BOWLING PAVILION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 231, 29 August 1938, Page 8

BOWLING PAVILION.

SPECIAL MEETING OF CLUB. A special general meeting of the Bowling Club was held on Saturday evening to consider the recommendation of the committee set up at the annual meeting in connection with the proposal to make alterations and an addition to the pavilion. The president (Mr W. J. Hawkes) presided over a fair attendance, and explained that the committee had gone into the matter thoroughly. It was a matter of finance, and the committee had decided on a modified scheme costing about £2OO. Plans, drawn up by the president, were submitted, which the committee favourably recommended. These provided for an extra room, 18ft by 21ft and the converting of the present locker into a kitchenette, also extra ac- > commodation. Mr F. D. Mackie said he would like to have seen the pavilion rebuilt, but he realised that the question of finance had to be considered. He instanced that other clubs had good buildings, and they were able to meet their obligations. He suggested that the cost of an up-to-date pavilion could be spread over a number of years. He regarded the present scheme as merely a temporary one and thought that sooner or later the question of a new pavilion would have to be faced. He agreed that the plan submitted provided for a big improvement. He criticised certain phases of the plan and also made suggestions regarding the raising of finance for a complete new scheme. The chairman said there was the difficulty of getting the necessary guarantee to finance a scheme such as Mr Mackie had suggested. The club had no security to offer in land, etc. No doubt they would all like to see a new pavilion, but it was not desired to incur heavy expenditure of £7OO or £BOO and put a millstone round the necks of members. It was better to live within their means.'The club had about 60 members and the membership was probably at its peak. The plan was supported by Mr C. Smith, a member of the committee. Mr A. Stevenson quoted the example of the Women’s Institute in erecting a splendid hall, and he thought the club could take inspiration from the women in formulating a scheme. Mr T. J. Jamieson said the suggestion had been made—and he thought it was an excellent one—that money should be raised by means of debentures. He personally would be willing to take up debentures. The president, in reply to questions, said he considered that- the present building would, with certain repairs, last 12 or 15 years. Mr Mackie suggested various means by which finance might be raised, one of which was the holding of an art union, but a number of members signified their disapproval of an art union. Messrs A. K. Boyd, P. Anson, L. McKinlay, J. Grinlinton, C. Twaddle, F. Williams and the secretary also took part in the debate.

The chairman, in reply to Mr Mackie, stated that certain provision had been made in ordei to comply with the Health Department’s requirements. Mr Mackie suggested the deletion of certain items, which would reduce the cost of the alterations.

At the suggestion of the president, Mr M. Pickering, being engaged in the building trade, made a few observations on the plan. He proposed that the number of the windows in the additions bo reduced. Mr Boyd suggested that the scheme, with minor alterations, be referred to the committee to carry out, and this was supported by Mr C. Smith. In view of the fact that certain features in the proposals had been criticised, it was proposed by Mr Mackie that another general meeting be called. He moved to that effect, and Mr Boyd seconded the motion. The president said he also had in his mind the question of referring the matter back to the committee, as in view of the several suggestions made that evening, it might be advantageous to have a more representative attendance. The motion was carried. „ , A list was then made of the various suggestions.