Membership Of Golf Club Increases

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 21, 17 November 1950, Page 5

Membership Of Golf Club Increases

Membership was now 283—158 men and 125 women, reported the president, Mr B. S. Barry, at the annual meeting of the Whakatane Golf Club last night. This is an increase of 45 on the figure a year ago.

The report continued:— Finance: The finances of the club remain in a sound condition. Costs are. rising steadily but have in some measure been offset by increased subscriptions. That our course is becoming increasingly popular with visitors is shown by the fact that the total of green fees paid this last season is approximately 50 per cent more than ever before.

Greenkeeper: Just prior to the opening of the season the greenkeeper, Mr Benson, resigned and Mr Polkington second greenkeeper to the Akarana Club, Auckland, was appointed. As a result of his efforts the greens are rapidly returning to their former state.

Club House: The club house has been enlarged and subject to the carrying out of certain minor improvements should meet the needs of the club for at least another 10 years.

The thanks of the club are due to Messrs J. D. Wardlaw and A. E. Shaw for their services in connection with the additions and to the various members who made up the working bees. For the first time the club had an entrant in the New Zealand Open Championship in C. L. Cutfield who put up a remarkably good performance.

State of Course: The course is in good order but a considerable amount of work js necessary to still further improve the standard. The time has arrived when additional labour is needed. This, however, is very difficult to obtain, but I recommend to the incoming committee that they go thoroughly into this matter.

Inter-Club Matches: During the year a number of Pennant and In-ter-club matches were played with other clubs.

In conclusion I would like to thank Mr L. Berg for the donation of- fertiliser and Mr lan Gow for the surrender by him of his debenture and accrued interest. Also, to thank Messrs Prideaux, Alexander and Co. for the use of their offices for committee meetings and for receiving subscriptions, this latter service being of great convenience to the members.