MEMORIAL PARK.

Wairarapa Age, 9 May 1924, Page 5

MEMORIAL PARK.

DEPUTATION TO TRUST.

£lOO WANTED. A deputation waited on the Masterton Trust Lands Trust last evening from the Memorial Park Board, comprising Messrs J. Caselberg and F. W. Pointon. The sum of £lOO was asked for. Mr Caselberg said that the Board unfortunately found that its revenue was not as great as its expenditure and it would be hard to make ends meet for the next year or two. The Borough and County Councils had given them a very sympathetic hearing. They felt that such a playing ground for the young people was an absolute want. Mr Pointon explained that the Board were making a genuine effort to meet'the position. Voluntary gate keepers were allowing their fees to go into the fund. To Mr C. E. Daniell, Mr Caselberg said that without making a charge for admission to the Park there would be no revenue. Mr Daniell: Then it is a commercial proposition ! Mr Caselberg: Not in the ordinary sense. It is not run for profit. Mr D. Caselberg moved that the matter be referred to the finance committee for consideration. Mr J. L. Hughes seconded the motion. Mr Daniell said he was dissatisfied with the basis of the Park Committee and asked for information as to finances. The public was entitled to the information. Mr J. Caselberg said that the Park Oval was much too small as a playing area. The committee were really saving the ratepayers by providing the Park.

Mr Pointon said that £2OOO was owing on mortgage to the N.Z. Rugby Union, and £lOO, one year’s interest at per cent, and a bank overdraft of just under £lOOO. The caretaker’s salary 15/ a day would be reduced as soon as the present development was completed. There was no revenue from the tennis club this year, owing to the improvements. About £7O was expected next season. They expected to get two years’ interest (last year’s and this) from the Rugby gate takings this season.

On the understanding that a full financial statement would be supplied, the motion was carried.