COMMEMORATION OF CENTENNIAL

Southland Times, Issue 23324, 7 October 1937, Page 4

COMMEMORATION OF CENTENNIAL

Southland County To Review Decision MEMBER PREFERS ZOO TO MUSEUM Although the Southland County Council previously decided not to contribute anything towards the centennial memorial for Southland its decision will i be reviewed at the next meeting of the council. Councillors discussed the question yesterday when a letter was read from the secretary of the memorial committee (Mr W. F. Sturman) inviting representatives of the County Council to attend a meeting tonight in the Town Hall.

“This is a big thing,” commented the chairman (Cr A. S. McNaught), “but whether we can support it is another matter. We gather rates for specific purposes and while we are permitted to make grants to certain objects I do not feel disposed to support this proposal. We already have given our reasons for not supporting it.” Cr W. M. Norman pointed out that the county’s contribution was put down at about £l7OO. Whether it remained at that figure was a matter for conjecture. The county had had its experience of the Southland Court at the Dunedin exhibition. Cr G. W. Whittingham: What good is this memorial going to do us? The chairman: No good at all. The clerk (Mr H. C. Gimblett) said that it was proposed to establish a museum. Cr Whittingham: They are about 100 years ahead of themselves. The chairman: If we have got £l7OO to spend we might as well put it into new office buildings. CONTRIBUTION TOO HIGH Cr J. McNeill said he thought the contribution expected of the county was unfairly computed. “I think we should offer something,” said Cr L. A. Niederer. “The question is: Are we going to attend the meeting tomorrow night?” said the chairman. “So far we have decided not to support the proposal and I feel it would be out of place for us to attend the meeting.” Cr Niederer: What is the memorial igoing to cost? Mr Gimblett: The committee does not know yet. Cr Niederer: The city gets the most out of these things, but, of course, we have to look after our Own province. Cr Whittingham: Do you think a museum is needed? I think a zoo would be better. Then we could get rid of some of the straying stock on the roads. Cr Niederer: Don’t forget that we have to look after our own end of New Zealand. Auckland arid other North Island cities won’t do it for us. The chairman: Yes, and we have got to look after our ratepayers, too. Cr Niederer: That is so, but we want to try to keep our ratepayers in the south and provide reasonable facilities to keep them here. The chairman suggested that the question of support be held over till the next meeting. This was agreed to and it was decided that the chairman attend the meeting at the Town Hall. Cr Whittingham: Don’t forget to tell them that you are not enamoured with the proposal. The chairman: I certainly will do that.