STRATFORD GUN CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 4, 7 April 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD GUN CLUB.

MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE. THE CLUB'S FINANCES. The executive of the Stratford Gun Club met i'i the Stratford Hotel last evening, when there were present: — Messrs A. Stewart (president, in the chair), F. Whittle, H. Harrison, J. Carter, H. Campbell, W. J. Hamblyn, Arthur Lineham, and the hon. see. (Chas. L. Grant). The secretary submitted the following report and balance-sheet:—-Gentlemen, —In presenting an interim report anil balance-sheet, may I point out that such is nofc an annual statement of accounts, but the details of the Club's operations since its organisation in October last, in which month you were good enough to appoint me to the position of hon. sec. With the hearty co-operation of members, the Club appears to be now on the upward grade, as shown by the accompanying balance-sheet, from which you will notice that we have a credit balance of £7 us 8d after less than six months operations.

The question lor the meeting, principally, is to place the Club on a sounder financial basis, by holding such shoots as will induce not only well-known shots from other parts of the Dominion to compete at Stratford, hut that will also inculcate enthusiasm in our own novices who, it must be remembered, are the hone and substance of the Club's future. The most pleasing feature in connection with the reconstruction of the Club is the whole-hearted support accorded us by the members of the old Midhirst and Eltham Clubs, and the least we can do is to prove ourselves worthy of that confidence, and endeavour to make the Club's "mana" worthy of the extensive district of which it is the centre. Xo doubt it will have occurred to members that the scarcity of ammunition is proving a serious problem in connection with the sport. This is a question which must be carefuly considered at this meeting. The purchase

of birds is also a matter which must be dealt with. We shall probably be faced with difficulty in procuring supplies in the immediate future, and regarding this a letter from. Messrs Blair and Sellars Hawera, will no doubt receive your consideration. The Club's thanks are due to the A. and l.\ Association for the use of their ground, and members are also greatly indebted to Messrs Nelson and Green lor their individual services in honorary capacities, and also for the use of their ground, which is of exceptional value to the Club, due to its proximity to the town. A donation of one guinea has been made by Mr W. Lovett, Stratford Club Hotel, for a special competition, for which our thanks are due. MriHaycock, of Hawera, also donated the sum of 10s, which was included in the prize list of March 3rd. Messrs W. J. Hamblyn ami J. M. Shotter have rendered valuable services to the Club as handicapper and referee respectively. In conclusion, I desire to thank members for the assistance given to myself in carrying out the secretarial duties of the Club, and would specially mention the President (Mr A. Stewart), and Messrs H. Campbell and F. Whittle. The balance-sheet showed: Receipts. —To balance in bank September 30th, 1915, £1 Is; members' subs., £8; shoots: Xo. 1, £S 15s 6d; No. 2, £1 15s 6dj Xo. 3,' £9 17s 6d; Xo, -I, £3! 15s and £3 12s. Total, £36 16s 6d. Expenditure.—By "s:/,. Gun Club, £'l Is. Expenses shoot: No. 1, £8 Ms; No. 2, £1 16s 6d; Xo. 3, £7 12s Id; No. I, £0 12s 3d; sundry accounts, £1 19s lid; stationery and sundries, £i 10s Id; baid; charge, ss; balance in bank, £7 5s 8d; total, £36 16s Gd.

; On the motion of the President, seconded by Mr Campbell, the report and balance-sheet were unanimously ; adopted, members expressing them- ! selves,as well satisfied with the prejsent financial position and the future prospects of the Club, j AMMUNITION AND CLAYS. The various matters referred to in the report were discussed at length, and it was decided to take immediate steps to procure a supply of birds and also ammunition. A BIG SHOOT. • With a view to bringing tho Club more prominently before outside shootjsts it was decided on the motion of Mr Harrison, seconded by Mr Lineflam, to hold a £3O shoot on Thursday, 18th -May, of twenty-one birds, nominations (two guineas) to close on the ground. Messrs J. M. Shotter was appointed referee and Mr W. J. Hamblyn was handicapper. A CLUB SHOOT. It was decided to *io7.* a Club shoot on Good Friday, events to be arranged on the ground, when Mr W. Lovett's special prize to be decided on points, will be included in the prize-list. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair. mmjnr- mmmmmmmm*