WELLINGTON BOWLING CLUB.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 129, 28 November 1906, Page 3

WELLINGTON BOWLING CLUB.

THE PROPOSED NEW PAVILION. A proposal to increaso the annual subscription from two guineas to three guineas per annum was discussed at some length at an extraordinary general meeting of the Wellington Bowling Club ! last evening. There was a very large attendance, and great interest was taken in the proceedings. Tho president (Mr. Neil M'Lean) occupied tho chair, and explained that the proposal emanated from himself. Money was required for a new pavilion, and it could not be provided unless the subscription was increased to three guineas per annum. He moved the motion to that effect. Mr. T. Bush said that tho directors wero not wedded to the plans prepared at their request by Messrs. Penty and Blake. They could be altered if necessary. Mr. Blake, one of the architects, explained that the proposed new building would be 60ft long and 20ft wide (inside measurements). It would have three floors. On the ground floor there would be lockers. The first floor would bo used for refreshments and as a kitchen, and the second floor would be set apart as a social hall. F. W. Haybittle said it. was felt that the present pavilion was erected in a wrong position, and many members had long urged that another and moro adequate building should be erected. A suitable piece of ground had been fcecured through tho good offices of Messrs W M. Muir and A. Hamilton for £300, and plans had been prepared tor a new clubhouse, which would be a credit to the club. The idea of extending the present pavilion did not commend itself to tho directors. The architects reported that a new pavilion in wood would cost £1100, and one in brick £1300. and that an expenditure of £900 wonld be entailed by altering tho position of the present clubhouse and making a suitable addition to tho building. The directors had taken the matter into tKe fullest consideration, and had decided to recommend tho erection of a handsome pavilion of threo stories in brick. The increaso in tho membership since the increase in the entrance fee had been abnormal. Fortysix membors had joined since then, and there was 'now a membership of 197. The finances were well under control, and all the members wore asked to do to carry out the scheme was to agreo to, the payment of another guinea per annum. Mr. Jas. Russell opposed tho scheme. He considered the present pavilion was quite large enough for Gocial purposes. He moved as an amendment tho postponement of the matter until the annual meeting. Mr. E. J. Hill objected to the new pavilion going up on ( the recently-ac-quired piece of land. An ideal site would be the tennis court, which got plenty of sun. Mr. Jas. Burns, in seconding tho amendment pro forma, agreed with Mr. Hill's remarks. Sir E. 0. Gibbcs thought it would bo possible to get another pavilion without increasing the subscription. The money might bo raised by tho issue of debentures. Mr. John Smith maintained that there was ample accommodation in the present building except on special occasions. He would not, however, object to the extension of the present pavilion. If another pavilion was to bo put up it should be built upon tho high land. Mr. J. M. Gcddis strongly urged tho acceptance of the directors' scheme. ■Mr. J. O'Sullivan thought that the increasing of the subscription would be a serious tax on young players. Mr. A. Veitch said it was agreed on all sides that better accommodation was. reqnired, and ho thought it would be a great mistake not to go in for a new and handsome pavilion, seeing that the financial tax upon each member would be so small. The president objected to tho tennis court being used as the site of the proposed building, as that land might be required for tho oxtension of the green. He would personally guarantee that the pavilion would not cost more than £1300. (Applause.) Mr. Russell's amendment for the postponement of the matter until the annual meeting was lost on the voices. Tho motion to increase tho subscription to £3 3s was carried by 43 to 7. A meeting to confirm the resolution will bo held next Wednesday week.