Riccarton Records

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18889, 12 October 1929, Page 27 (Supplement)

Riccarton Records

■■. _ By Special Oorre»pondent of the “ Star/*

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. There was quite a debate at Mon- [ day's meeting of the Borough Council 1 when Councillor Malcolmson moved to ‘ rescind a previous resolution so as to clear the way for a reduction of the rent charged to the Riccarton Public Library for its rooms in the Town Hall. Councillor Wise thought the council should call for the library committee’s • balance-sheet, as had been done with the Wharenui baths committee, before making a decision. Councillor Ford said the library was even more deserving of consideration than the baths, for all library labour was voluntary, whilst the school baths committee had the benefit of donations, concerts and so on. Councillor Wise said the baths provided health and cleanliness for hundreds of children, whilst the library gave pleasure to a few. Councillor Fraser: All the revenue of the library is spent on books. In answer to the Deputy-Mayor he said there were over 200 subscribers. The Deputy-Mayor (Councillor W. Machin) pointed out that the borough was £SOOO in debt, and asked, “ Is it fair to tax our 4000 ratepayers further in order that a couple of hundred people can read novels cheaply?” People could still buy books. Councillor Fraser: We’ll still have to pay the interest charges on the building whether the library uses it or not. The Deputy-Mayor: Yes, and that’s the most cogent argument so far. The room would be a “ white elephant. ’ Councillor Wise: Not altogether. It could often be let for meetings. Councillor Malcolmson, replying, said that the library was a worthy object for assistance and the council should take every opportunity of helping it. No borough or suburb in these days should be without its public library, which provided for the education and pleasure of the people. It would cost the council practically nothing to help the library in its early hard-up stages ‘ oy charging a purely nominal rental. The Deputy-Mayor: How about of I fering a reduced rental conditionally upon the library subscription being raised to 10s a year, as in the city?

Members replied that Riccarton couldn’t give the same choice of books as the city. Addington, too, charged only 7s 6d.

Councillor Fraser: We started the library in December with 200 books. Now we have over 1000. The Deputy-Mayor: Suppose anything happens to the library, what hap pens to the property? Councillor Fraser: Each member of the committee is liable for any deficiency. But we don’t expect to fail. Councillor Wood: The Christchurch City Council controls and supports its suburban libraries. Councillor Fraser: And Linwood pays no rent for its use of a City Council building. The resolution was rescinded, and Councillor Ford’s motion to charge only 10s a year was carried, with the ad dition of a clause suggested by the Deputy-Mayor' providing that should the library be dissolved an amount of the assets equal to the council’s subsidy should be returned to the council. Councillor Machin explained, in conclusion, that this was merely business “We are,” he said, “handing out money belonging to the ratepayers, and the ratepayers should be protected. I’m a member of the library, and very pleased to help them. I’m not against the library.” At the meeting of the Library Committee on the following evening the chairman said the committee was deeply indebted to the council for its favourable reception of the application for accommodation at a nominal rental. The remarks at the council meeting had been useful in that they raised the question of the necessity for appointing trustees.

At a meeting of the general committee of the library on Tuesday evening, there were present: Mr H. Odell (chairman), Mrs Clay worth, Mrs Thomson, Miss Miller, Messrs A. A. Fisher, O W. Fraser, T. M. Ford. F. George, F G. Harris, P. Jones, H. 'Manhire, W. M’Crostie, R. G. Malcolmson. J. F. Peters and E. V. Smith (secretary) Mi Ross Hepburn was present by invitation. , After some discussion it was decided

to hold a jumble sale, and to circularise Riccarton residents asking them for gifts of second-hand clothing, etc., which would be called for on a date to be notified. Messrs Fisher, Ford. Manhire, Malcolmson, and Peters were appointed a sub-committee to make the necessary arrangements. Messrs Fisher, Jones and Malcolmson were thanked for offers of cash assistance. COMING-OF-AGE PARTY. On the occasion of the coming-of-age of their second daughter, Dulcie, Mr and Mrs P. G. Clements, of Blenheim Road, entertained about sixty guests at a very enjoyable evening party. The guest of honour wore a pretty frock of Nile green crepe de chine and champagne silk lace, made with flares falling longer at the sides. She also wore a beautiful rhinestone necklace, the gift of her brothers. Competitions and games made the evening’s programme, interspersed with musical items by Misses Nancy Watson and Dulcie Clements, Mr B. Clements and Master D. Edmonds. Winners of events were Mr and Mrs M’Allister, Mr and Mrs Newton, Miss R. Wester and Miss M. M’Allister. Miss I. Chatterton had decorated the supper tables prettily with spring flowers. Mr H. Judkins proposed the principal toast, and her father, replying on her behalf, presented her with the customary gold key. Other toasts were: “Our Host and Hostess,” Mr E. Edmonds; “Mr Vogel, the principal guest's grandfather,” Mr T. Byres; “Other Members of the Family,” Rev J. F. Jack. Mr Clif. Marsh spoke on behalf of the Riccarton Wesley Tennis Club, of which Miss Clements is a member, and felicitations were extended also by Messrs E. W. Chatterton and Miss K. Clements. METHODIST SPRING FAIR. The spring fair in the Town Hall this week was voted a real success in every way, and a credit to the Methodist Ladies’ Guild and its co-workers. Stallholders were: Flowers, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Mercer, Miss Russell; sweets, Misses Duder and Jack and Bible Class girls; cakes, Mrs W. Barrell, Mrs Witte, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Campion, Mrs Blighting; plain and fancy sewing, Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs Barnett, Miss Hodgson; produce, Mr Bibby and Bible Class boys; ice cream. Master Clif. Barrell; supper, Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Hight, Mrs Counihan, Messrs Duder, Green and Mercer. A SECRETARY RESIGNS. The secretary, Mr E. Vincent Smith, has tendered his resignation to the Library Committee. The resignation was received at Tuesday’s meeting of the committee. The chairman said they all appreciated very much indeed Mr Smith’s services to date, and regretted his decision. The first few months of a library entailed a good deal of thought and personal service, and the success of the library to date showed that such services had been rendered faithfully. The resignation was accepted with regret, and a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Smith was carried by acclamation. In replying, Mr Smith said he could be depended upon to “stand by the library,” and help it in any possible way. The treasurer (Mr A. A. Fisher) volunteered to act as secretary and the president (Mr H. Odell) as librarian pending an appointment being made.

LATE LETTER DELIVERY. An endeavour is to be made to have an earlier postal delivery in the northwest area. At present letters are delivered in the Puriri-Hinau Street area about noon, whilst a few chains away the postman calls just after nine o’clock. ST JAMES’S TENNIS CLUB. The return match between the Boys’ High School hostel and St James’s Club was played on the High School courts on Saturday, St James’s winning by 76 games to 70. WHARENUI SCHOOL SOCIAL. The usual fortnightly social was held in the school last Saturday. Mr F. Comyns supplied the music, and Mr E. Hansen was M.C. Mrs Saddler and Mr Unwin won the Boston two-step; and Miss Dorothy and Miss Queena Morris the Monte Carlo waltz. As advertised in this issue, the next social will be held in the school on October 19. ST NINIAN’S CHURCH. The St Ninian’s Church choir has lately been under the control of Mr Sidney Williamson, who has organised a concert to take place on Thursday, October 17, in the church hall. A good programme has been prepared, including instrumental items, etc. RICCARTON WATER SUPPLY. The absence of an adequate high pressure water supply in the borough is causing no small amount of concern to property owners, and there is no doubt that in the near future something definite must be decided upon to remedy it. Following up their policy of supplying complete and up-to-date service to motorists, the Riccarton Service Station (Wood Bros.) have now installed a high pressure water supply for car washing, in addition to their hydro pneumatic hoist and high-pressure lubricator for Alomiting cars, so that customers can now have their every motoring requirement supplied at the local garage, 102, Riccarton Road 'Phone 36-125. 1156