GOLF.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 179, 16 December 1912, Page 8

GOLF.

| ; THE NEW PLYMOUTH CLt'B. OPENING OP THE NEW PAVILION. 'Saturday was an eventful day in the history of the New Plymouth Golf Club, | for it marked practically the opening of the new links at Waiwakaiho, though the function arranged for the occasion ' was by way of celebrating the opening of the handsome new pavilion. The weather, certainly, was uot goliing weather, but just of the variety to ensure a large attendance and the success of Uie proceedings. The ladies gathered in force, white "mere man" was also well represented. The club have shown a good deal of enterprise and courage in acquiring a property of their own, and foresight and judgment in selecting a site which, it ■is no exaggeration to say, is probably unrivalled in the Dominion. New Plymouth and its environs are deservedly noted for their beauty, but it would be difficult to find a more picturesque stretch of country or one more suited to its purpose than the new "Ngamotu" links. The land is varied and "sporting," and if made to order (were that f possible) a better course could not have

been provided. The club have not done things by halves. Having secured th land for all time, they have set out with a will to put the grounds in playing order and erect the necessary housing and improvements. The clubhouse, opened on Saturday, iu built on a commanding position, from which splendid views of practically the whole of the course and the surrounding country, the mountain and the harbor, can be gained. That from the spacious verandah, taking in the Sugarloaves, the ''creamy curve of the foam-dappled sea beach," and the fickle Tasman Sea, is very fine, and in itself is worth the trip out to the links. The clubhouse evidently has been built with an eye more to the future than present requirement. Ample quarters have been provided for the lady and gentlemen members, with lockers and all the other little conveniences that add so J much to the enjoyment and comfort of j members. The tearoom is as chaste as it I

is commodious. The design is simple, but its very simplicity lends it charm. For beauty and effect it is hard to imagine a better room for its purpose, and exquisite taste has been exhibited by thevarchitect (Mr. Frank Messenger). Connected by a corridor is the custodian's house, and quite as thorough a "job" has been niitde of it as of the other buildings. In front of the pavilion, on the seaward side, two putting greens have been laid down, and a start has also been made with the planting of shelter hedges and the general ornamentation of the surroundings. In a year | or two the effect should be very fine. The links and general appointments are a distinct credit to the clnf) and the, town, of which they form a new and no inconsiderable attraction to tourists and retired people; and we sincerely hope that the courage and enterprise the club have shown will be rewarded as they undoubtedly deserve. ' Having inspected the buildings and ! enjoyed the views the commanding position affords, those present on Saturday were regaled to afternoon tea. Photographs of the group were taken, and then the captain (Mr. W. Bewley) addressed the assemblage. He expressed his pleasure at the large attendance, and went on to refer to the events leading up to the opening that day. The parents or relatives of most of those present had many years ago left Home to carve out for themselves new homes and better their fortunes in this then new land. So with the golf club. They were .severing connection with their oljj links, of long and happy associations, and were making a fresh start in a different place. Like their forebears in the days of old, they had entered upon their new work with confidence and courage. It was no light undertaking to acquire the land, effect the necessary improvements, and erect the required buildings. This would be realised when he mentioned that, apart froin the cost of the purchase, the improvements that

had been made had run into about £IOOO. The. work they found to be .greater than at first anticipated. But ft was felt it should be done thoroughly, and it liad been. He was sure they would all agree that the results had fuliv justified their action. Better links he was sure did not exist anywhere in the Dominion. They never could have reacnetl their present position had it not been for the generous financial assistance given by members, whom lie took that opportunity of thanking. He made special mention of the service of Mr. Walter Weston, who. when the question of acquiring a site was being considered, liad given a strong lead in favor of the present links, and of the great amount of work that had been ungrudgingly given by the lion, secretary (Mr. J. Paton). The caretaker, too, had rendered splendid service, every order entrusted to him being faithfully carried out. Mr. Bewley concluded a happy and effective speeeli by thanking them for their attendance and for the interest manifested in the affairs of the club. (Applause.)