President Update
I would like to welcome you all this evening to the 28th AGM of The Karaka Historical Society.
A special welcome to our Franklin Local Board member, Al;an Cole.
You may recall last year that I mentioned many people seem unaware of our Museum, but we had a new sign in the pipeline.. Well, it has happened. From working on the design in May to the sign arriving in August, to finally being concreted in place in November so it will withstand any westerlies hurled at it.. Thanks to Tim for the large laminated beam, to Fraser for the nuts, bolts and brackets and I donated the builders mix and welded up the frame. Thanks to all who helped put it to place. Also thanks to Kelsey Ross who helped with the design and gave a generous donation toward it.
Visits from retirement villages and other groups continue to provide us with a good income with several groups from the Auckland area and Pukekohe having visited.
We have accepted offers of tools from Gleeson Bros, and items from the saw milling industry from Neil Duncan. These things keep us busy on our Tuesday morning working bees.
Insurance on the Museum is a big expense and we are always looking for cheaper options. If anyone has any ideas please tell us. Fraser learned that we had been overpaying the amount for our lease from Auckland Council. As a result we have been refunded about $4,800.
Another serious purpose of this meeting is to update the constitution. More on this later in the the meeting. Carol and Judith have worked very hard on this and a big thank you to them both.
I would like to thank the committee for their hard work through the year. I think we have a great band of workers. Thank you to Lois for the work she does as secretary.
The Mansell family visited the Museum as part of their celebrations of having dairy farmed in the district for 100 years.
Finally a mention of those who have passed on. Our sympathy to the family of Maureen Higham, Rex Gazzard, Diana Findlay and Owen Reeve. Also on a sad note the accident Diane Gellert had – falling down the stairs of the mezzanine floor in the hall. Fortunately Diane is recovering well. I would like to thank all those who tended Diane, especially Carol. It could have been far more serious if things hadn't been done properly.
We look forward to a good year ahead.
Thank you for your contribution throughout the year.
Hugh Ross