TAIHAPS NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 November 1950, Page 7

TAIHAPS NEWS

TAIHAPE PROPOSAL FOR WAR MEMORIAL

While agreeing that the proposal to extend the Recreation Ground was admirable in itself the monthly meeting of the Taihape and District R.S.A. was unanimous that such a scheme was not a fitting memorial to the fallen. The president, Mr R. S. Goddard, explained that briefly the new scheme provided for an extension of the existing “Rec.” area at a place where the existing area is under the control of the A. and P. Association and includes stockyards. It was not intended to remove the yards so that all the extension would mean would be improved facilities for the A. and P. Association for holding its annual show. “It is difficult to reconcile ourselves to a memorial to our fallen comrades when it consists of a playing area with stockyards attached,” he declared. “The exdnsion of the *Rec.’ is an excellent idea, but it is not a war memorial.’’ declared Mr M. E. G. Curtis, who thought that if the memorial park scheme was dropped the cost of the new plaque should bt defrayed out of the funds contributed to the War Memorial and the balance should be refunded to subscribers.

The president and Messrs D. Pilcher and J. F. Burke agreed with this view. Mr Pilcher pointed out that the project had to be finalised by November 16 or there would be no subsidy. It was impossible to hold another ballot and finalise matters by then.

The chairman alleged that the public meeting of subscribers held recently was “stacked” against the memorial park scheme. Mr Pilcher said it would cost £5OO to remove tree stumps under the new scheme.

The following motion was moved by Mr M. Curtis, seconded by Mr D. Pilcher and carried unanimously: “That the R.S.A. is of the opinion that should the war memorial park scheme that was voted for be not implemented, then the expenses that have been incurred in connection with the war memorial be deducted from the fund and the balance be returned to those who subscribed.”

The meeting was firmly of the opinion that as the public had voted for the memorial park, it would be a breach of faith to proceed with any other scheme and the only fair way was to refund the money subscribed after deducting expenses. The motion is to be forwarded to the Mayor in the form of a recommendation.

The meeting decided that the executive and others interested should wait on the Women’s Section of the R.S.A. in connection with the Christmas party for children. It was decided to hold a smoke concert on November 25 and the hope was expressed that members would turn up in large numbers. WAR MEDALS.

“It appears from a report in the Press that war medals are to be sent to those entitled to wear them, whether application is made or not, so there will be no excuse for not wearing decorations at the next Anzac Day parade,” remarked the president of the Taihape R.S.A. With a financial membership of 390. as at September 30, Taihape is 43rd on the N.Z.R.S.A. financial membership ladder. The president pointed out that it would be necessary to discuss the lease of the Drill Hall at the next meeting of the R.S.A. in December. The lease of the hall expired on January 31 and as no monthly meeting was held in January, it would be necessary to discuss this important matter in December. The secretary reported that approximately £3O had been donated to the Nurses’ War Memorial Fund. The local nurses had contributed £9 12s to the fund and the R.S.A. had made available £l5. HIGH LAMBING PERCENTAGE. From a cross section of 40 odd farms in the district from Taihape to Hunterville, the lambing percentage is 102 per cent., according to information supplied by the stock inspector, Mr W. August. The highest previous record was 100 per cent. WASP NEST FOUND. A wasp nest was located in the Taihape borough recently. The existence of all nests should be notified to the Department of Agriculture so that the wasps can be destroyed. TAIHAPE SUCCESSES. Seven members of the Taihape Gun Club competed in the shoot at Marton last Sunday. F. J. Ireland tied in the £5O match with seven others and divided. Jim Thomasen and H. A. Belk reached the finals of the trophy match but were beaten in the shoot-off. Taihape competitors included J. F. Thurston, J. and L. Thomasen, F. Ireland, P. Ireland, D. Missen and H. A. Belk. PERSON AL. Miss S. A. Wood is a patient at the Huia Street private hospital. Mr Len Pearce is visiting Taihape.