DOMAIN BOARD.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 158, 26 June 1886, Page 2

DOMAIN BOARD.

■_ _ 9 ,—, — A special meeting of <the Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain Board was held on Saturday ovening last. In the absence of Mr George Wilson, Mr Ahier acted as Chairman, pro tern, all other members present. Complaint against caretaker. —As was stated in the report of the last monthly meeting, which appeared in our issue of the 12th inst. Mr J. L. Chalmers, wrote accusing the caretaker giving him the Ho ; and using insulting language towards him. On that occasion it was decided to request both Mr ! Chalmers and the caretaker to be present as this special meeting. The 'Board decided to take evidence on both sides only, and adjourn the matter till next ordinary meeting, the Chairman being absent. J. L. Chalmers, on being requested to state his case, said : — I went to the office with some of my children, and bought 1 doz. tickets on the day referred to, putting down two for present use when the caretaker said he wanted another one from me, which was owing for a previous occasion. I told the caretaker in reply, that I had put it in the box in the presence of one of the assistants, (Sinclair), caretaker on a previous day. This did not satisfy him, but he insisted that the ticket was still owing, thereby giving me the lie and spoke, I consider, very improperly to me. John Mclvee, (caretaker), said : I am surprised to hear Mr Chalmers make such a statement as he has done, he bought the dozen tickets as he says he did, putting down two for immediate use. On the Saturday week, previous, Dare, (another assistant), was on duty and passed in Mr Chalmers children without tickets, telling me of it. When I asked him for the tickets he said, he did not owe anything, and got into a rage and began swearing. Told me to take the tickets and put them in h 1, if I liked. He made use of this language in the presence of a female who was sitting in the office at the time. He certainly does owe for the ticket, for I asked both assistants several times and they told me ho had neveiM-nade it good. Mr Chalmers has been in the habit of sending his children without tickets, in fact his little girls scarcely ever bring a ticket, but say, " Pa or Ma atIII pny you." Chalmers : The caretaker has made a deliberate false statement when he says I began sweating. I am not in the habit of swearing. I might have said " Take your b y tickets, when he implied a lie to me, as I lost my temper. On being questioned by members of the Board as to the insulting language, the caretaker had used towards him ; lie replied none beyond reiterating " You did not" several times, when I told him I had made good the ticket in question. This being all the evidence, Mr Lipsey asked Mr Cnalmers if he would be able to attend the next meeting of the Board, when the chairman (Mr G. Wilson) would be present, as he had something to say in the matter. Mr Chalmers : I may not be hero then, and as the matter has now been ventilated, I would ask permission to withdraw the charge. Messrs Ahier anil Quinn said they could see no objection to the charge being withdrawn. Mr Lipsey : The charge is a rery serious one, and having been laid in writing, he would not listen to any such proposal as now with drawing it. Let the matter be thoroughly sifted. i Mr Gavin : The matter is quite out of Mr Chalmers hands now, and in the hands of the Board to deal with. — It was ultimately decided to have further consideration of the mutter adjourned till the c lairman returned. Mr Ciump, engineer to the Board then read the report which had been drawn, up by the chairman to be forwarded to Wellington, viz. I have the honour to submit for the information of the Minister of Lands the following report on the Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain and Baths for a period ending May 31st, 1686 ; and also a statement showing work ! done in the Hot Springs Domain together with the cost of baths, improvements etc. During the year 1885 the baths were largely used by the public and visitors from all parts of the world. The average number of baths taken weekly amounted to 450, and during the period from January Ist 1886 to May 31 1886 the average weekly number or baths was 890. The foregoingwill show the increased popularity of the Te Aroha Llot Springs and baths. • To persons suffering from dyspeptic and liver complaints the use of the water for drinking is also to a very great extent patronised and numbers of visitors on returning to their home carry bottles and jars o£ the water with thorn. In order to meet this demand for the water, the Domain Board have decided to recommend the Ministers to acquire the Governor's sanction to granting a sole right, subject to certain condition's as to capital, etc.,, for a term of ten years, to, a company to Ije' formed for the purpose of ' bottling , and distributing the Te Aroha mineral waters Qver the whole of New Zealand and the Australasian Colonies. In order to add to the attractions of tho Domain, it requires to be thoroughly planted and laid off, and in addition to the land, already shown as required for the- enlargement of the Domain, it would be highly advisable for the Government' to acquire the land shown in the attached tracing, which will connect tho present Domain grounds with the recreation reserve on the Te Aroha mountain. If the Domain 'Were enlarged as shown, it would be one

of the most beautiful parks ;$ New Zealand. Iv recommending tlie acquisition of the land mentioned^ ,1 would point out Lo Government' tjhe importance to the colony 'of Te' Aroha as a sanatorium for the people, arid th,o day is ndt far distant when a stream of visitors from all parts of the world, in search of health and pleasure, will demonstrate the necessity of provi'ling: sufficient convenience for their comfort and enjoyment. From the accompanying statement it will be seen in what manner the available monies havo been expended, and it will also be shown what sums are required for further improvements. The Domain Board in. administering' the expenditure on and management of the Domaia and Baths, have the utmost desire to add to the importance of Te Aroha Sanatorium, and trust that the Honorable the Minister of Lands will provide a sufficient sum to be expended in making the Domain and Hot Springs of still greater value." It was decided to have the report forwarded to Wellington with as little delay as possible, together with tracings of the Domain, baths, proposed additional land to be acquired, estimate of future improvements for which a further Government grant was to be asked, etc, • A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Gouidie, Conservator oF the Auckland Domain, for a grant of trees and shrubs, etc.