GENEROUS GIFT TO R.S.A.

Chronicle (Levin), 4 February 1948, Page 4

GENEROUS GIFT TO R.S.A.

Valuable Property For New Bowling Green ' Through *the splendid "generosity and/ public spiritedness of a local trident, the Levin R.S.A. is to have its own bowling green. An tarea of approximately three-quarters of an aere, situated in Salisbury Street is tb be* given . to. the branch by Mrs. W. S. Lett, who, in a conversation _ . with a member 'of- the executive, Mr. H. J. Lancaster, said that she would like to know that the men Who had fought for theyr country , would be able to enjoy the use of the land as a bowling green. At a meeting of the bowling com- * mittee on Monday night, the. news: was received with considerable acclamation. The gift Of this land would solve a great difficulty, said Mr. H. B. Burdekin, when making the announpement. It was a beautiful site, well sheltered and aimost dead. level. Entrance could be had from " Salisbury Street by means of a right-of-way, which was also part of the gift. The right-of-way was also used by nearby residents, but in timo, the opening of subdivisional roa'ds would alter this considerably. " The transfer of oWnership was now being arranged between Mrs, Lett and her' solicitors. The donor had made one request, and that was that the name Of the club would incorporate the words "Clark Memorial" in honour of her late husband, Mr. W. M. Clark, and her son who lost his life in World. War I. He was of the opinion, said Mr. Burdekiif, that the committee should now- make application to thg Levin R.S.A. executive for an approach to be made for a

grant of £250 from the. J. R. McKenzie Trust, - *ahd • with this amount, which he personally would do all he could to obtain, there would be nothing to prevent the club starting off free of debt. There would be ample room for a full size green, and there was a strip at the side for another two rinks. There was also space for a •pavilion and other amenities. Mr, Burdekin made reference to the generosity of Mrs. 'Lett. The chairman, Mr. W. C. Childs, said that the R.S.A. and bowling committee were most appreciative of the very generous gesture. Speaking on behalf of the executive, Mr. H. J. Lancaster, said that Mrs. Lett's interest in the. Levin R.S.A. had continued throughout the years. She was an ardent admirer of the r-eturned men. This latest action was -beyond thanks.. Other speakers also made reference to Mrs. Lett's generosity, some stating that she had set' a high example' in public spiritedness and generosity.

After f urther discussion it ' was decided that the new club would be called the Levin R.S.A. (Clark Memorial) Bowling Club, and* the sub-comqiittee -was instructed todraft out rules for consideration at the next meeting. The question of tlle extension of honorary privileges and inclusion of those who were not returned servicemen, biit who had worn a uniform during the war or later in J-ForceA would also come up for further discussion. It was stated hy the chairman that he had received the sum of £20 from Mr. Carl Larsen as a donation to the new club. This was a partictilarly generous gift said Mr. Childs when handing over the money., A donation of £1 had also been received from Mr. Charles Capstick, and also a similar amount towards the Memorial Hall Fund. A vote of thanks was aecorded both these donors. It was also decided that a letter be sent to the Levin Borough Council setting out the latest developments and thanking it for the CQhsidefation and help that the council had accorded the committee during its search for a suitable borough property. 4 ..«/ A fiA-ther very generous gesture i has been made.by Mr. C. W/Foster, of Levin, v/ho has offered tq'.supervise the laying down of ^he green free of all cosllio R.S,A. /%/ U ?