PATEA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 110, 12 May 1931, Page 3

PATEA

DOMAIN BOARD A full attendance of members was recorded at the. annual meeting of the Patea Domain Board last Friday, when Mr E. F. Hemingway was unanimously re-elected chairman. Tho following annual report was submitted by the chairman: — The whole of the board’s property is in good order and condition, having been well maintained during tho past year. The oval sports ground has been kept well mown throughout tho year by means of the motor mowei, and has been freely made use, of by tho va». ous sports bodies and the general pub lie, particularly the children, who hava found tho appliances in the Hunter Shaw children’s playground a grra’ boon. The whole of tho 'cnees have been kept trimmed and the flower b; l>. which are a decided attraction, kepi in good condition. In accordance W'ith your wishes a shelter belt of macro carpa and pinus insignia trees has b'Cii planted on the south-eastern boundary of the Domain, which shoaßl afford an excellent shelter for the whole of the Domain and tho business portion of the town in tho years to come. Tho toial cost was £4O 4s 9d. Thanks to the kindness of Airs J. Peterson, who very generously undertook the sale of poppies on Poppy Day, b«‘.h last year anil this year, a sufficient sum was Taisod to keep the memorial gates to the Do main—the town’s war memorial--in first class order. They are at present receiving further attention, as they aro liable to damage from th.- salt spray if not attended to regularly. A feature of the year was the very successful yicnifheld on the Domain by th.' members cf tho combined Wangan r. New P; - mouth, Pe*ea brancn-'s of th n Watersidors’ Unions, who found tho Do main an ideal picnic ground and hoped to make use of it again in the future. The No. 5 scheme of tho Unemployment Committee has been service to tho board in enabling it to eradicate th” noxious weeds in the five paddocks adjoining “he swamy These should be comparatively free from weeds by April 1 next, when they will T)o available for revenue purposes. A glance at the board’s balance-sheet will show tho wisdom of members in placing the legacy of £lOOO on fixed deposit. "Without this very little of the maintenance work would have, been able to bo carried out. The figures show that tho actual cost of maintenance that was absolutely necessary to keep tho Domain and buildings in good order was £ll2 3s 3d. To meet this obligation tho board’s receipts wero but £75 12s, which includ cd £3 3s donations and £8 2s fid from parking fees. Thanks to tho interest from tho £lOOO on fixed deposit, the board was not only able to carry out tho whole of the maintenance required, but was able to plant the shelter belt and provide for flower beds in the Domain as well. No report would be complete without some reference being made to the valuable services rendered by the honorary secretary and treasurer. Air F. C. Jenkins, who has carried out these duties with unflagging energy and zeal for the past nine years. Not only have the board’s books of accounts and minute book been kept in a manner that would be a credit to any large local body iu the Dominion, but Air Jenkins has personally attended to the various works authorised by the board, and has seen that they were properly carried out. Air Jenkins’ ability as an accountant and an organiser has been strikingly illustrated during his term of office as a member of this board, and it is not too much to say that no small amount of the success of the board to-day is due to Air Jen kins’ unselfish efforts. In conclusion, I would desire to place on record my sincere and hearty appreciation of the support accorded me as chairman during the past year. Working together as one man, the board has been able to give tho residents of the town and district a place for recreation second to none in tho province. The report was adopted. Air F. C. Jenkins tendered his resignation as secretary Tind treasurer. Air J. 11. Crain’s resignation as a member of the board was also received. It was decided to forward Air L. W. Hustin’s name to tho Governor-General for appointment as a member of the board. The board placed on record its appreciation of tho valuable services rendered to tho board by both Air Crain and Air Jenkins, whose resignations were received with regret. AIUNICIPAL BAND The following is the report submit ted at the annual meeting of the Patea Municipal Brass Band held last Friday, the report being adopted:—Since last annual meeting the band has ben practicing regularly and consistently for the recent contest at Hawcra. Attendance at practices have been generally satisfactory, but absentees should bear in mind that other members have often to unnecessarily go over the same ground as was covered during their absence from tho practice room. The band played out on numerous occasions at the Domain, Triangle, beach, and hospital. besides assisting other local organisations. They also played at the Waverley .Show ami Kakaramea Sports. Concerts were produced at Alton and Patea, besides one for the earthquake relief fund. Special mention should bo made of the hard work put in by our conductor, Air Aloore, and our drum-major, Air Haddow, in preparing the band for the Hawcra contest. Although the band was not successful in winning their class they wero by no means disgraced. Our principal handicap was the lack of suitable instruments, particularly in the bass end of the band. A class has been formed for the tuition of young players, and with their accession into our ranks, the band should work up to full strength with perhaps a few reserves. Our thanks are due to Rev Aker for the assistance he has given to the class by lending a blackboard to help in their instruction. The baud wishes to express its hearty thanks for the assistance so freely given by those who have helped at concerts and open air functions and the Press for their publicity and support on many occasions. Both tho bandmaster (Mr S. E. Moore), and the captain (Air lv. W. Haddow), were congratulated on the splendid standard to which they had brought the band. Although not gaining first place at the recent contest, the band had done remarkably well. In the marching contest, tho band had won from the Taranaki Regimental Rami by half a point. Air Alooro, in replying, stated that the lack of good instruments was a great handicap. The hope was expressed that these would be obtainable in the near future. The suggestion that the conductor be granted a salary, was held over for discussion until a reply was received from the Borough Council.