NEW LIFE-BOAT WANTED AT SUMNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 11

NEW LIFE-BOAT WANTED AT SUMNER.

The advisability of appealing to the public in Christchurch for funds to purchase a new motor lifeboat, was considered at last night’s meeting of the Sumner Borough Council.

Councillor N. E. Hamilton said that he considered that the time was now ripe for a committee to be set up to organise a street collection. lie pointed out that a recent street collection realised £BOO and he thought that £IOOO could be raised on a fine Friday.

The Mayor said that it would be advisable to bring the matter before the Minister of Public Works. He thought that the Government Audit Department would require very sound reasons before authorising any payment for such a purpose. A report would be required from a disinterested person, concerning the unsuitability of the present boat. He considered that the Department would consider any application more favourably if an organised appeal were made. Councillor C. I. Denham, who is the secretary of the brigade, said his executive considered that their status should be determined, as at present they were not legally a society, but were simplv working under the Sumner Borough Council. He felt that the Lifeboat Committee should be consulted on the question of raising funds and that a report could be made to the next council meeting.

The Mayor: We want to get at public sympathy. 1 our bona tides will be vouched for by the council. It was decided to carry out Councillor Denham's suggestion.