CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18380, 19 October 1921, Page 8

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT. The 59t!i annual report of tha Caledonian Society of Otago reads as follows: It is satisfactory to report that as a result of the extensive work just completed tile society’s grounds have been vastly improved, not only in .appearance, but also in practical utility. In all the memorable years of its existence the society has never before been possessed of grounds so admirably adapted to the requirements of athletic sports and pastimes, <yul which cater so well for the comfort of patrons. Entering by the Anderson’s Bay road gates, one is first struck with the excellent, re-arrangement of the turnstiles, which’ are now ranged on the right-hand side of tho entry, thus making room for wide exit gates, so placed that, even a very large crowd will be able to walk straight out of tho grounds without delay or undue congestion. Inside the gates, the attention is first at hoc ted, perhaps, by the striking improvements in the playing area and its immediate surroundings. 'Die old cycling track has been entirely removed and a cinder running track laid down in its place. Prominent runners and experts assort that no better running track can be found in the dominion. The smokers’ stand and the old fence round the enclosure have also been removed. The arena has been enclosed with a new fence that is both substantial and artistic, while outside the fence a mound has been built up, graded so that every spectator will have an uninterrupted view of the running track and tho playing area. Further, it will bo seen that tho old press box has boon removed and a new and improved structure erected in a suitable position near tho main stand. The effee-t is excellent, and tho entire ground is now quite free from those minor obstructions which ere. often a source of annoyance to spectators • The grandstand next claims attention, and here it will be seen that much improvement has been effected. -'Various structural alterations have been made, the onost noticeable being the removal of tho large box pillars which were previously a serious obstruction to the view from , the stand, and also the provision of extra seating accommodation through the removal of the stairway to tho old roof stand. The buildings have been repaintedV iriside and out. and tbo general effect is greatercomfort and convenience for competitors and public alike. It may be mentioned that the system of drainage of the grounds has been greatly extended and improved, and the benefits of this will be amply demonstrated in wet weather.

The cost of the alterations and improvements so far carried out is shown by.the following summary : —Structural alterations, repairs and additions to grandstand, dressing rooms, turnstiles, new exit gate, and new' press box, £845 15s 7d; painting grandstand, directors’ room, press box, turnstiles, and extra work (estimated), £300: insurance and advertising for tenders, £7 5s sd; architect’s foe. £52 145.; total, £1205 15s. Improvements to grounds”—removing cycle track, smokers’ qfcand, and 1 fence round enclosure; constructing cinder running track, mound ■ round "rounds and in front of grandstand; drainage, etc., £BO2 3s sd; new guard fence and gates. £585 17s; painting guard fence (estimated), £112; advertising tenders, £1 12s 6d; engineer’s fee, £'?s 10s; —£1677 2s lid; asphalting, etc. (estimated). £ll7 2s Id. Total;- £3OOO. Ground Lettings.—The Otago Rugby Union have been granted a lease of the grounds for the months of April-September in each year for a term of five years, at a rental w'hioh is considered satisfactory to both parties. The Dunedin Cricket Club again rented the ground for the months October-March, at the same rental as in previous years. Eighth Annual Junior Sports.—Splendid entries wore received for the Eighth Annual Junior Sports, held on December 11, 1920. and the varied and extensive programme provided keen competition and an interesting afternoon’s sport. Unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable, and the attendance of the public was somew'hat disappointing. As a result, I the meeting showed a loss of £l6 17s lOd.

Membership.—lt is gratifying to record an increase in membership for the year, as shown by the following summary:—Members at close of last year 128; resignations and deaths, 16; —112; new members enrolled, 53; membership roll at balance date, 165. Donations.—The sum of £26 6s was contributed to the King Edward * Technical College, to be. used, together with the Government £1 for £1 subsidy thereon, to maintain “The Caledonian Society Scholarships” at that institution. Donations were also made to the Dunedin Cricket Cljib and to the Piping, and Dancing Association.

Finances. —The present financial position of the society is Tally set out m the accompanying annual statement of accounts. The surplus of £B9 12s Id for the year will no doubt be regarded as , satisfactory. Valedictory.—As a mark; of appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the society by Mr Alex Bcgig during his, four years as president, a smoko social was tendered to nim by members on July 13, 1921. The proceedings were enthusiastic and enjoyable. During _ the evening Mr Bcgg Was presented with a smoker’s cabinet, suitably engraved, as a token of esteem. Kilts.—Early in the year Messrs Peter J. Maokie and Company, of Glasgow, wrote stating that 20 sets of kilts of assorted tartans were being presented by them to the society, on condition that they be handed to members of the society who would appreciate and wear them. The world-wide popularity of the Scottish national dress was adequately demonstrated by the fact that eight of the sets were pillaged in transit. Of the remaining sets, eight were handed to trustees on behalf of the Port Chalmers Pipe Band, and four have been retained by the society. The society tenders its thanks to the donors for their generous and appropriate gift. ' Retiring Directors. —The following directors retire, all of whom are eligible for re-electionA. F, Browne, A. S. Cookson, R. M. Greenslade, A. A. Paape, R. Powley. T. Ritchie, R. R. Kirby, J. Lang, D. F. M‘Kay. J. M’D. Stevenson, A. Stewart, \V. D. Wyatt. The Future of the Society.—Now that the society has spent a substantial sum in modernising and improving the grounds, the question of how host to utilise them merits the earnest consideration of members. Past experience has shown that while the grounds have undoubtedly proved a boon to the people of Dunedin in a wide variety of ways, it is nevertheless difficult for the society to secure a sufficient revenue from them to meet the inevitable expense of upkeep. In the opinion of your directors, it is highly desirable that some means ot improving the position be discovered. One suggestion has been made which, if it has no other virtue, may ct least serve as a basis for a full discussion of the position. It is that provision should be made to the fullest possible extent for tennis, croquet, and bowls; and that membership of the society' might then be made much more attractive by giving members the right to participate freely in such pastimes. In other words, the society would be to some extent, re-organised as an extensive sports club, with the idea that the resulting increase in membership would place the finances in an assured position. Certain it is that vigorous stops must be taken to augment our membership, which is, in very truth, the life-blood of the society. Admittedly the society must be able to offer something attractive to the average person if it wishes to make of him an enthusiastic member. It therefore behoves members to give the matter their .thoughtful consideration.