KAHUTIA FREE OF DEBT: BOWLERS’ ENTHUSIASM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22697, 23 July 1948, Page 8

KAHUTIA FREE OF DEBT: BOWLERS’ ENTHUSIASM

Members of the Kahutia Rolling' Club held their annual meeting in a happy atmosphere last evening, with a prospect of a good summer season on greens which, according to the annual report, have never been better, and an exceptionally healthy condition of the finances revealed in the statement of accounts. Mr. H. E. Powell presided over a record attendance. The proceedings opened with a presentation of championship trophies to Messrs. S. Gooch, F. Kelly, and K. .1. Tilly, winners of the chib and centre singles championships in senior, intermediate and junior divisions respectively: R. Hickman and H. Graham, winners of the club champion pairs; E. Owen and ,T. Fulton, winners of the intermediate pairs; A, Falconer. G. Brebner. D. Dickman. and H. Russell, winners of the champion rinks. These trophies were not available for presentation at an earlier gathering. Rig Rise in Social Revenue In presenting the report and balance sheet, tiie president said if gave him great satisfaction to see tho club out of debt. Two years ago the club was £650 in debt, and this sum had been cleared oIT since last October. Profits for the year for the two years wore about £72!), and revenue had gone up to over £2OOO for the two years, an exceedingly good result from all tiie efforts made. Rising costs had had to be met. and the expenditure which had to be faced every year had to be kept in mind for the future. Mr. Powell stated that he iiad had most loyal support from the committee, and the committee had had equally loyal support from the general members. Tie regretted that Messrs. Geoff Wealherley and W. To Whata were not seeking re-election, for both had been valuable members of the committee. Committee Warmly Commended Great credit was due to the greenkeeper and greens committee for the conditions of (lie greens, indicated by tiie fact that since 1940 all the big district matches had been played on the Kahutia club's greens. The remarkable success of the social committee in raising run's oy dances and other efforts was commented on by Mr. Powell, who pointed out that the £420 orofit from these efforts saved the club from showing a loss on the year, in the face of unusually heavy expenses for repairs and maintenance. In discussion on the report and statement of accounts. Mr. T. Ellis, lion, auditor, stated that it had been a pleasure -o audit the acounts as presented by the treasurer. Mr. R. Connop. Mr. R. B. Waft expressed tiie wannest. commendation of the committee's efforts over die past. year, anc! also referred to the valuable services of Mr. ,T. Hitchcock as greenkeeper. A vote of thanks, moved by Mr, Watts, was carried by acclamation. President's Success in Rallot For the office of president there were two nominations, those of Mr. If. E. Powell and W. Jackson. A poll resulted in the re-election of Mr. Powell. Mr. .1. Wilson was returned unopposed ns vice-president. Mr. E. F. Esquilant as hon secretary, Mr. R. Connop as hon. treasurer, and Mr. T. Ellis as lion auditor. A contest occurred for tiie seven seats on the club committee, the elected candidates being Mcsrs. G. Arden, C. Corbett. 11. Jackson, I. Fulton, I. Ward, 8. Pierce and P. Meredith. Mr. R. B. Watt was re-elected as greens superintendent, by acclamation, and Messrs. R. Hickman and E Ward were re-appointed as club coaches for the ensuing year. Messrs. W. Jackson. G. Wealherley mnd C. Corbett were re-elected as delegates to the Gis-borne-East Const Bowling Centre. New members admitted were Messrs. H. Crawford. A. W. Hurle. B. McCarley, E. Findlay, N. Tasker, A. Thomas, J. Barrett, A. Whiteford, A. H. Dear, J. N. Carnegie and L. W. Barker Their election brought the total of active membership to within three of tlie maximum of 150. Two Lite Memberships Awarded

The club tendered to Mr. G. Downey the honour of life membership, on the motion of Mr. P. Meredith, who stated that Mr. Downey had been a tower of strength to the club since its earliest days and had tilled almost every elective office with credit. He had been a splendid ambassador for tiie Kahutia club in other clubs and in other districts, and all his clubmates had deeply regretted his recent illness.

Mi - . E R. Sea rle. seconding the motion, reported that Mr. Downey’s health had improved markedly in recent weeks.

Mr. R. Campbell was also honoured with life membership in recognition of his excellent services to the social side of the club's activities, tiie motion being proposed by Mr. T. Ellis. Subscription Rates Unchanged

A lengthy discussion occurred on the question of subscription rates and green fees, a motion to increase the standard to £5 for established members and £4 for first-yea'r bowlers being put forward. It was argued, in support of the increases, that the club would have been in a losing position on the past few years but for the revenue front social efforts, and that the present fees were the lowest charged by any town club whereas the facilities offered to members were probably the best among the town clubs.

The main line of those who opDosed the change was that the club was doing very well under the present setup. and that the financial position did not warrant an increase in the cost to players. Several speakers assured the committee that if the club was in low water they would willingly submit to increases in the subscription rate and in green fees; but they did not consider the present juncture warranted any change.

When the matter was put to the vote the decision was almost unanimously in favour of the retention of the present rate of subscription and fees.