Squash Rackets CHRISTCHURCH CLUB

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28415, 23 October 1957, Page 6

Squash Rackets CHRISTCHURCH CLUB

Women Members To Be Admitted

The new Christchurch Squash Rackets Club will install facilities for women players in its new courts in Conference street. This was unanimously decided at a general meeting of members of the new club last evening. Catering for women players was raised in a letter from the New Zealand Squash Rackets Association, which pointed out the great popularity of the game among women in other centres. Nearly all public courts in New Zealand, said the association, catered for women members.

The chairman (Mr M. O. Holdsworth) told the meeting that the committee had received inquiries from prospective women players since the scheme to build the courts had first been considered. Under the policy at the time, said Mr Holdsworth, they had been told that the club was for men only. However, it was realised now that the inclusion of women in the club would be an advantage.

On behalf of the club’s building committee, Mr P. R. Hadley outlined draft plans for the construction of the mew courts. The building will include two squash courts, a lounge and a gallery, with changing and shower facilities for both men and women. Provision will be made for adding to the number of courts on the section later.

Vacancies for Women Mr Holdsworth reported that membership of the club was now full for men. and further applicants were being placed on the waiting list. However, the resolution of the meeting for the inclusion of women players meant that there were now vacancies for 25 women players in the club. It was hoped that these places would be filled as soon as possible, as the courts were expected to be ready for use at the start of the 1958 winter.

The treasurer (Mr N. W. McGillivray) reported that the financial position was as good as could be expected. However, he impressed upon members that it was still necessary to continue selling the £lO debentures, so that the building could be commenced at an early date. Mr McGillivray said that he hoped that members would redouble their efforts to sell the debentures.

The meeting elected the following committee: Messrs M. O. Holdsworth, P. R. Hadley, P. M. Wilson, N. W. McGillivary, G. E. Moir. W. K. Jones, R. A. Ayton, M. R. Blank and G. Dallison.