RIVER IMPROVEMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16985, 8 March 1923, Page 4

RIVER IMPROVEMENT.

MR R. B. OWEN AND DOMAIN BOARD. In view of the remarks made by Mr H. J. Beswick at the Domain Board > meeting last Friday, Mr R. B Owen, organiser of the fund, has asked thMayor to take the matter up. It is probable that the Mayor and council iors will inspect the river banks tomorrow morning before going on theit annua] inspection of the city reserves. Mr Owen made the following statement last night:—The River Improvement Fund has from the coraniemvment been kept as a city fund, all donations being paid into the City Treasury. All cheques are drawn by the honorary treasurer of the fund, Mr H. R. Smith, Town Clerk, and countersigned by two of the city councillors. Wages have been paid out by the city paymaster on the signed pay and time-sheets of the Superintendent of Reserves. An audit of the account will disclose the fact that all expenses of organisation (except advertising and audit) including sta-mps. stationery.

etc., have been given free, that the organiser was the largest contributor to the fund, and also that the River Improvement Fund owes him £49 8s 8d for moneys advanced to square sundry liabilities incurred. As regards the Labour Day Fete held in Hagley Park the statement that tho Domain Board had not received one penny piece is very wide of the mark. The arrangement made by me with the Domain Board was that in the event of the fete being a financial success, tho River Improvement Committee would give £OO towards furaiafling the chil dren’s playground. As a matter ol fact, the fete was not the success anticipated, due entirely to unfavourable weather. Nevertheles.s. the hoard benefited by the gift of the chute, which cost £45. The following is a copy of my letter sent on behalf of the River Improvement Committee and read at the previous meeting of the Domain Board : “ We have pleasure in handing over to the board for the free use of the children of Christchurch the double-sided chute, which was paid for out of the proceeds of fete held in Hnglev Park on Labour Day. Your. etc.. R. B. Owen.” An audited balance-sheet is being sent to the hoard bv the honorary treasurer of the fete (Mr -T. B. Neale, a public accountant', which will show that after paving exp,WOS and cost of the chute, a loss of £> 2s was incurred, this amount being advanced by me to equate liabilities.