CUSTODIAN AT THE CITY GOLF LINKS

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 July 1947, Page 6

CUSTODIAN AT THE CITY GOLF LINKS

GOLFERS WANT HIM RETAINED

DEPUTATION’S REQUEST GOES TO RESERVES COMMITTEE.

The municipal golf links had showed a loss of 1500 over the past 12 months, but between 1934, when it was opened, and March 31, last, the loss was as much as £2036, said the chairman of the Reserves Committee (Cr. J. F. Broad) when a deputation waited on the Wanganui City Council, at its monthly meeting last night, asking that the services of the custodian, Mr. Duncan MacMillan, be retained, and that the council reconsider its decision to increase its charges for play on the links.

Previously, the council had decided that due to advancing years, the services of Mr. MacMillan be terminated as from September 30. next, and that he be granted one month’s leave of absence at the full rate of commission. It was also decided that a suitable greenkeeper be appointed under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of parks and reserves and a new scale of fees be charged.

The deputation, however, paid a warm tribute to Mr. MacMillan’s services and on behalf of the Tawhero Golf Club and players on the links a widely-signed petition was presented asking that his services be retained. The council was also asked to reconsider its decision regarding the increase in fees. CASE FOR COUNCIL. "There are always two sides to every case and the one we are putting forward will present the reasons for the council’s action,” said the Mayor, referring to a detailed statement read by Cr. Broad. “Representations made by the deputation will be given careful consideration at the next meeting of the Reserves Committee.”

The deputation consisted of Messrs. J. E. Marshall, J. D. Ward, C. Taylor and D. Gordon.

The petition referred to Mr. MacMillan’s services as being invaluable. His courtesy and help to players and his wide knowledge of golf placed him in a unique position as custodian of the municipal links. It was suggested that the council appoint him custodian and supervisor with one council employee as an assistant. The opinion was expressed that such a move would result in a tremendous improvement in the links. Mr. Marshall, who acted as spokesman for the deputation, added his personal tribute to Mr. MacMillan, whom he described as a man of the right personality for the position and just as keen to-day as when he first took up the work 12 years ago. “It would appear that the council is lacking in appreciation of Mr. MacMillan’s services, but that has never been the case,” said the Mayor. Cr. Broad, in his statement, traced the history of Mr. MacMillan’s appointment on July 18. 1935, the links having been officially opened on October 6, 1934. GOLF CLUB'S REQUEST. “A deputation from the Tawhero Golf Club was received by the Reserves Committee in April 10, 1947. They stated that greens Nos. 3,5, 6 and 8 were in a bad condition and asked whether some improvement could be made. The Reserves Committee reported to the council that the city 'engineer and the superintendent of parks and reserves had been - asked to report on the advisability of altering the present system of supervision by the employment of two men permanently to carry oct the necessary maintenance," Cr. Broad added. "Prior to this deputation the Reserves Committee had at least one other deputation in regard to the condition of the greens.” From 1934 to March 31, last, receipts amounted to £5543 19s, and expenditure was £7580, a loss of more than £2036.

"The expenditure included £lB2 spent on development of the course prior to opening in 1934, and £386, the cost of the new pavilion erected in 1938. The cost of relief labour used on the course since 1934 has averaged £B5O per annum. A good deal of this money was expended at the time the course was altered and improved after the report of Mr. C. H. Redhead was adopted, Cr. Broad added. "The services of Mr. McMillan and his wife have been a great acquisition to the course since its inception, but unfortunately, owing to his advancing years, Mr. McMillan cannot now be expected to do manual work. It is with regret, therefore, that the council finds it necessary to require his retirement. Mr. McMillan will, however, be allowed-to continue coaching his pupils at the course. "The council has not been unaware of the fact that Mr. McMillan was due for retirement, but the improvements sought by the Tawhero Golf Club have now left no other course open, Cr. Broad stated. After discussion the questions raised by the deputation were referred to the Reserves Committee.