STREET APPEALS

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21688, 26 March 1942, Page 4

STREET APPEALS

POPULAR GIRL CONTEST RESTRICTIONS WAIVED COUNCIL DONATES £SOO The question of street appeals by the various committees conducting the Popular Girl Contest to assist in raising Hamilton’s quota of over £29,000 for patriotic purposes was discussed by the Hamilton Borough Council last night. It was decided that in view of the necessity for raising as much money as possible, restrictions previously enforced should be waived. When one committee asked for permission to run two lorries up and down the street on Friday night, with musical parties on the lorries collecting money, the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, moved that the request be declined in view of the black-out necessity. Mr F. Findlay contended that processions and other patriotic activities were good for morale. If the request were declined it might appear that the council was not sympathetic to the cause. Late Shopping Mentioned “If there is any danger owing to the non-observance of the black-ou; and the undue congregation of oeople in the streets on a Friday night, w? should tackle the problem at its source and consider the advisability of abolishing late shopping,” said Mr T. G. Reynolds. “Two motor lorries will not make any difference to tne black-out with the galaxy of motor cars and buses patrolling the streets every Friday night.” Supporting this contention, Mr H. M. Hammond said he would like to see less restriction for the campaign and the committees given a chance :o raise as much as possible. Other members were also of the opinion that the committees should be given as free a hand as possible, Mr W. R. Shattock contending that the congregation of people on a Friday night was not much worse tiian on some afternoons. Council Donates £SOO “I am very pleased the council has taken this attitude, as I am most anxious to see our quota for the patriotic funds raised,” said Mr Caro. “However, I moved the motion, wiiich has not been seconded, because as Chief Warden I consider it the proper thing to do, as there is the element of danger in the procedure if a raid did occur on a Friday night. I am quite content to abide by the decision of the council.” It was decided to grant the request and a number of others for various street collections and a Sunday mg.it concert, but a proviso was added tnat no loud speakers would be allowed, as these would be used only for an emergency and confusion mignt be caused if they were used indiscriminately. The council decided to donate £SOO to the contest, the money to be divided equally among the contestants.