KAWAROA PARK SOCIETY

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1934, Page 7

KAWAROA PARK SOCIETY

CHARGES BY THE VICE-PRESIDENT. FAILURE TO IMPROVE POSITION. Charges that the society was failing, and had failed for the past five years, to do its work properly, that the president had never consulted him regarding any of the work and that office bearers had been in that position too long were made at the annual meeting of the Kawaroa Park Foreshore Beautifying Society by Mr. E. T. Petty, vice-presi-dent, last night. Mr. E. V. Beal, the president, vigorously replied to the charges, and announced, despite Mr. Petty’s assertions that no personal reflection was intended, that in three months’ time, the society would have to look for a new president. The discussion occurred during the election of officers, when Mr. Beal, who has been president of the society for the past 18 years, was re-elected after vainly urging those present to find new blood for the presidency. After election he said that he would retire definitely from the position next year. There followed the election of vicepresident, and as one who had held the office for some time, Mr. Petty was immediately nominated but declined. He then charged the president with having occupied his position too long and with having given no lead to the speaker as a vice-president. “I have never been required to take charge of meetings and the president has never consulted me once,” he said. “I took it very hard about two years ago when the president went away for a holiday and never so much as asked me to stand in his place. “We have. stood still for five years—the entrance has been, the only improvement,” declared the speaker. “Yet the foreshore was almost washed away last year. At East End they are going ahead with their improvements. Here we are standing still.” As far as the holidays were concerned, said Mr. Beal in reply, he had not been away for more than four days in the last 20 years. He had never missed attending meetings. Had he done so he most certainly would have informed Mr. Petty that his services were required. “I do not think it is necessary for the president of the society to run round looking after and consulting people,” said Mr. Beal. Had he heard Mr. Petty’s remarks beforehand, said the president, he would not have accepted the position of president again. For years he had looked after the weekly amusement evenings run by the society, but he had not had any help from Mr. Petty. “As a result of these charges,” concluded Mr. Beal, “I give the society three months to look around for a new president.” Mr. Petty; There was nothing personal in the charges. But we have done nothing in the last five years. Mr. Beal: The times have not warranted the spending of a great deal of money. “The management is wrong—that is why I am speaking,” said Mr. Petty. He again disclaimed any personal attack on Mr. Beal, and said the president had done his work as well as the speaker had. The speaker considered he himself had done .more for the society than any of the other members. As one who had had charge of the shop, he said, he had never been allotted the position, with the result that he did not know where he stood, On the croquet lawns he had done his work. As far as amusement evenings were concerned, to continue with them was against his health and it was necessary for him to give up the work. “I am backed up by citizens of the town in complaining,” said Mr. Petty in conclusion. “Some fresh blood is needed in the society. Then it will go ahead.” The discussion lapsed and Mr. R. Rankin was elected vice-president.