Toowoomba Croquet Club annual meeting and president's report

At the annual meeting of the Toowoomba Croquet Club the President (Mrs. F. Hodgson), in her annual report, referred to the death of Mrs. Slatyer, whose untimely passing had come as a great shock to members. Mrs. Slatyer had been held in the highest esteem and had always been most willing to assist the club. The club's sympathy was extended to the bereaved relatives in their sad loss, and also to Mesdames M. Brodie and J. McKinney in the loss of a sister. Mrs. Gregg's resignation had been received with regret. Mrs. Gregg had left Toowoomba to reside in Charleville. At the last monthly meeting of the club's year Mrs. J. McKinney and Mrs. Thorburn had handed in their resignations as members of the club, and these had been accepted with regret. It was pleasing to note that Mrs. J. McKinney would remain a social member of the club. The committee meetings had been well attended during the year. The top-dressing of the lawns had taken place in August. Thanks were due to Mesdames Marshall and Thorburn for the constant care and attention given to supervising the top-dressing of the lawns. It had been found necessary for a second top-dressing to be made in March. This had entailed extra expense, but the money had been well spent. As a result of the continued dry weather and the drastic water restrictions, the lawns had never been put to such a test as during the year under review. Mrs. Marshall had resigned as greenkeeper on account of leaving on an extended holiday. Mrs. Thorburn had also resigned from this duty. Both resignations had been received with regret. Mesdames G. Fogarty and Dines had been appointed to fill the vacancies. Thanks were due to members who had assisted by giving their time throughout one day, and who had worked continuously in putting malt combings and sand on No. 3 lawn. The improvement had been most pronounced. During April a meeting had been held in the Memorial Hall. It had been arranged by the Athletic Association to consider ways and means of obtaining water for the croquet lawns, and for cricket grounds and tennis courts. Representatives of the Toowoomba Croquet Club had been present. The problem for the present had been left in abeyance. Regret had been expressed when Mrs. Marshall had resigned as honorary secretary, but Mrs. J. A. C. Wilson had promised to carry on the duties as secretary until the end of the financial year and had proved most capable and energetic. On November 7 the Downs pennant flag, 1935-1936, won by the club, was unfurled by Mrs. Austin (President of the Queensland Croquet Association). All the Downs clubs were well represented. In the evening a very pleasant bridge party was held in the club house. They offered congratulations to the West Toowoomba Croquet Club on winning the 1936-1937 Downs pennant flag. To Mrs. Bridgman the club offered congratulations on being the winner of the British gold medal and championship of Queensland, at the Queensland interstate tournaments held in Brisbane last August. In recognition of that the club made her an honorary member for the year. Congratulations were extended to Mrs. Esler on being runner-up in the gold brooch event.

During the year a match, President v. Captain, took place, which resulted in a win for the latter. The captain, Mrs. Esler, arranged a home and home match with West Toowoomba and Laurel Bank Croquet Clubs. These matches were looked forward to very much by members, and created a keen interest in the game. The members had an exceptionally busy year in regard to tournament play; in fact, a record for the club had been recorded in that respect, apart from the club tournaments and pennant matches. A Downs tournament, arranged by the combined Toowoomba clubs, was held on the Toowoomba and West Toowoomba lawns. The tournament commenced on May 5, there being 174 entries. On account of the large number of entries, the tournament extended over a fortnight. It was a most successful and happy tournament. "Our objective for the year was the installing of the sewerage, and we are pleased that we were able to pay the whole amount of the cost," stated the report. "We also had hoped to improve the extra piece of ground that had been lent to us by the trustees of the Athletic Oval, but, owing to the drastic water restrictions, we could not entertain the idea of putting down another lawn for the present. We hope to make some improvement in the near future. It was found necessary to replace a large gate at the entrance to the Athletic Grounds, near the tennis courts. A very substantial iron and wire gate was erected at the expense of the T.C. Club. Two sets of new balls and clips were purchased during the year. The annual bridge party was held on June 15 in the Memorial Hall, and proved a most successful function, financially and socially. The proceeds amounted to £14/3/6, less £1 for rent of hall and 5/- for Miss Lippold. The President and Members' Day was held on July 13. Competitions took place on the lawn. Trophies were presented by the Mayoress (Mrs. Annand). The total receipts from this function were £6/14/-. The expenses were 19/2, leaving a credit balance of £5/14/10. I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mrs. Marshall, who was secretary for the first half year; also to Mrs. J. A. C. Wilson, who was appointed in her place, and to the office bearers, committee, and members for their loyal support and confidence shown. I cannot let this opportunity pass without particularly thanking Mrs. Fogarty for her assistance to me and the club as a whole. She has been a tower of strength. We owe a debt of gratitude to her and to Mrs. Arthur Lamb, who, as Press correspondent, has carried out her duties well. To Mrs. Esler I offer my congratulations on the very efficient manner in which she has carried out her duties as captain. I would like to thank the members for asking me to be President for the ensuing year, but I feel very much in need of a rest from official duties. It will be 11 years in October since I joined this club, and for the past nine year I have worked continuously and held office in some capacity. During my term of office I have endeavoured to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Press for giving much time and space in the interests of the club. The club's thanks are also due to the auditor, Mr. D. F. Marshall. I wish the incoming President, Mrs. Boyce, a very happy and successful year."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 7 August 1937. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)