BOWLING AND TENNIS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2544, 17 February 1923, Page 2

BOWLING AND TENNIS.

AMALGAMATION SCHEME DISCUSSED.

A meeting of the Committee of the local Bowling Club was held on Thursday evening for the purpose of receiving a deputation from the Tennis Club and to discuss the proposed purchase of ground adjoining the howling green for the establishment of grass tennis courts and croquet lawn.

The Tennis Club was represented by Messrs Fergie, Jackson, McDonnell, Frankland, and C. Bryant, and apologies were made for the unavoidable absence of Messrs MeMurray, C. Simmons and Drs. Wyllie and Rowlev.

Mr Christie, president of the Bowling Club, was in the chair, and briefly stated the object of the meeting. He pointed out that the Committee of the Bowling Club had no power to commit his club in the matter of the proposal to he discussed as it was necessary that the question should be placed before a special general meeting of members for their approval or rejection. Mr Fergie said that a general meeting of the Tennis Club had empowered the delegates present to proceed with whatever scheme was approved, as they considered tlie present a good opportunity for the Tennis Club to endeavour to acquire new courts and provide lor the Club’s expansion by providing a larger playing area. The present courts were insufficient, for immediate requirements, and there was no inducement to new members. Tie said a tentative proposal that a special effort in the nature of a carnival had been adopted, in order to raise sufficient funds to proceed with the scheme, and they considered the offer of the Bowling Club to nmnjgamatc with them in the purchase of the land, and the bringing of both sports into co-operation, a very generous one.

A general discussion took place on the probable cost of purchasing the property and laying out the courts and a rough estimate submitted of the annual income and expenses. It was contended that four tennis courts and a second croquetgreen would considerably increase the membership of both clubs. The opinion was also expressed that having all three games combined in one'area would allow of one caretaker being engaged for the preparation of all the lawns, which would make for more satisfactory service and at a salary that would be more satisfactory to the caretaker himself.

It was agreed that if the proposal was carried through the two (dubs would be amalgamated and incorporated as one* body. The chairman intimated that a special general meeting of the Bowling Club would be held on Thursday evening next, when the proposals outlined would be submitted. In ttie meantime an option would be obtained over the property proposed to lie purchased. J The delegates expressed their appreciation of the negotiations so fa r.