GEORGE V MEMORIAL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19339, 1 June 1937, Page 9

GEORGE V MEMORIAL

HEALTH CAMP FUNDS HARBOR BOARD DONATION PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE A proposal that the donation of the Gisborne Harbour Board to the King George V memorial fund should be increased from £2l to £SO was made yesterday, at the monthly meeting of the hoard by Mr. F. E. Wilson, who urged that tile national aspect of tho appeal should he more fittingly marked by the board. He was unable to gam general support for his proposal, however, the motion being defeated by a large majority. - . . Opening the discussion, Mr. Wilson offered his motion, of which prior notice had been given, reserving bis right to speak on the subject later. Mr. <«. Smith, seconding the motion, pointed out that lie had supported a donation of £25 at last meeting. Since then the fund hail received nation-wide ’support, and if the board gave £SO, it, would not be too much. Moreover, the hoard might- then draw on some sources which otherwise might not he tapped. The chairman, Mr. J. Tomhleson, considered that the board bad done a fair thing and asked if the mom tiers cared to follow the example of the Cook vCounty Council and open a listfor personal donations? ‘‘National Appeal’’ The mover of the motion stated that he moved it under the word “national.’ At last meeting of the lioard he had gained the impression that £25 had been voted. Whether it was £2l or £26, he Held, however, that it was quite inadequate. The sum of £25 had been the general level for local bodies in the district, but that neetl not debar the Harbour Board from making a more generous donation. The point had been raised that the board overlapped tinrating areas of other local bodies, but that need not hinder it. The whole value of £SO would not represent a nat-full'of crutchings to every ratepayer of the district, Mr. Wilson added. The hoard would not have another chance to contribute to the national appeal, li the King were coming to New Zealand, and included Gisborne in the visit, the ooard would not limit its outlay on entertainment to £25 or £SO. As a loyal ■subject of the King, he appealed to the board to do better by the memory of His late Majesty. Mr. M. T. Tralford supported the chairman in his remarks, and Dr. .). C. Collins, while complimenting Mr. Wilson on the presentation of his case, reminded him that the decision to donate £2l hud been unanimous, ami that there could he no good reason for trying to alter that decision. Mr. A. J. Nieol shared the chairman s view, stating that the board could not decide at one minute to raise the rates of the harbour district, and a littlelater to increase its outlay.

Mr. M. Doyle supported the action previously taken by the board. lie objected to any further duplication of contributions which had to be drawn from the same ratepayers. Mr. Wilson replied that tho cost of the increased donation would not be felt by any ratepayers. Regarding tin unanimity of the board on the donation of £2l, lie pointed out that, when he gave notice of motion, the decision of last meeting had not been confirmed. The motion was put to the meeting and received support only from the mover and seconder.