Dalby Croquet Club president's report on its first year

H*eading: CROQUET CLUB PRESIDENT'S REPORT.*

*Newspaper: The Dalby Herald*

*Date: Friday 12 March 1937, page 5*

*Found on: [Trove](https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217562083), National Library of Australia*

An outline of the activities of the Dalby Croquet Club was given by the president (Mrs. W. J. Vowles) in her report which was presented to the annual general meeting in the clubhouse on Tuesday night.

The report stated that the inaugural meeting of those interested in forming a croquet club was held in the bowling clubhouse on October 12th, 1935, when plans of a proposed clubhouse and lawn was submitted by Mr. L. G. Homer. A subsequent meeting was held on December 9th, 1935, when it was decided to ask the Town Council to obtain a loan for the purpose of erecting a suitable clubhouse, lawn, and appurtenances on the recreation reserve, and to let those facilities to the Croquet Club at an agreed rental.

This request was granted by the Council, and a meeting of members took place at the bowling clubhouse on March 12th, 1936, when the Dalby Croquet Club was founded, and a constitution and set of rules were agreed to. At that meeting the following officers were elected: Patroness, Mrs. W. A. Russell (Jimbour); president, Mrs. W. J. Vowles; vice-presidents, Mesdames J. D. Allen, W. H. Coulson, C. J. Thompson; secretary, Mrs. R. J. Rust; treasurer, Mrs. R. B. Gillespie; committee, Mesdames E. S. Coutts, W. J. Quirk, C. J. Thompson, V. Thomas, G. Singleton, and W. Hoffman.

It was agreed that until such time as the clubhouse was ready for occupation, the committee would meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the Queensland National Bank residence, or at the School of Arts rest room. Committee meetings have been held regularly in the interim.

In accordance with the rules of the club, the list of foundation members was closed on August 1st, 1936, there being 53 financial foundation members. The club's colours were blue and gold.

At a meeting of the executive committee held on October 27th, 1936, the rules and regulations of the club were adopted. It was decided to purchase all furniture, crockery, and plant in Dalby, as far as possible. The club room was suitably equipped, and all necessary crockery and plant had been installed in the clubhouse.

The green was in first-class order, and the thanks of the committee were due to the Town Council for the splendid appointments which had been provided for the club. She especially thanked the Mayor (Ald. Thomas Jack), Ald. J. J. Walsh, and the Town Clerk (Mr. H. E. Thorley) for their co-operation with the executive, and their unfailing efforts in the interests of the club. Mr. D. Roser (working ganger, Town Council) and his assistants had contributed yeoman service, and the members were also indebted to them.

The first instalment of rent due to the Council had been paid, and the furnishings and plant had been paid for, with the exception of the heater, netting fence and roller, payment for which was not due until after the annual meeting.

Bridge afternoons were held at the residences of Mrs. J. B. McLean and Mrs. C. J. Thompson, and bridge evenings were held both at the bowling clubhouse and at the croquet clubhouse. Donations of £5/5/ from Mrs. Russell, and £1/1/ from Mrs. T. C. Norris had been received. The thanks of the members were due to those ladies who arranged the bridge parties, and to those who donated money to the club's funds; to Mrs. C. S. McLaran, Toowoomba, for making a tatting toilet set which would be raffled; and to Mrs. W. K. Thomas, who had donated a linen cloth to be autographed by foundation members and members of the committee.

The club was also indebted to the executive of the West Toowoomba Croquet Club for their kindness in inviting some of the Dalby Club's members to visit their green for instruction, and for the use of material loaned by them to the Dalby players for practice.

Special thanks were due to Mrs. H. L. Savill for her patience and forbearance in instructing the novices. Many members had been initiated into the mysteries of the game on the lawn at her (the president's) home under the capable tuition of Mrs. Savill.

The clubhouse, lawn, and appurtenances were taken over by the executive last month, and a large number of members engaged in practice on the opening day. The Mayor had handed over the keys. The club had a lawn which was second to none in Queensland.

She thanked all members for the courtesy and consideration shown her during the period she had been the first president, and she expressed her appreciation for the assistance Mrs. Rust had given her as secretary. The club was grateful for the services of Mr. N. A. Fielding, who had acted as honorary auditor.

In conclusion she wished the club would enjoy a happy future. Everything necessary had been provided for the game, and with practice and patience, the Dalby Croquet Club should soon produce players worthy of competing in inter-town matches.

The article as it was printed in The Dalby Herald, 12 March 1937. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)