NORTH END

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20514, 4 September 1936, Page 14

NORTH END

ANNUAL MEETING OF RATEPAYERS THE YEAR REVIEWED The annual meeting of the North End Ratepayers and Improvement Association was held last night, Mr G. H. Andrews presiding. Annual Report. The annual report stated that the Association had interested itself In many area improvements in the districtfbut the chief effort was directed towards the completion of the Waimataltai Baths and assisting in the organisation of the Prosperity Fair, which resulted in the Baths Committee being able to discharge its obligation to the Borough Council, and the Council had now "taken over the baths. Among the other improvements sponsored was the planting of spring bulbs in Ashbury Park and it was hoped that this work would be continued in the future. Various street improvements had been advocated and the Borough Council had met the requests wherever possible. The executive assisted in the tree planting on Arbor Day and wished to express appreciation of the action of the Mayor and Council in encouraging the planting of trees generally. As a means of adding to the funds of the Association, the executive co-oper-ated with the North and West End Associations in the holding of a citizens’ cabaret, but the financial result did not come up to expectations. Following the usual custom the Association arranged a picnic for the boys and girls of local orphanages, and the outing was a most successful one. Thanks were due to those who so kindly gave their services and lent their cars for the afternoon and to the Mayor of Temuka, Mr A. W. Buzan, and Mr Pellett for their kindness in welcoming and entertaining the the children. For a number of years the Association had had in mind the desirability of acquiring the land adjoining Ashbury Park known as Allen’s estate, and had repeatedly represented to the Council the value of this land. They were glad to report that as a result of a recent conference between the Council and representatives of the Waimataltai School Committee and the Association, the land has been purchased by the Council. To assist in the purchase of this property the representatives of the

School Committee and the Association offered to raise the sum of £5OO over a period of years. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr Andrews said that it was not the object of the Association to make money and so long as a '■mall credit was shown, the affairs of the Association would progress favourably. The acquisition of Alien's estate had been a worthwhile project. Although there were a number of reserves in the town, there were few playing areas, and with the development of Ashbury Park the Association could look forward to it becoming one of the best public sports areas in Timaru. The Association looked to the residents of the north end to support whatever scheme the Association introduced to raise money, and trusted that the public would take an active interest in the development of the area. The chairman referred to the friendly relations existing between the Association and the Borough Council, and expressed gratification at the way in which the requests of the Association had been acceded to. Mr G. Benstead, in seconding the motion, said that the North End Association had the name of being a live body. He assured the Association that they would have the full support of the Waimtaitai School Committee in their efforts to raise money. Mr W. G. Tweedy said the Council* appreciated the work done by the Association, and was willing to co-oper-ate in any work for the benefit of the town. He congratulated the Association on the work it had accomplished during the year and on the excellent report presentd. The motion was carried. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr G. H. Andrews; vicepresidents, Messrs A. E. Lewis, G. Benstead, E. Darroch, C. G. Baker, S. H. Sullivan, A. M. Parker, J. R. Runciman; executive, Messrs E. C. Scales, G. T. Wiliams, J. R. Hart, R. Watson, J. Davey, K. Davey, H. Stuart, F. M. Ward, W. J. Hogg, G. G. Lewis, F. 1. Washbourne, E. C. Wallace, C. E. Thomson, A. Paterson, C. H. Johnstone, F. Lewis; secretary, Mr W. A. Lewis; assistant secretary, Mr W. J. Smith. Tributes were paid to the work of Mr A. M. Parker, who for the last seven years had acted as secretary to the Association and who did not seek re-election. It was decided to place his szrvices on record. It was decided to call a meeting of all bodies interested ' > consider ways of raising money for Allen’s estate. Mr J. Davey drew attention to the wl- Ted traffic passing along the right-

of-way between White Street and Ashbury Avenue, and It was decided to draw the attention of the Council to the matter. It was agreed to make a further request to the Council to consider the widening of Trafalgar Street. Mr Williams referred to the difficulty of finding the way to the Bay from Evans Street, and suggested that an illuminated sign be placed in Ta Weka Street showing th» direction to be taken. It was decided to notify the Council of the necessity for adequate signs. It was decided to ask the Council to plant more trees in Maori Park. Better Lighting. Mr G. Benstead asked if something further could be done to ensure better lighting in the town. A visit to othertowns showed how far behind Timaru was in this respect. Mr J. R. Hart assured the Association that the Council was doing all it could to keep the lighting of the town up-to-date boths as regards methods and extensions. It was agreed to ask for better lighting in Ashbury Avenue. Votes of thanks were passed to the Waimataltai School Committee, the local newspapers and all who had helped during the year.