TEMUKA LABOUR HALL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23111, 27 January 1945, Page 3

TEMUKA LABOUR HALL

Condition Of Front Wall

Renewal Of Licence Refused

“I am absolutely astounded at the attitude of some councillors opening the matter up again,” said Cr. J. Gourley, when a letter was received at the monthly meeting of the Temuka Borough Council from the Temuka branch of the Labour Party asking that a previous decision to refuse a licence for the letting of the Labour Hall, on account of the adverse report of the Building Inspector (Mr A. W. Satchwelli upon the condition of the front wall, be rescinded. “Mr Satchwell has reported that the wall is unsafe and we have to accept his opinion.” said Cr. Gourley. “The matter has been brought up time after time during the last 12 months and a decision made. There is no further information before the Council than a letter from the lessee of the building and we should keep to our previous decision.”

A letter received from Mr L. Story, honorary secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party, Temuka Branch, stated that the owner of the property was not prepared to proceed with the improvements as recommended by the Council's Building Inspector, as the estimated cost of the work was out of proportion to the moderate revenue from the hall. Under the circumstances, the committee requested that the Council reconsider its decision not to renew the licence. It was of the opinion that fears for the stability of the structure might be somewhat exaggerated. The condition and alignment of the front wall had not varied during the last 30 years. It was moved by Crs. Gourley and D. C. Clark that the letter be received.

Objection to the letter being merely received was raised by Cr. E. G. Hancox who moved an amendment that an independent builder’s report be obtained. Cr. M. S. Ansford said that a large number of small organisations held functions In the hall. These would have difficulty in getting another suitable hall at such a low rental. He did not like to go against the report of the Council's building inspector, but he suoported the amendment. Personally he was in favour of obtaining an independent report, said the Mayor. The hall was serving a useful purpose in providing a place for holding small functions, and many of the organisations using it would have difficulty in obtaining a suitable hall at a low rental. The outside wall was in the same condition as 40 years ago. If the report of an independent inspector condemned the building, it should be dismantled, but he was in favour of obtaining a- report from a competent builder outside the Council and outside the purview of the Labour Party.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost by five votes to four and the original motion that the letter be received was carried. This will mean that a previous resolution of the Council “that the licence to use the Labour Hall for public entertainment be not renewed until the recommendation of the Council's building Inspector in regard to repairs to the front wall be carried out,” remains in force. Native Land Court A two-day sitting of the Native Land Court at Temuka concluded yesterday. It was presided - over by Judge A. A. Whitehead with Mr L. C. Dawe as his associate. A number of probate and succession applications were disposed of. After the conclusion of the Court sitting, meetings of owners were held for the purpose of considering resolutions for the leasing of various native blocks, and the Court was adjourned to Kaiapoi, where the sitting will commence on Tuesday, January 30. Record Warm Day Yesterday was the warmest day experienced at Temuka this summer, the maximum temperature being 90 degrees in the shade about mid-day. A cold southerly change set in during the early afternoon, the temperature dropping to 64 degrees. Euchre There was a good attendance at a euchre party held by the local branch of the Labour Party. Prizes were won by Mrs D. Scannell, Mrs S. Southby, and Messrs A. Spillane and E. Lee. Mystery prizes were won by Mrs G. Fisher and Mr J. O’Connell. Miss Jessie Hutcheson was winner of a competition. Bowling In the semi-final of the A grade singles, A. S. Mclnnes beat W. F. Nichol. Mclnnes and G. Johnston will play off in the final. In the B grade singles, G. Watson beat A. Gardiner. Playing in the women s A grade singles, Mrs Marshall beat Miss Thomson. Cricket A team will be picked from the following to represent Temuka against Star at Temuka to-day: W. Wakelin, J. Hamilton. B. Edwards, K. Hills, H. Hirst, R. Griffiths, B. Gibb, K. Dulieu, R. Swap, W. Taylor. D. Goodman. M. Cargo, J. Hunt, H. Popplewell and M. Murphy. • Personal Mrs L. M. King, High Street, has received word that her son. Gunner Tom King, is included in the latest exchange of sick and wounded prisoners and has reached Switzerland.

Miss Grace Boyle, Railway Terrace, is spending a holiday in Christchurch. Miss Jura McLeod, Wellington, is visiting her parents, Mr and Mrs R. McLeod. Factory Road. Miss A. Dippie. Paterson’s Road, has returned home after spending a holiday at Palmerston North. Miss M. Teahen, Pleasant Point, has been visiting Mr and Mrs J. Moore, Main North Road.

Miss Doreen Pentecost, Factory Road, has returned from a visit to Palmerston North.