Toowoomba Croquet Club annual meeting, twenty-seventh year

The twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Toowoomba Croquet Club was held at the Club House, on Thursday, August 6, when the following members were present: Mesdames E. J. Rowe (President), F. Hooper, F. Hodgson, O. Booth, C. Fortescue, F. W. Isaacs, A. Gaydon, D. F. Marshall, C. G. Blair, H. Goodrich, R. J. Hazard, G. Fogarty, G. Cossart, J. Rogers, W. Hooper, M. Dines, A. V. Grahame, J. B. Kingsford, Misses B. Booth, and C. Hooper.

The secretary's report read by Mrs. Booth showed that in spite of the "depression" the operations during the past year created a number of records, chief among which was the amount to the credit of the working account, and that after an expenditure second only to that during the years in which the present club house was built. The year started with a credit balance of £7/11/8 and after handling the sum of £199, the year finished with a balance of £22/1/1. This is in both instances ahead of any other year. The money has been spent on the improvement of the club house, which has been glassed in at the expense of £24/10/6; the cost of chairs was £12 (£7/10/- of which was raised by voluntary subscription), and the balance by special efforts. Afternoon tea money has been responsible for substantial receipts, which have provided electric current, milk, and service. Green fees have augmented the funds to the extent of £3/11/-. The greenkeeper was paid £69 for his services, and the upkeep of the greens meant an expenditure of £16/15/6. A lawn marker was purchased for £4/6/3 and tournament balls and clips for £8/3/2. Club brooches were bought and retailed to members. The club house and its equipment, which are now wholly paid for, cost in all £343/11/6. The report concluded with expressions of appreciation of the assistance given by the president, captain and members.

The captain's report was read by Mrs. Fortescue.

Office bearers were re-elected as follows: Patroness, Mrs. J. Douglas Annand; President, Mrs. E. J. Rowe; vice-presidents, Mesdames F. Hooper and F. Hodgson; captain, Mrs. C. Fortescue; committee, Mesdames F. W. Isaacs, A. Gaydon, and D. F. Marshall; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs. O. Booth.

In moving the adoption of the secretary's report and balance sheet Mrs. Rowe said she did so with justifiable pride. No one realised more than she, the wonderful result of the past year's activities, which could only be achieved by the united help of the committee and the co-operation of the members. There had been many pleasant associations, but one function was devoid of pleasure because of the causes that brought it into being—that was the unveiling of the photographs of two former captains of the club, Mrs. George Hooper and Mrs. E. T. Perkins. It was to be regretted that the customary trip to Warwick had to be abandoned owing to continued wet weather. A visit from the Graceville Club had also been abandoned. It was hoped that both would take place this year. Mrs. Rowe spoke in high appreciation of the efforts of the captain (Mrs. Fortescue), and congratulated the winner of the championship (Mrs. Bridgman), and wished both her and Mrs. Godsall success in Brisbane. She thanked Mrs. Annand for her lively interest in the club, and expressed the highest appreciation of Mrs. Booth's work as hon. secretary and treasurer. Success or failure depended on the ability of the secretary. Mrs. Booth was an indispensable asset to the club and she thanked her for her assistance during the years she had been president. The home-to-home matches with West Toowoomba had been interesting and enjoyable and had done much to encourage that friendly spirit of rivalry between the two clubs. She thanked the West Toowoomba Club for hospitality extended during the year.

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 18 August 1931. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)