CALL FOR PROGRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 668, 21 May 1929, Page 10

CALL FOR PROGRESS

PAPATOETOE DECIDES ON BRIGHTENING SCHEME ‘ BOOSTING'’ THE DISTRICT With a view of considering and means of quickening interest in the town, a meeting of delegates representing the Papatoetoe Town Board Chamber of Commerce, Welfare League, Fire Brigade, Debating Societv Town Band, School Committee, business men, and various sports bodies was held in the Presbyterian Hall, Station Koad, Papatoetoe, last evenin~. Mr. H. C. Ernest presided. After welcoming the representatives of the various bodies, Air. Ernest dealt briefly with the need of some movement to bring the advantages of Papatoetoe before the general public. The state of pessimism at present existing was universal throughout the country, said Mr. Ernest. The reason was hard to lind. and it was the duty of those interested in the district to dispel that feeling, and to create an atmosphere of optimism, and to boost the district in which they lived. Mr. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council, stressed the advantages of the distrtef} with the good quality of land available resettlement, its proximity to Auckland, and good concrete roads. Until a bus I service had been commenced in the

! Mangere riding, said Mr. Waters, it was one of the most backward riding < in the county area, and since transport facilities had been available, buildingpermits valued at between £B.OOO ana £IO,OOO had been issued monthly for the past 12 or IS months. The amount of subdivision around Auckland had been out of all proportion to the requirements. In 52 weeks, the Manukau County Council had approved 5U subdivisions, some consisting of from SCO to 1,000 sections. The question of enticing people to shop in Papatoetoe seemed to be in the hands of the business people. Coloney L. Closey, chairman of llv* Papatoetoe Welfare League, expressed the opinion that it was not only a question of transport, but of the people. He said that Papatoetoe was faced with the possibility of a large increase in population in the near future. He thought they should make benefits ready for the growth which must come. They had a town-planning scheme, and should have a social-planning scheme. Other speakers urged the necessity of some united action to encourage people to live in the district, and to shop in their home town. On the motion of the chairman, ;t was unanimously decided that an organisation be set up. with a view of arranging a queen carnival or som* : other scheme for the advancement of ! the district. The following officers were elected, j Patron, Air. A. W. Hall, M.P.; trustee.-. ; Mr. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council; Mr. T. R. Smythemun. chairman of the Papatoetoe Town Board; Mr. A. G. Grinter, chairman of Papatoetoe school committee; Colonel Closey, president of the Welfare League; Mr. H. C. Ernest, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; provisional committee, Mr. T. E. Carr, hockey; Miss Mavis Gubb. women's hockey; Mr. F. Catt, tennis; Dr. Valentine, cricket; Air. Culpar., Rugby League: Air. H. C. Webster, Rugby Union; Air. R. P. Hill, bowling; Miss G. Donnell, basketball: Air. 11. Coles, Oddfellows: Superintendent Bradley, fire brigade; Air. E. Coles, band: Aliss D. Barton, girl guides; Air. E. Frankham, debating society; Air. N. Upton, East Tamaki Sports Club; Aliss Collings, croquet. The appointment of a secretary was deferred.