Club Officers

The green that was opened in 1888, on Church property, was used until the present green was opened in 1923, a period of 35 years. During that time many proposals for sites for another green were considered. A brief summary of these proposals and of the communications between the Bowling Club and the Diocesan Trust may be of interest.

As early as June, 1899 a proposal to purchase Town Acre No. 226 was put to the committee but it lapsed for want of a seconder. No. 226 was on the south side of Halifax Street, between the Post Office and the tidal swamp that has since become Anzac Park.

The buildings on the green were fairly primitive in the early stages. When enlargements were required they were usually financed by the taking of debentures of £5 by members at 8% interest. By this means a new kiosk was built in 1897 by Mr. Leaper under supervision of Mr. H. Baigent. In July 1900 it was proposed by the Committee to build a clubroom and tea kiosk on the south side of the green at a cost estimated by Mr. Baigent of £223. However, a special general meeting in August rescinded that proposal and limited expenditure for a ladies kiosk to £100. By 13th March, 1901 this was finished at a cost of £101.

In the following year the floors of the two kiosks were tarred and sanded, and in 1907 the two kiosks were thatched with rushes at a cost of £8. One imagines that while they were probably picturesque, they were far from palatial.

In June, 1905, the Committee wrote to the Diocesan Trust Board asking for a lease of a piece of land to extend their ground 29 feet beyond the south side, offering to pay £5 per annum for it. The Board replied asking for £10, bringing the annual rent to £30, provided Clause 51 of the 1904 Licensing Amendment Act be embodied in the lease. This was accepted by the Club. We have not seen the quoted Licensing Act, but assume that the Board did not approve of the habits of members of the Club.

This enlargement must have brought satisfaction, but the lease from the Church was originally only for 21 years, and in May 1917 a letter from the Diocesan Trust Board stated that the lease would continue only during the occupancy of Dr. Weeks.

He was the Dean of the Cathedral, although the Secretary of the Bowling Club never used that title, calling him either "the vicar" or Dr. Weeks.