THE OTAGO A. & P. SOCIETY AND TAHUNA PARK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18761, 15 January 1923, Page 6

THE OTAGO A. & P. SOCIETY AND TAHUNA PARK.

TO TUB KDITOB. Sir.—The proposal to dispose of Tahuna Park and shift the' Summer Show temporarily to Wingatui is beginning at last to attract interest. Such interest by the public, tradesmen, etc., is not too late, but ceitainly might have been shown earlier. No committee would suggest the change now being promulgated unless it was hard up against it. and the figures show this to be the case. In all the criticism so fur offered it has not been pointed out. as it should have been, that what is required to save Tahuna from sale is “cash.” The business houses of Dunedin derive untold profit as the result of the society's functions, but examination of the revenue does not disclose that practical interest by tradesmen in the past which would have saved the committee from having now to put forward proposals for such a drastic change. If the public—including tradesmen, sports bodies, etc.— will recognise the services rendered to the province and city by the society, and will subscribe £SOOO spread over three or four years, the burden of carrying on the shows would be changed for the bolter. Rut those who for years have derived tangible benefits without giving reasonable recognition in a practical way to the society can make up their minds that unlesa they do give assistance there will bo no option, sooner or later in the matter of remedying the society’s financial position, but to sell Tahuna Park. The mortgage on the property is £5600. Can no public-spirited action he taken to clear this indebtedness and so enable the society to effect such improvement to the buildings and grounds as will enable it to bring its premises up to date and enlarge the usefulness of its i exhibitions?—l am, etc., Cqmuitteeuak, '