This was called for the purpose of arranging committees to carry out a garden fete; the proceeds to be devoted to improving the reserves and playing grounds in the city. The Mayor stated similar fetes had been held in Canterbury with very satisfactory results, and he had no doubt the fete they proposed holding in Dunedin would be equally successful.
Cr Todd, chairman of the City Council Reserves Committee, stated his committee had brought before its notice from time to time the need for improving the reserves. The committee had come to the conclusion that the only way in which they could get any substantial improvements effected would be to appeal to the public. The committee considered in apportioning the proceeds of this function half should be devoted to the Gardens and half to the recreation reserves. The Oval was one of the places they would like to see completed, and, if they could raise several hundreds of pounds only for this purpose, in a few years they would have one of the finest recreation grounds in the Dominion, and, in addition, make permanent improvements to the Gardens. In connection with the proposed garden fete, he moved - "That the ladies and gentlemen present form themselves into a Joint Committee." It was decided, however, that Messrs Bathgate, Solomon, Nimmo, J. Rennie, A.G. Fenwick, J.H. Hosking, C.G. Wilson, F.H. Campbell, B.B. Hooper, J.H. Walker, Crs Stilling, J.J. Clark, Todd, and Bro. Moore be appointed a Gentlemen's Executive Committee, with Mr J.H. Walker as convener.
Mesdames Basil Hooper, B. Rowlandson, E.J. Wilkinson, A.G. Fenwick, Blyth, John Wilson, Washer, Moritzon, and the Mayoress be the Ladies' Executive Committee, the Mayoress to act as convenor." Both committees were empowered to add to their number. The Mayor was appointed permanent chairman.
Mrs Blyth intimated that in England where such fetes were held dancing was generally included in the programme and signified her willingness to arrange some. Her offer was accepted with thanks.
Mr Solomon said the movement was very much needed in Dunedin. Those who had lived in Dunedin for many years should be alarmed at the suggestions which were being thrown out to the effect that the city was being outstripped by other cities in the Dominion in the race of progress. He had recently visited Timaru, and he was satisfied that what he had seen there was an object lesson for them all.
The people had banded themselves together and had transformed Caroline Bay, which was originally a portion of a clay bank, and made it into an attractive and charming seaside resort.
• The daily Bible class recently granted to the Port Chalmers ministers by the Sawyers' Bay School Committee was opened, with an attendance of 45 scholars. The chairman of the committee (Mr Laly) presided, and spoke of the importance of children growing up acquainted with the contents of the Bible. He explained the undenominational character of the class, and introduced the Rev. Mr Blathwayt, Anglican minister, who gave a lesson on the Lord's Prayer. There was present also Mr A.R. Madill, student assistant to the Presbyterian minister, who will usually conduct the class while the ministers are engaged in similar work at the same hour daily in the Port Chalmers School. - ODT, 13.2.1912.
