HOKITIKA GOLF CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1926, Page 2

HOKITIKA GOLF CLUB

The annual general meeting of tho Hokitika Golf Club was held In the County Council Chambers on Thursday last, 25 members 1 icing present. The minutes of the last annual general meeting were read and confirmed.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. Ladies and. Gentlemen, —I have tho honor, to report on the operations of your Club for the past year ns follows: Matches: —Club Championship: Men, Mr J. A, Chesney (holder); ladies, Miss Moore (Holder). Modal Aggregate (Cranston Vase)-: Mr Spencer. Bogey Aggregate (Captain’s Trophy): Mr Motjtrnm. Bogey Match (trophy anonymously donated): Mr Irwin. Opening Foursome: Miss Perry and Mr Meld rum. Final Foursome: Miss King and Mr Chesney. M The usual medal and bogey matches wore also played. Men’s and ladies’ teams from Greymouth visited Hokitika and met teams from our Club on June 3rd, resulting in honors even for all matches played. A men’s B team from our Club also ™ visited Greymouth on the same date and met a “B” Greymouth team on the Omoto links, the match resulting in a win for Hokitika.

It is regretted that owing to counter attractions return matches could not be arranged, it is, however, recommended that these popular matches' lie fostered as much as possible in the future. The West Coast championship wjas held on the Mahinnpua Links from the 26th to 28th August, under 'perfect* ’weather ■conditions. A large number of visiting competitors participated as well as a good representation from our own Club. Miss Moore is to bo congratulated on winning the ladies championship and Mr Simo (Westport) the men’s championship. The Condition of our links was the subject of much favourable comment by the visitors who were not backward in voicing their appreciation in this respect. The meeting ended with an enjoyable and largely attended dance in the Soldiers’ Hall much of the success of which was due to a small hut energetic sub-committee of lady members. Improvements.—l have to report that- important improvements were car ried out during the season resulting in our club being now endowed with a. much larger pavilion and increased locker space which I feel sure will he greatly appreciated by all members. I think yon will agree that the general appointments of the links more than favourably compare with many of the more important links of the Dominion and there is no reason why with a continuance of our present efforts we should not aspire to tho honor of one day having a New Zealand Championship meeting held here. Tlie expendi ture on the improvements referred to practically used up all our available cash and I might hero be permitted to add that the early remittance of all current and more especially overdue subscriptions would accordingly bo very much appreciated by your .committee.

Tho condition of the fairway and green have been well maintained during the year, reflecting much credit on the groundsman, Mr Ivrakowsky, and to no small extent due to the judicious grazing of the land by tho lessee of the grazing rights. Reading.—Quito recently a letter was received from the Westland County Council outlining a proposal to take a, road on the sea-side of the Mahinapual Greek skirting the links. I hnxdljry need explain what a. serious set-back this would be to your Club, involving thereby a serious drain on our finances for protective fencing and also the reduction of the playing area by 3 or 4 holes. A deputation consisting of your Captain and Secretary waited on the j Council in regard to tlie matter and .tlie Club’s thanks is due for the interest evinced by tho Councillors present who were good enough to make a trip out and view the position on the ground. The result, however, is still in suspense but it is hoped that deep •siern in -our favour will be reached at the next Council meeting. The outgoing Committee recommend that the 1926 season bo opened on Saturday next when the usual mixed foursome will be played. The thanks of the Club are due to the press for itsi courtesy in publishing drawing and results of matches. The Balance for 1925-26 will now be read by tho Honorary Treasurer and will on the whole disclose a satisfactory position. Walker and Hall’s team competition. —A stroke handicap of 18 holes in connection with this competition was played, the four best cards returned averaging all square with bogey. This performance 'though satisfactory, did not give us a win. Mr Lindsay Ross. Professional Coach, was engaged for one week during last season and was kept fully employed. His services have been enlisted again for the coming season for one week commencing on the 26th inst and members wishing to take lessons

are requested to hand in their names as early as possible to the Secretary to avoid disappointment. A more strict observance of the etiquette of the game is desirable and this can only he done with the assist nnco of members themselves. The rules will be posted on tlio notico board in the pavilion, and it would save much annoyance to players and embarrassment to those who have to he corrected if all members would make themselves thoroughly conversant with the requirements in this re spect. Each member is also requested to provide himself with a printed hook of the general rules which may be obtained from the Secretary for Is each.

The report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr J. W. Morris was congratulated on the balance sheet and for services performed in his capacity as treasurer.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were then elected:—Captain. Mr J. C. Maefarlane; secretary, Mr T. Cagney; treasurero, Mr J. W. Morris. Committee: Mosdames Macfarlane and Butler, Messrs C'hesney, Neville, Mottram, Burns niul Spencer. Ten new members were elected. The Captain then presented trophies won during the season. Various matters affecting the inter- W ests of the Club were discussed and j dealt with. -

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.