CITY GOLF COURSES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1585, 31 October 1912, Page 8

CITY GOLF COURSES.

UTILISING THE TOW BELT. COMMITTEE APPOINTED. At No. 1 Committee Room in tho Town Hall last evening, a public meeting, convened by the Mayor (Mr. D. M'Laren) and Councillor Cameron, was held for tho purpose of discussing the advisability of utilising a part of the Town Bolt as a golf course. Tliero was an attendance of about UQ ladies and men. ' The Mayor said that ho had been approached regarding tho establishment of a municipal golf course. There was a good deal of enthusiasm amongst Wellington citizens, and he thought it was desirablo that municipal golf courses should be established. An impression existed, ho said, tliat golf was purelv a gaino for "aristocrats," but that was "not so. In other parts of tho world golf was played by people of all classes. He thought that those present should constitute an organising committee, for tho purpose of going further into tho -matter. The establishment of golf courses round tho city of Wellington would bo a great benefit to tho residents. Tho Town Belt, ho thought, would provide one email course for children and learners, and a largo course for thoso who could play the game. Councillor Cameron remarked that golf was beneficial to health. Many of the medical profession, in tho Old "Country, who had patients suffering from chest complaints, recommended their patients to go out to the golf links and play. Not only were they asked to play golf in tho fine weather, but in the wet weather also. Ho mentioned that a great many of the medical profession in Wellington played golf. If they got a course it should bo an eigliteen-hole course. As to the charges, it had been suggested to make a charge of .£1 Is. per annum for adults for the uso of the course. If a person was not in the position to pay that amount, ho could pay a sum of, say, 3d. or Gd. per round, any timo that ho required a game. Tliero were two very suitable grounds for golfing. Ono was at Lyall Bar, and the other was tho Town Belt. He was of opinion that Lyall Bay was the placo for future golf matches. At present he wished the meeting to consider which part of tho belt would be suitable for a golf ground. He thought that the vacant ground lying just below Brooklyn would be tho best sight. Tliero would bo about room for an eighteen-'holo course on that ground. Ho then moved: "That this meeting affirms tho need for tho establishment of municipal golf courses in tho city of Wellington." The motion.was seconded by Mr. H. Eglan. , Councillor' M'Kenzie questioned as to whether the council would have tho right to chargo for admission to the courses. Ho thought that if they could not mako a charge tho venture would bo a failure. The Mayor replied that, an opinion oil this point could be obtained from tho CJity Solicitor. After further discussion, tho Mayor moved: "That those present constitute a committee vith power to add to their number,' and report at a. later meeting." Mr. Hymes seconded the motion. It was further moved: "That tho above two motions bo forwarded to the City Council, with a request that that body assist tho venture both financially and otherwise." The motions were carried unanimously. Mr. J. M'Vean was elected secretary.