MANAWATU GOLF CLUB

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6866, 22 March 1929, Page 4

MANAWATU GOLF CLUB

Annual Report

The following report is to be presented by the secretary (Mr L. A. Abraham) to the annual meeting of -the Manawatu Golf Club on Friday night: All members must bo delighted with the wonderful improvements that have been so ably carried out at the links, which have absolutely assured the ; future of the Manawatu Golf Club. The season proper will open on Saturday, March 23, with the usual mixed foursomes. The challenge cups that were originally initiated by this club, namely, the Wilson cup for scratch players and the Kathan cup for long handicap men are still, I regret to say, outside our keeping. W. L. Fituhcrbcrt, the 192 S club captain, made special efforts to win back these cups for the ciub, but without success. The Easter tournament was a great success and the McHardy cup for the championship was won by H. Blytk, with 0. H. Druco Tunncr-up, both members of this club. The Hokowhitu handicap was won by a comparatively young player, O. H. Williams, with B. Cumberworth runner-up. The annual tournament was a great success, the biggest tournament from the point of members that the club has ever held. This was partly due to the tournament being played on Labour day, nhicli gave so many of our young local players a chance to compete. Another feature of the tournament was the innovation of having a consolation hanI dicap, thus enabling 4S players to qualify aiul there is no doubt that the players in tournaments do lofo qualifying and the subsequent match play. The tournament' was won by D. C. Collins, of Wairarapa, with A. Ekstcdt runnerup. Collins has been a consistent player in our tournaments and this is the first time he has won the championship. Ho had already annexed the open championship at the Wanganui tournament. The Hokowhitu handicap provided a little surprise to the visiting players, as it was won by quite a junior in Georgo Watt. This young player will be found in the top ranks of golf later on. W. J. Fislier was runner-up to Watt. Greater interest was taken in the Hokowhitu handicap this year through the kindness of B. Kcillcr in presenting a handsomo cup. In the past there has been uo cup ear-marked for the Hokowhitu handicap. The consolation handicap, as was expected, proved most successful and was won by another young player from Marton—B. Fullerton Smith. There , was a splendid fight in the finals between Fullerton Smith and M. H. Oram, the former winning at the nineteenth hole. The Kennedy cup was in competition for the teams match for the second time, and was again won by the Miramar club. The idea of playing under handicap conditions, which originated,

with Col. J. Hughes, C.M.G., was ryi excellent one and a very large number of teams took part. Our own club championship was again

wmn by W. A. Keeling, with H. Hutchison runner-up, and the junior championship by X. Buist, with F. Bendull runner-up. For some reason the mid-dle-weight championship was struck out this year. This was a pity for a number of players who had no possible

chance in the club championship and were debarred by their handicap from competing in the junior championship, were keenly disappointed. I am glad to have this opportunity of mentioning the names of several who have rendered mo the greatest assistance during the year. First ami foremost I would refer to Mrs. L. Seifert. It has been said that our tournaments are a great success. I have no hesitation in saying this is correct, because I realise, and I hope all the members realise, that the chief factor of, success is because Mrs. Sinfert most generously spares no effort in as-

sisting- to mawc the tournaments a success. Mrs. Seifert is always on the spot and nothing seems to weary or worry her. Everyone will be pleased to know that she has again consented to assist at the coming Easter tournament. As usual Mr E. Y. Spear, our kon. treasurer has found time to render me great asistanco in the secretarial work. He is a most valuable officer to the club. Mr <l. E. Galloway, the club’s professional, is another one to whom I, personally, and indeed all tile members are under a great debt of gratitude. Galloway is invaluable on competition days and is always so ready [ and willing to give advice and help when called on. I am glad to say that this year he has consented to act as starter, and there is no doubt thgt he will be a great success, as he is peculiarly fitted for this rather onerous work. At the annual tournament Mr W. E. Bendall carried out tho duties of starter in a very able manner, and I am very sorry that his health did not permit his taking on this duty again. There is another member who is always ready to do anything he can to assist the officals at tho shortest notice—l refer to Mr F. C. Hay. I am very pleased to see this man is standing for committee. Tho nominations for officers I and committee for the coming season wore: President, W. L. Fitzherbert; I vice-presidents, L. M. Abraham, R. B. j Lucas; captain, A.'Seifert; hon. treasurer, E. V. Spear; hon. secretary. L. A. Abraham. Three vacancies were caused by retirement by time of V. Harman and Col. Whyte and R.‘ A. Douglas having left tho district. There were six members nominated: G. W. Blaxall, V. Harman, F. C. Hay. S. W. Eaplcy, T. Stubbs and 0. H. Williams. Messrs. R. B. Lucas and A. Seiferi have rendered splendid service to the club in carrying out the Redhead improvements and I am sure that all I members will bo pleased to see that these two energetic workers have been) elected to responsible positions.

. I regret to have to record the death of a -very old friend of this club, the lato Mr Charles Kennedy. It is not very long ago that t'he members elected Mr Kennedy a life member, just in appreciation of the interest he has al-

ways taken in the club. He was a friend to all golfers, and it is pleasing to think that the “Kennedy Cup" will keep his name ever green. The annual matches with the Wanganui Golf Club have been arranged, and members aro requested ta take note of the dates, viz., at Wanganui on July 27, 1929, and at Palmerston North on August 10, 1929.