SPORTS CLUBS AMALGAMATION.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 19 May 1920, Page 3

SPORTS CLUBS AMALGAMATION.

BOWLING CLTJB MEETING. j An extraordinary general meeting of ' members of the Otaki Bowling Club was held at the Druids' Hall on Monday night last, for the purpose of discussing the proposed amalgamation of the Bowling, Tennis and Social Clubs. There were soruo 14 members present, and Mr D. Noble (president) occupied the chair.

Messrs T. O'Rourke and J. P. Brandon, representing the amalgamated committees, fully explained the details of the proposed scheme, which have already been published in these columns. Mr O'Rourke said the scheme would make sport cheaper, and should add considerably to the social success of the clubs. ne considered that seventy members at three guineas a year would meet the wh»le expenses of the amalgamated clubs. It might so happen lhat certain debeninreliolders in the Bowling Club might not care to hold these debentures. If that were so, there would be no difficulty in others taking these up, as two gentlemen had offered to do this if required,

Replying to questions Mr O'Rourke said it was not proposed that ladies join fue Social Club, though they might have ladies' evenings at the club

monthly. Mr Brandon said they had some upstairs rooms at the club buildings, and these might well be utilised by the ladies, as was done at other similar clubs. A little discussion ensuad re functions that might be arranged by the individual elubs. such as the bowlers' ball. Mr Brandon said he saw no reason why any money raisod by such special efforts might not be earmarked for special objects. At the same time, anv such effort should be in the name

of the amalgamated clubs. One of the

i objects of amalgamation, was that members of the vurious clubs might join hands in social functions. Replying to Mr Watts, Mr O'Rourke said it was proposed that tho Bowling

Club should lie represented by three members on the amalgamated finance committee, the Tenni3 Club two, and tho Social Club two. It had aot been proposed to give the Croquet Club any representation, as this club's funds, etc., all went through tho Bowling Club.

Mr J. R. Bills thought it would be unwise for the mooting to commit the whole of tho club, seeing that many members were not present. Replying to further quostions, Mr O'Rourke said each separate club would have to elect its own members; there would be no need for a paid secretary of the proposed amalgamated clubs, seeing that each club would *e> tniu its secretary; if new members joined any one club they would bo required to pay the usual subseription and entry fee for'such, while a member of one club joining the other clubs would only be required to pay a reduced entry fee; one of the main objects of amalgamation would bo to induce people to join more than one club. Rev. Petrio thought tho matter should be discussed more fully, and that it would be wise to get tho opinions of those not present that night. He could not see that the bowlers would gain by the amalgamation. Mr Brandon said he had lived long enough in Otaki to know tint there was u certain amount of feeling between members of the various clubs, and his scheme was meant to wipe that

Mr Witchell differed with Mr Petrie. and thought the bowlers wosld have a good deal to gain by amalgamation. He also pointed out that if the finance committee of the amalgamated club found' that it could not get sufficient members to carry on. the whole scheme would have to be dropped, but it was hoped the scheme would ensure, an increased membership.

Messrs Nat. Williams. B. Kilmister, Salherley and Watts said they had gone. to the meeting prepared to oppose the scheme, but, after hearing the details discussed, they were prepared to support it, *V.i3 Mr W. B. Smith, while stating that, the thanks of the community were dne to Messrs Brandon and O'Roarke for bringing forward this scheme, pointed out certaiu obstacles which would hare to be met. However, he thought these wore surmountable, ana the secern? would be a good thing.

.Mr J. K. Bills asked wheth*r the meeting was legal, seeing that the required notice had not been given. This led to come little discussion. The chairman ruled that the meeting was legal, and that proper notice had been f iven, but it was pointed out that, even though the meeting approved the scheme it would be necescary to confirm the matter at a future meeting. Kev. Petrie said he -was sure the scheme would bo a splendid thing if carried out, and Mr Brandon was en- j titled to credit for bringing it forward. He was not opposed to it. After considerable discussion, ctet? member present taking part, the following motion, proposed by Mr T. O'Kourke and seconded by Mr B. £ilmister, was carrie4 '•'That the Otaki Bowling Club join the proposed amalgamated club?." Messrs H. Witchell. J. P. Brandon, and T. O'Kourke were ejected to represent the Bowling Clob Cfi ife« §3Sici committee of the amalgamated crabs. Votes of thanks were accorded, Messrs Brandon sna O'Roarke for the trouble they had taken iu the and the mating dose* »~ ~ e USU 3, , compliment to the chairman.