NELSON GOLF CLUB.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12475, 27 February 1909, Page 2

NELSON GOLF CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Nelson Golf Club was held at the Chamber of Commerce rooms last evening. The Captain (Mr A. P. Burnes) occupied the chair, and there were between 40 and 50 members present. The annual report of the committee was read by the. Secretary (Mr C. R\ Fell). It stated that a very successful year had been concluded. The steady increase of members noticeable in the past was more than maintaned last year, and the roll now, comprised 130 members. During the year a great deal of attention had been given to the new greens. An expert from Christchurch was employed in topdressing, etc., and it was hoped that: the greens this year would show a great improvement in condition. Unfortunately, whilst the work was in progress the weather conditions were adverse' to the best results being obtained. Work was also done upon the teeing grounds, but these would require very considerable attention in the coming autumn. Members were reminded that the course was a new one and that the Club's finances were limited, and that under the most favourable conditons it took many years to make good greens and, playing grounds. Another matter that would require attention was the question of "bunkers," both as to their nature and position. Arrangements had been made with the Golf Ground Company for the playing rights. The matches during the season had created great interest, and were keenly contested, and ended in many very close finishes. 'The Match Committee urged upon members the desirability of always handing in their cards after matches. Several letters had been received from golf professionals as to visiting Nelson during the season.. The Commttee pointed out that unless more support was given a coach than was given last year it was hardly worth while engaging the services, of a coach. At the same time members were reminded that the general standard of play although it had improved in the last two years, was not high," and that unless every opportunity was taken by members to improve their individual play the Club standard would remain low. The question of afternoon teas was another matter that would require the consideration of members, as the prosent arrangements were considered unsatisfactory. During the season a golf ball was given in the School of Music, which was very successful. The balance-sheet was presented by the hon. Treasurer (Mr W. H. Price). It showed that the receipts from all! sources to have been £297 14s 4d, and that after paying all accounts there remained a credit balance of £68 4s sd. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. i . A comparative statement of receipts and expenditure was also presented by the Eon. Treasurer. This showed, inter alia, that the subscriptions in 1906 were £91 3 1907 £114, 1908, £204 ; gross receipts : 1906 £167, 1907 £22t, 1908 £312'; entries for matches, 1906 £5, 1907 £5, 1908 £16 ; afternoon teas 1907 £7, 1908 £15; lockers 1907 £12, 1908 £18. Expediture : Golf Ground Company, 1906£ 40, 1907 £60, ,1908 £75; labour, 1906 £45, 1907 £s', 1908 £73 greens, 1907 £17, 1908 £37; prizes, 190.6 £10, 1907 £10,/1908 £20. The election of officers resulted as follows : Captain, Mr J. H. Cock ; Hon Secretary and Treasurer, Mr W. H. Price ; 'Committee, Messrs A. P. Burnes, C. R. Fell, H. C. Cock, F. C. Rowley, J. Hair; Ladies Committee, Mesdames A. P. Burnes, J. Sharp jr,, R. Fell, Misses Hunter-Brown, and E. Ledger; Auditor, Mr E. J. Allen. The qxiestion of" engaging a professional was considered. After some discussion it was resolved that the services of Mr. Hird, of Christchurch, be secured for one month. Several other matters were discussed and the. meeting terminated in the usual manner.