CULTURAL CENTRE

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22682, 9 August 1945, Page 6

CULTURAL CENTRE

EXPENDITURE OF £3123 1 [plans for use of ej\s. huts ! The desirability of proceeding with . the scheme for the development of I the proposed cultural centre in Seddon Terrace, using E.P.S. huts, was defended by the chairman of the cultural committee, Mr R. Braithwaite, answering criticism at a meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council last night. i Mr W. R. Shattock claimed that the proposed expenditure of £3123 was too great on what he said would be only a temporary hall. He admitted that Hamilton was short of halls but contended this lack should be remedied by a better building. He moved an amendment that the mat- , ter be referred back to the cultural ! committee for a further report, j The council had made no progress | with the flats it intended building in Whitiora, said Mr Arthur Fow, who ' seconded the amendment. He asked how it was proposed that the cultural , centre could be achieved when more essential work was uncompleted, j Mr Braithwaite explained that the ! erection of the flats had been held up i awaiting approval from the Loans Board for the necessary expenditure. “ Asset To Borough ” The building would be by no means temporary, said Mr E. J. Watkins. In 20 years it would still be an asset to the borough. The price was quite reasonable. It would be a step back if the scheme were turned down now. The cultural committee was recommending a genuine attempt by the council to fulfil one of its election promises, said Mr E. J. L. Whiting. The Advance Hamilton party had promised cultural facilities in the town. Supporting Mr Shattock’s amend- ! ment Mr H. M. Hammond said the council should conserve its assets until a permanent building could be provided. “ I do not like to oppose progress but £3OOO would certainly build three houses,” said the deputy-Mayor, Mr E. G. Scrimshaw. “ I am inclined to support Mr Shattock.” If the proposal was proceeded with the erection of a town hall would probably be delayed by 10 years. Mr A. J. Denz said that he supported the proposal, recalling the promises of the Advance Hamilton party prior to the last election. Mr Braithwaite said that under the proposed scheme the cultural centre would cost £2OOO less than if it was being manufactured in new timber. He pointed out that the building could not be used for housing purposes, an alternative suggested earlier. Support for the amendment was forthcoming from Messrs Shattock, Fow, Hammond and T. Parker. Recommendation Adopted The council then adopted the recommendation from the cultural committee that the tender of £3123 for the erection of the cultural centre be accepted. If the whole of the cost has to be found during the current financial year the sum not provided for in the estimates will be temporarily borrowed from the electricity account. The disposal of E.P.S. huts was the subject of further recommendations by the cultural committee. Requests by the Boys’ Brigade and the Frankton Junction division of the St. John Ambulance for the use of huts, together with a question from the Hamilton Domain Board regarding the council’s intentions, had been referred to the committee at the previous meeting. The committee’s recommendations were adopted by the council. The Boys’ brigade will be allowed the temporary use of the hut at the lake gates. The committee was of the opinion that the present was an opportune time for consideration of disposing of the huts, that the claims of the Frankton Junction division of the St. John Ambulance should be given every consideration when the matter was being finalised and that Mr R. Braithwaite and Mr A. J. Denz be appointed to discuss further the matter with them. Permanent Loan Suggested Attention will be drawn to the fact that the Hinemoa Park and the lake gates hut could be made available on permanent loan to semi-public or other bodies provided satisfactory guarantees for maintenance and insurance were arranged. Those interested will be invited to submit their claims. An application for the use of the E.P.S. hut in Hinemoa Street was made by the Hamilton Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. The intention, it was stated, was to use it as a club and committee room and dressing room. The letter was referred to the cultural committee. An application to purchase the E.P.S. hut at the Hamilton Lake for use as a gymnasium for an up-to-date boxing school in Hamilton East was made by Mr E. W. Foulds. It was decided to inform him that the council could not sell the hut.