr Bell, Chief Librarian, Christchurch, would visit the district in the near future, and it was hoped that he would find it convenient to address members on up-to-date methods of conducting libraries. The members of the committee had, he said, given valuable service during the year. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE Ten nominations were received for four vacancies on the Library Committee. After a ballot the following were elected: Messrs A. F. Webley, N. J. Dew, L. E. Rhodes and A. H. Cameron. RECOMMENDATIONS Mr D. W. Ford moved that it be a recommendation to the Library Committee that if funds permit more books dealing with natural science and physical science be purchased. This was seconded by Mrs Tarleton. Mr A. H. Cameron moved that it be a recommendation that duplicate books on the shelves be removed and disposed of as the committee thought fit. The motion was seconded by Mr S. G. Smith.

A further recommendation suggested by Mrs Prentice that more books be added to the juvenile section of the Library was also supported.

Reference was made by the Mayor to the excellent service rendered by Mr S. G. Smith to the Library over a number of years. Mr Smith had, he said, been instrumental in getting the Library assets transferred from the trustees to the Borough Council. On the motion of the Mayor and Councillor Hulbert it was resolved that a vote of appreciation of Mr Smith’s services be recorded in the minutes. In returning thanks Mr Smith stated that' whatever he had done for the Library had been a pleasure to him. At the conclusion of the business the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance, which he considered constituted a record for an annual meeting. He expressed the hope that members would encourage others to join and so make available more money to spend on books.

A vote of thanks was accorded Mr York for presiding.

LIBRARIAN’S REPORT

The annual report presented by the librarian, Miss I. Gifford, stated: — The number of volumes added during the year was 161 novels and 62 volumes of general literature.. The selection committees have endeavoured to cater for all classes of reader. There are now in circulation 2,500 novels and 841 volumes of general literature. The number of subscribers on 31st March was 193, an increase of 30 on last year’s figures. Books are sent weekly to subscribers at Pangatotara and from May, 1935, books have been sent to Pokororo on the same lines as Pangatotara. On the recommendation of the Library Committee the Borough Council decided to increase the hours of attendance, and since August, 1935, the Library is open from Monday to Friday 3 to 5 p.m„ and Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings 7.30 to 9.30. The number of magazines issued was considerably more than double the number issued last year. I should like to recommend further additions to this section.

Judging by observation the reading room maintains its popularity though no record has been taken of the number of visitors. The room is already proving too small. The supply of papers and periodicals has been kept well up to date, and they are filed for the use of readers immediately on their arrival.

The Library is indebted to the press for bringing items of Library news before the public. I wish to express my personal thanks to the chairman and members of the Library Committee for their help and co-operation, to Miss Bush and Miss Mary Whelan for distribution of books at Pangatotara, to Mr C. H. Holyoake for distribution of books at Pokororo, to Mr Cozens, Mr G. Smith and Mr A. Canton and staff for conveyance of books, and to all those who have helped towards making a successful Library year.