Another Ballot To Be Taken On Memorial

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1950, Page 7

Another Ballot To Be Taken On Memorial

After considering the report of the War Memorial Committee providing for a modified war memorial park, estimated to cost £2877, and discussing a report from Mr D. C. McKenzie, superintendent of reserves at Palmerston North, in which he estimated that the cost of extending the Taihape Domain, according to the accompanying plan would be £2780, a public meeting of subscribers to the War Memorial Fund on Monday voted overwhelmingly in favour of an amendment by Mr A. Gregory, seconded by Mr Ellis Robinson, that a committee investigate the Recreation Ground extension scheme and that this scheme and the War Memorial Park scheme be submitted to the public by means of a postal ballot. The amendment was carried by 28 votes to 7. A motion by Mr M. Curtis, seconded by Mr R. Goddard, that the report of the War Memorial Committee be adopted was lost. The meeting was presided over by the Mayor, Mr E. Loader. The War Memorial Committee’s report read as follows:

“The committee wishes to report that £l3Ol 7s lOd has been collected for the memorial fund, whereas the minimum sum estimated to be required when the proposals were put before the public was £2500. The original proposal to provide two playing fields is, therefore, not practicable at present. The committee has, therefore, gone into the question of whether the funds available are sufficient to provide one ground with the necessary conveniences, etc. It is considered that the previous estimates for earthworks can be reduced considerably if some cross-fall was provided and on the basis of a cross-fall of 4ft. or one foot per chain, specifications were prepared and tenders called for earthworks. Five tenders were received and your committee recommends that the lowest tender for £825 be accepted. An estimate of the cost of providing one playing area measuring six chains by four chains, with the necessary conveniences, is £2877.”

“Funds available are: Publis subscription, £1300: subsidy, £1300; council fund set aside for development of this property, £277; total, £2877.

The Mayor expressed pleasure at the large attendance and added that the war memorial campaign had started about three years ago and still nothing much had been done towards Implementing the memorial park scheme.

The town clerk read a report from Mr D. C. Mackenzie, superintendent of reserves, Palmerston favouring an extension of the Taihape Damrin as a memorial to the fallen.

The Mayor said the park scheme had. been marred to some extent by lhe counter proposal regarding extensions to the Oval Domain. He pointed out that a subsidy had been granted on the memorial park and he was sure that the Government would not subsidise the alternative scheme. He also pointed out that permission would have to be obtained for the felling the bush which he doubted would be granted. Mr G. D. Terry said a memorial park had been decided upon, and people had subscribed to It. It would be breaking faith if the scheme was not proceeded with. Mr N. Ashenden suggested that the town clerk should read the pamphlet regarding the memorial park, as subscribers to the fund appeared to be somewhat hazy about what was Intended. GIVEN THEIR MONEY BACK. The Mayor: If the park scheme Is not carried out, subscribers should be given their money back and another campaign should be started. Mr Gilbert: We should not lose sight of the fact that it will take 25 years for the park scheme to grow. Mr Bartosh: I am in favour of the memorial park. You started to raise £5OOO and you got a paltry £l2OO. I am disappointed that you did not get all the money. NO SCHEME APPEALED. Mr A. J. Mickleson: About 2463 householders were eligible to vote, but less than 25 per cent, voted. I contend that none of the schemes appealed. Mr F. M. Hedley thought that the swimming baths proposal should be carried, instead of the other schemes. Many of those who fell in the war belonged to the Swimming Club. Mr M. Curtis moved that the War Memorial Committee’s report be adopted. Mr R. Goddard seconded the motion. Mr N. Ashenden: There is a doubt in the minds of the public as to whether this scheme is what they really voted for. A lot of features in the original/scheme have been eliminated and I doubt if the modified scheme is what the people voted for. The Mayor: I am convinced that the original scheme will bp carried out in its entirety eventually. ANOTHER BALLOT. Mr A. Gregory moved an amendment that a committee investigate the Recreation Ground extension scheme and that both schemes he submitted to the public for a ballot. Mr Ellis Robinson seconded the amendment, which was carried by 28 votes to 7. Mr A. Gregory moved that the present War Memorial Committee consider the alternative scheme. This motion was carried.