GOLF CLUB.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 368, 24 February 1937, Page 4

GOLF CLUB.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR. Provision for Meeting Liabilities. - > A very satisfactory financial position, the splendid playing condition of the greens during the season, and the fine spirit of good fellowship, were remarked upon by Mr H. Graham, when presiding at the annual meeting of the Stratford Golf Club last night. The necessity of adopting a definite policy of setting aside an annual sum out of revenue to reduce the club’s IZabilitiep wias urged by Mr R. B. Anderson and he was assured that his proposal would be considered by the incoming comm ittee.

Congratulations to members on a very satisfactory year, were extended by Mr Graham in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet (previously published in the Central Press). The conditions for the playing of golf, he continued, were excellent and there had bocn a real spirit of friendship in evidence. Another gratifying .feature was the very satitfactory financial position. The course had been commended by visiting, professionals including J. Shaw, the New Zealand champion. During the past year the back section had been sown in grass and was a great asset to the club. It would be available for two further golf holes which might be required with only one half-holiday in the week. Continuing. Mr Graham said that although there might have been difference?, relations generally had been most happy. Finally it was very satisfactory to find that as a result of farming operations a profit of £lBB had accrued. Any success attained by any club or any organisation in a town was only due to voluntary help. He would like to place on record the good work done by Messrs G. G. Nowell, K. Pegg, Baker Green' and V. Young. The motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet Was seconded by Mr L. Pope.

Lack of Policy,

Mr R. B. Anderson Congratulated the club on its excellent position. He thought, however, that there was 1 a lack of policy. A certain amount of money should be set aside each year out of revenue in order to reduce -liabilities and iprprove the financial position. If that were done the club would eventually have the property clear of debt and be in a position to pledge their assets should it be necessary to acquire further land. In Ifie opinion a nine-hole course should be retained until such time as it was possible to have an 18 hole course. Another matter that the committee should consider was the purchate pf proper cutting machinery for the fairways. If the greens were l«i--prov-d by making them at least twice the present depth there would be a considerable improvement In the standard of play. He did not think that any criticism could be levelled at the committee but there was a weakness in that the club did not have a definite policy. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr H. Graham; vicepresident, Mr T. Urwin; cub-captain, Mr J. Heslop; secretary and treasurer, Mr F. P. D. Jefferies; honorary auditor, Mr T. L. Penn; committee. Messrs B. Green. K. Pegg, V. Young, G. C. Newell, K. Neal. It was decided to hold the opening day on Saturday. March 6. A resolution was passed favouring the holding of the annual ball provided that the ladies were prepared to assist. Replying to Mr Anderson, the president said the new committee would consider the question of reduction of labilities. Ju reference to an 18-hole course he was of .the Opinion that until such time as money was available the proposal could not be considered. As far as he was avtare there had not been an offer of a mower made to the club as ttated by Mr Anderson. The incoming committee would also consider the matter of improvements to the greens. On the motion of Mr Newell the committee was recommended to consider the matter of reducing the number of sheep on the property or their gradual elimination. “There is no doubt that thia club in common with other clubs a great assistance from the ladiee,” said Mr Graham in moving a vote of thanks for their services.