GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 February 1931, Page 13

GOLF

NELSON CLUB ANNUAL MEETING At the Institute last evening there was held the annual general meeting ol the Nelson Golf Club (Inc.), which was well attended. The report (previously published) and the statement of accounts, were adopted. The President, Mr H. C. Cock, commenting on the balance sheet, said that the membership had not been up to expectations and it was up to members to increase it. If members had thought of leaving he hoped they would not do so. Wages were the biggest item of expense for the club and it would cause some hardship and unemployment if the revenue was decreased. It was impossible to reduce the wages bill without dismissing a member of the grounds staff, and replacing him by a boy. M r Cock further remarked that the machinery was not expected to last for ever but at present the committee could not see how it could be replaced. However, it was giving reasonably good service. Mr Douglas asked a number of questions concerning wages paid, maintenance costs, and the membership, because in view of reduced wages it might be advisable to reduce charges.

ENTRANCE FEES Mr Dawson moved that the entrance fee be the same as for the previous year. Mr Fletcher suggested cutting out entrance fees. Mr Douglas, seconding tho amendment, said that very few young players were prepared to pay the present ' Mr Baxter, from his experience of other clubs, understood that the object of the entrance fee was either to prevent overtaxing a crowded course, or for the sake of exclusiveness, neither of which conditions applied here. A number of young men would join up if there was no entrance fee. Mr Rout’s amendment that payment of the entrance fee be spread over three years, half the second year and half the following year, lapsed for want of a seconder. Concerned over the lack of young members apart from junior members, Mr N. A. Vercoe said the position today was that they had on their books only one male member under 21 years of age. They seemed to be missing the young boys who were out working and were on restricted salaries. These were the people whom they expected to can ry on the future of the club. After one or two other members bad spoken the motion to abolish entrauco fees was carried.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG PLAYERS It was moved that subscriptions be as last year except for a class under 21 years of age, which should be three guineas for boys, and two guineas for girls, which entitled them to full privileges. An amendment was proposed by Mr R. Methven, that the men’s subscriptions be reduced by half a guinea, as the raised subscriptions meant loss of members. Mr Douglas, seconding the amendment, said it might he necessary

to cut down expenses and dismiss a m< Mr Mitchell vigorously opposed reducing subscriptions as it would mean a married man’s dismissal. The amendment was lost, and the motion put to the meeting and carried.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following officers were elected: President, Mr 11. C. Cock; secretary, Mr N. A. Vercoe; club captain, Mr Dodson; hon. auditor, Mr E. R. Neale; committee (after ballot), Messrs lloby, Fletcher, Saunders, Rout and Mitchell.

GENERAL Two new members were nominated and elected. A suggestion was made to the incoming committee concerning the ground implements.