SEASIDE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

Patea Mail, Volume XLV, 21 February 1921, Page 2

SEASIDE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. A moot in" of all interested in improvements to the beach was hold in the Borough Council Chambers on Friday night, some do persons being present. Mr. McKenna said as Mr. White had convened the meeting he would move that he take the chair. This was seconded by Mr. Dixon, and carried unanimously. After a breif discussion, Mr. Hemingway moved that a Seaside Improvement Society be formed. Mr. Lion seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was also resolved, on the motion of Mr. McKenna, seconded by Mr. Lion, that Mr. Hemingway be president. Mr. Hemingway then took the chair. It was unanimously resolved that Mr White be hon. secretary .and that an Executive Committee bo formed, consisting of nine members, including the chairman and secretary. The following were then elected an Executive, viz.: Messrs. Dnukloy, Matthews, Gilbert, Ferric, D. B. Haworth, L. Ormsby, and W. Boyne. Mr. Lion, who was also nominated, retired in order to avoid, an election. It was unanimously resolved that the Borough Council be approached with a view to having the Heads Hoad put in order as soon as possible. Mr. Lion said one of the greatest needs at the Heads was the erection of a shed for bathers, particularly ladies. Mr. Strouts said there was one thing that was overlooked, and 'that was the question of finance. Ho would suggest a small member’s fee for the Society. Mr. Dunkley .moved that the subscription be 5s per annum.

Mr. Gilbert seconded the motion. Mr. G. O. Taylor said before the fee was fixed he would suggest that the Executive meet and draw up a scheme of improvements, and afterwards recommend the amount of subscription. Mr. McKenna said he thought the us subscription was a step in 'the right direction, but there was no question that more funds would be required if the Society was to do good work. In the very early days there was no road to the beach, and after the Harbour Board had been approached, it granted £SO to put the road in order. A few years ago the Council gave another £4O to irut the road in repair. Personally, he would be prepared to give a donation of £5 5s in order to have the beach improved. Quite recently a number of visitors from Hawcra had visited the beach, and had expressed a desire to have the road improved. Mr. A. E. Dixon said he was prepared to support the institution by a donation of £5.

Mr. Dunldey said ho had proposed that the subscription be 5s in order to give everyone an opportunity of joining. Anyone who contributed even this small sum would foci that he had some interest in the Society. Ho had heard from several day bathers that they would be glad to assist in the way of a street collection or otherwise in order to have a proper bathing shed erected. He hoped that one and all would pull together with a view to making the Society a success. Mr. Stephenson suggested that ladies be admitted members at 2s (id.

Mr. Dnnklcy said he Avould bo glad to add that to his motion. Mr. MattheAvs said ho Avas heartily in favour of tho motion. A large number of members at 5s Avas bettor than a fcAV at £l. Patea’s beach was Better than many others he had seen, and the Society was undoubtedly a step in the right direction. The motion Avas put and carried. It was unanimously resolved that an account be opened Avith the Bank of Australasia, to be operated upon by the president and tho secretary. Mr. White was unanimously elected treasurer. The chairman stated Mr. Pulley Avas prepared to donate a shed to tho Society. The offer was received with acclamation, Mr. Pulley being heartily Mr McKenna suggested that several thanked for his offer.

people might be Avilling to donate a seat apiece to .the Society. Mr. White said a number of young men were going to give a. dance, and they Avcrc prepared to give the proceeds to the Society. (Applause). Mr. Dnnklcy said he hoped all Avho had seats belonging to the old Society Avould give thorn up forthwith. Mr. McKenna said he had given two seats, and he hoped that anyone avlio had them Avould give thorn up. Mr. White said the next thing required was a good Avator supply.

The chairman said the Executive would bear this in mind.

Mr, Matthews said he hoped that every member Avould endeavour to secure at least tAvo new members for the Society.

The chairman said ho hoped all members AA-ould carry out this suggestion. Mr. Dnnklcy suggested that all nurserymen in the Wanganui district and private indiAudnals be asked to- contribute shrubs for planting at the Heads.

It avus decided that this course be followed.

A canvass w%s made in flic room, with the result that £(i 7s fid was collected in addition to the sums already promised.

After a further brief discussion on ways and means, the meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair.