TAUPO GOLF CLUB

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 110, 5 March 1954, Page 5

TAUPO GOLF CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The annual general meeting of the Taupo Golf Club (Inc.) was held at the Clubhouse on February 24th., When over 40 members were present. The president, Mr L. Cheal, in presenting his report, referred to the development of the new area, especially the progress made towards laying out and preparations for sowing — progress mainly due to the special efforts of the captain, Mr K. E. Young, who was to be congratulated on the results achieved. Mr Cheal also thanked those who had generously donated money, trophies, trees and shrubs, all greatly appreciated by the committee. Special mention was made of a section, adjacent to Ihe course, donated by Mr C. W. Pepperell, and of the donations made by the Gallagher Estate and Mr W. H. Kent, of six comfortable park seats, which had been placed round the course. Continuing the president referred to the inter-club matches with the Putaruru Golf Club, from which Taupo had not been able to wrest the Ewert Shield, and the Tokoroa Club, from which Taupo had won the A. M. Smith Shield. The Labour week-end tournament, a new venture on the part of the Club, had been most enjoyable, although the entry was small. The one-day tournament, held on December 30th had also proved a success, although the entries had been smaller than the previous year. Of the two matches against the Taupo Cricket Club, one was won by the Golf Club, the other being drawn. The golf ball Mr Cheal added, had been an undoubted success, and thanks were due to Mr A. M. Smith, Mrs Peart and Miss M. Smith for their efforts in that connection. Club membership had increased by 42 from 245 at the end of 1952 to 287 at the end of 1953. In conclusion Mr Cheal thanked the captain, officer and members for their support during the season.

Progress Reports The Club captain, Mr K. E. Young reviewed the improvements to the present playing area, such as the turfing of four teeing grounds, tree planting and clearing that had been carried out. Eight greens on the new - area had been sown last March, with very satisfactory results, and in the spring the fairway of one short hole, and approaches of several others had been sown. All the bulldozing had been completed, and the fairways were now nearly all in readiness for sowing, which, he hoped would be done next month. Thanks were due to Mr Hutt, of Waipawa, for a donation of grass seed, and to Messrs. Cheal and Tremaine, who had made a detailed survey of the new area. In accordance with the decision of the previous general meeting Mr L. Frost was now on full time work on the course. He coneluded with thanks to the officers, committee members and members for their assistance and co-opera-tion, and Mr Woodward, for the manner in which he had carried out his responsibilities. The balance sheet was then presented, and commented on by Mr E. F. Wright, who congratulated the club on the state of its finances — A great credit to the club, in that so much development work had been carried out, and its finances still in such a healthy position. Officers Elected The following officers were elected unopposed: Patron, Mr W. Branson; President, Mr L. Cheal; Vice-presidents, Messrs R. Tappenden and C. W, Pepperell; Captain, Mr K. E. Young; Vice-captain, Mr '

J. Woodward; Secretary, Mr F. D. Stretton. The president in an appreciative speech, thanked the retiring secretary, Miss J. Branson, for her work, and the interest she had taken in the club and its affairs. In acknowledgement Miss Branson expressed her gratitude to the president, captain, vice-captain, the committee and members, for their assistance and the kindnesses they had shown her. She felt sure, sh£ said, that they would welcome her successor,1 Mr Stretton^ The following were elected to the committee: Mrs K. Young, Miss Branson, Messrs G. Fraser, A. Graham, L. Pearse, T. Price and E. F. Wright.

Thanks were accorded Mrs Young and Miss McKelvie in acknowledgment of their work as the catering committee. Subscripions and green fees it was decided should remain as for the past year. A discussion took place as to whether men's matches should be played on Saturdays or Sundays. It was decided to hold the matches on Saturdays, the committee to review the matter in due course. Mr L. S. Stephenson, who wasx retiring from the committee after many years as a member, was accorded a unanimous appreciation of his excellent services to the club. Mr Stephenson had done a great deal towards beautifying the present 9 holes, with his gifts of trees and shrubs, and had also been a most energetic member of the committtee for more than 10 years. The meeting also placed on record its appreciation of the services rendered to the club by Mr J. Woodward. Arrangements in connection with the Club ball were left in the hands of the committee.