TRADES COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2581, 16 August 1909, Page 5

TRADES COUNCIL’S PROPOSALS.

NEW GAOL, WORKERS’ HOMES, AND RECREATION GROUNDS FOR GISBORNE.

The monthly meeting of the East Coast Trades and Labor Council was held on Saturday evening, there being a very large attendance of delegates. Mr. B. Halligan (President) occupied the chair. The most important business of the evening was the consideration Of a letter received from Mr. T. E. Toneyclffe, in which he stated,-after giving his reasons for bringing the matter before the Council: “A year ago it was decided that the police station was totally unfit for the purposes it is used for, and a sum was voted for a new building, but so far I have not heard of anyone who thought it worth while to see that the matter was worthy of attention. The spending of this money would have helped a good many men, who find it hard to get employment, as well as removing a disgrace from the town. . . The second matter to which I wish to refer is the necessity for workmen’s homes, such as those which have been recently erected in Christchurch. . . When one sees tno area of unoccupied land in healthy places, within easy distance ol town, it, makes one long for time and opportunity to agitate for something being done for those less fortunate who cannot help themselves. . . Any influence that tends to raise the standard of life, to surround the workers with hotter opportunities, is at the same time helping to raise the status of the whole community. . . In asking our representative to help in this matter, we aTe not asking for charity or for something that will not be an asset to the Government. My third subject is in reference to parks and gardens. I know of no place called by the name of a town in New Zealand which is so lacking and far behind in this respect as Gisborne. . . . Now you may say what has parks, gardens, or open spaces to do with the welfare of the working man? 1 answer it has a lot. . . I heard a speaker in Manchester say: ‘There is a time when the house and the yard becomes too small for the child. _ He opens the gato and joins the children on the street. Here it seems as if the devil uses his most destructive ammunition to blast and demolish human character.’ Even in Gisborne there is the nucleus of slums that may drive the poor man’s child to the same devil’s playground. . • The Government or city should do for the individual what he cannot do for himself, or -what he cannot do for himself as well as the Government or city can do for him.” Mr. M. G. Nasmith (junr.) moved—- “ That a letter of thanks he sent to Mr. Toneycliffe for his thoughtful letter, and for the interest shown by him in the v'ork of the Council.” Mr. T. Jackson seconded the motion, which -was unanimously agreed to. Mr. Nasmith then moved—“ That the Council appoint a; deputation to wait on the Hon. J. Carrol], urging upon him the need of a new gaol, and the erection of workmen’s homes.” The speaker pointed out that a new gaol had been authorised, and that Colonel Hume, of the Prisons Department, had made a visit to Gisborne to procure a site. The erection of a gaol would provide work and relieve the labor market to a certain extent. Workmen’s homes were also badly needed, and their building would also relieve unemployment. Mr. E. J. West seconded the motion, and stated that ho had been authorised by Messrs J„ Horton and Co. to offer 5000 trees free 'te the Prisons Department for planting on the site of the new gaol, on condition that the erection of the gaol being immediately proceeded with. The motion was unanimously carried, after several other members had spoken in support. Mr. Nasmith further moved —“That a deputation be appointed to wait on the Borough Council, urging them to raise a loan for the acquirement of recreation grounds and gardens.” The motion, after discussion, was carried unanimously.