PUTARURU B., C. AND T. CLUB.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 258, 18 October 1928, Page 8

PUTARURU 8., C. AND T. CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. There was a very good attendance at the annual meeting of the Putaruru Bowling, Croquet and Tennis |' Club, which was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday, Mr. A. C. Thompson, chairman of the trustees, being in the chair. New Members. The following new members were elected: Messrs. Swap, Spellman and J. Campbell (bowling), Miss Hopkinson and Mrs. Drummond (tennis),. Trustees. The elections of five trustees to ’ control the Memorial Park resulted as follows: Messrs. A. G. Leggatt, A. W. Swap, A. C. Thompson, J. S. Reid and T. F. Snell . Subscriptions. Subscriptions for the year for the various sections were agreed upon as follows: Bowls, £3 «is, soil 2s (country members) and £1 Is (honorary members); tennis, £1 11s fid (men), £1 Is (ladies) and 10s 6d (honorary); croquet, £1 Is. A recommendation from' the trustees that a reduction of 10s 6d should be made for anyone wishing to join two sections produced a long debate. Mr. Hollard thought a reduction of £1 Is should be made, as the fees were fairly high. Mr. J. Murphy seconded. Mr. S. C. Snell suggested a reduction of half the fee, and Mr. Swap seconded this amendment.

The chairman declared the latter amendment defeated, despite a protest from the mover that only two voices sounded against. Mr. Lindsey moved that 20 per cent reduction be allowed off the total sum, and Mr. Palmer seconded this suggestion. Mr. Peters pointed out that unless a percentage basis was used there would be a discrepancy of 10s 6d. Mr. Francis asked.what the. 20 per cent would come off. Mr. Lindsey replied off the total sum. The chairman declared the percentage amendment defeated. Mr. Griffiths thought things were getting tangled, and urged that only one amendment (Hollard’s) be taken at a time. The only fair basis was Mr. Lindsey’s suggestion of 20 per cent, which had been defeated unfairly, he thought, as it should not have been put before Mr. Hollard’s amendment. After some further discussion, the chairman ruled that Mr. Lindsey could not put his motion again, but on Mr. Hollard offering to withdraw his amendment, suggested he alter it to a percentage basis. .. This was agreed to, and the 20 per cent reduction was then • carried unanimously. Mr. T. F. Snell objected that he had no opportunity to move an Uipendment to the new motion. He pointed out that bowlers would now ■get their tennis for 12s 9d, which he thought too low. He favoured the original recommendation. Mr. Peters: If anyone feels it’s too cheap there’s nothing to prevent him ' making a donation. On permission being given to move an amendment to the motion already passed, Mrs. Francis seconded Mr. Snell’s amendment.

This amendment was declared beaten by one vote, and the 20 per Cent reduction thus allowed to stand. A further recommendation from the trustees that all subscriptions be increased by 10s 6d, which sum 'be allowed as a rebate on moneys received by January 1, was taken up by Mrs. K. McDermott and Mr. T. F. Snell, and carried with little discussion, Mr. Reid remarking that it was the custom in most clubs. Mr. S. C. Snell registered his vote against the innovation.

A further recommendation from the trustees with , reference to raising funds by a dance, or other means, looked like producing another tedious debate, when Mrs. K. McDermott suggested the motion be left with the tea committee, and this course was agreed to. Annual Report. Portions of the annual report submitted by the hon. secretary to the trustees of the Putaruru Bowling, Croquet and Tennis Club read as follows: In presenting to members their annual report the trustees have pleasure in recalling to your minds the improvements effected to the playing areas and the surroundings. Although seriously hampered by a lack of funds a considerable amount of work has been done. A new tennis jeourt has been laid down and has

proved a complete success. It will be ready for play very soon, and it is expected that the membership of the tennis section will be materially increase by the enlarged facilities offered. The fence between the courts and the bowling greens has been shifted back, allowing greater room behind the back line, and a considerable portion of the old courts has been sown in new grass, which is now coming away well. The pavilion used for afternoon tea has been shifted to a much more suitable position, and the gift of an awning for the front by Mr. Dukeson, junr., is very much appreciated. Additional lockers have been provided in the men’s dressing room, and a cupboard for eatables has been installed in the ladies’ room. The area of the croquet- lawn has been considerably increased by the rough ground and paths on three sides being transformed into lawn, and the ladies expect that they will now have sufficient room for two lawps, which will result in an immediate increase in membership. The Croquet Club has resolved to increase its subscription in order to pay off the additional work now needed. The Bowling Club has shown commendable activity and initiative in the care of its greens, which are now looking better than ever before. Under the leadership of its green superintendent, Mr. A. G. Leggatt, the club' raised sufficient money privately for 1 {he work on the greens during the winter, and the results show that this money has been spent wisely.

* In this connection the trustees wish to express' their appreciation of •‘•he v diintary work done by members of the Bowling' anl Tennis sections in the improvement of their areas, and are. pleased to see that this work, which actually brought the playing area into being, -still continues. The present generation has a great deal for which to thank the pioneers in the work and support which they voluntarily gave in the formation of the ground and this is not by any means forgotten. The club is rapidly coming to the stage where working bees will have to be dispensed with, owing to the fact that the willing few are left to do the work for the pleasure of the whole number. . The club \ 'll then have to pay for its work In the usual way, and this will mean a much heavier financial burden.

' Gap 3 in the fence where trees have died have been filled with young trees generously donated by Mr. F. C. Barnett.

The new season shows the opportunity for a good deal of work still to be done, but the rc' in constructional work is now complete. Practically the whole of the suitable land is now laid out in playing lawns and paths, so that the original plans are, in the main, fulfilled. Plans for beautification has, necessarily, had to give way to work which will increase the playing area and thus the income. At very little expense the grounds can now be made really beautiful, and it is hoped that this can be done. The club is urgently in need of funds, and for a great part of the year we have had to differentiate between urgent accounts and others. An effort must be made to raise money outside the usual revenue in order to put matters on a good footing.

We have to thank 'the ladies and their secretary for the very excellent refreshments which were always provided during the season, and their arrangements for the entertainment of visiting teams. Our visitors were invariably lavish in their praise of the entertainment provided. In conclusion, your trustees view the coming Reason with every confidence that the provision of such greatly improved facilities will result iii higher membership in all sections and in greater pleasure and recreation for all members. They wish to thank the officers of the sections and all members for the assistance they have given and to record their appreciation of the good spirit everywhere shown which has enabled the past season to proceed so successfully and happily.