1885-86
Weekly Exchange
Meeting held 14 May 1886
MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB.
The annual meeting of the Middlesbrough Football Club was held on Friday evening
at the King’s Head Hotel, and was largely attended by both players and honorary members.
In the unavoidable absence of the President (Col. Sadler) Mr H. Cochrane occupied
the chair, and called upon Mr F. Hardisty, secretary, to read the report for the
past season. In presenting the report Mr Hardisty said the club’s work for the season,
1885-6, had not been surpassed, either financially or from a football point of view,
by any of its predecessors, in fact, every year they approached nearer the acme of
perfection. Never, in the history of the club, had there been such good clubs brought
to the town, and the success which had attended the efforts of the committee in the
past would stimulate them to still greater exertions in this direction. Out of a
total of 31 matches played, the club had succeeded in winning 21, five tied, two
drawn and three lost. In those matches 94 goals had been scored by the Middlesbrough
club, whilst only 31 had been scored by their opponents, or an average for the whole
season of 3 goals won to one lost. The result was not so good as some previous years,
but it was to be borne in mind that the teams played during the past season had been
of a much higher class than those previously met. In the English Cup competition
the club were in the 5th round, when they were defeated by Redcar, owing largely
to the boisterous weather and sloppy condition of the ground, but this defeat was
more than balanced afterwards when the two teams met in the final tie of the Cleveland
Challenge Cup competition, when Middlesbrough carried off the trophy for the fifth
year. A matter which affected the club in no small degree was the loss of the Rev.
E.J. Wilson, and Mr S. Kemp, who had been compelled to abstain from playing through
accidents, and the removal of Mr. Thompson to Wolverhampton and Mr Pringle to Australia.
The committee had decided to get up a testimonial fund for Mr Pickstock, another
prominent player in the first team, and he was glad to report that the results so
far promised well. The Swifts, or second team, had, during the past season played
24 matches, of which they won 15, tied 3, and lost 6. The total number of goals kicked
by them in the 24 matches was 75, and 34 scored by their opponents, an average for
the season of two goals won to one lost. The results of the Junior team were still
more promising; 18 matches were played by them, and 14 were won, 1 lost and 3 drawn;
the total goals kicked by the Juniors where 66, by their opponents 19. An average
of 3½ goals to 1 in their favour. The committee have deemed it advisable not to hold
the usual summer sports this year. The number of members now in the club exceeded
450. The report was unanimously adopted on the motion of Mr O. H. Cochrane, seconded
by Mr Mattison -- The Treasurer (Mr Thomas) the submitted the balance sheet for
the past year, which showed the income for the season 1885-6 to have been £682 12s
1d; of this £289 19s 6d had been expended in railway fares, etc., for visiting teams;
£3 3s doctor’s fee attending member whose leg was broken on football ground; £10
10s 0d subscription to the Middlesbrough Distress Fund; £65 6s 6d equally divided
between the Infirmary and Cottage Hospital, as the result of the Charity matches,
and the residue was made up of £191 11s 3d, present assets of the club, and general
and incidental expenses. -- The balance sheet was adopted, on the motion of the Chairman,
and seconded by Mr Lang. --On the motion of Mr Henry walker, it was resolved that
in future the costume of the players be a white shirt with blue facings, with the
borough arms on the left breast, and blue pants. -- The club accepted with thanks
Mr Lambert’s offer to supply the first team with shirts. It was resolved that the
club supply the necessary number of shirts for the second team, the Juniors having
succeeded in winning a shirt each in the Cleveland Club Competition. -- Colonel Sadler
having asked the club to select another president next year, Mr H. Cochrane was elected
president, on the motion of Mr Lang, seconded by Mr Barritt; and a hearty vote of
thanks was accorded to Col. Sadler, who was elected a vice-president. The late vice
presidents were re-elected, with the addition of Mr J. Barritt. Mr A. Borrie was
elected captain, and Mr O. H. Cochrane deputy captain. Mr W. H. Thomas was re-elected
treasurer, Mr F. Hardisty secretary, and Mr R. Peel was elected hon. Assistant secretary.
---------------------------------------------
1886-87
Northern Echo,
Meeting held Thursday May 12 1887
MIDDLESBRO’ FOOTBALL CLUB.
ANNUAL MEETING LAST NIGHT.
Last night, the annual meeting of the Middlesbrough Association Football Club
was held in the Town Hall. Councillor T. Sanderson presided. The room was crowded
with members of the club. -- The SECRETARY (Mr F. Hardisty), in presenting the annual
report, said the committee had endeavoured to cater for the large body of members
by bringing, at a very large expense, some of the leading clubs of Lancashire and
Scotland. The first team had played 32 matches, 17 of which they won, tied 3, and
lost 12.The total number of goals kicked was 79, against 66 lost, giving an average
of 1.20 goals won to 1 lost. The Swifts’ team played 26 matches during the season;
won 17, drew 2, and lost 7. The total goals kicked was 109, against 43 lost, an average
of 2.53 goals won to 1 lost. The junior team played 17 matches, 9 of which they won,
3 drawn, and 5 lost. Total goals kicked 48, against 29 lost, giving an average of
1.66 goals won to 1 lost. The Wednesday team played one match against Whitby, whom
they beat by four goals to two. It was in the above results where, to some members,
the unsatisfactoriness of the year’s doings showed themselves, but he trusted those
members would consider the high class clubs the team had met, and how in some cases
they had upheld the prestige of the district by making results worthy of the foremost
clubs. The list of members had been considerably augmented. At the commencement of
the season the membership was about 450, whereas it now numbered 750. Two large amounts
had been expended on the ground and the surroundings. The drainage and resodding
of the field was undertaken with a view to improve the conditions of the ground in
wet weather, but whether that object had been fully attained was a matter of opinion.
In conclusion, the Secretary expressed his sincere thanks to the committee and members
for the uniform kindness shown towards him. -- The CHAIRMAN proposed, and Mr MADDISON
seconded, the adoption of the report, and the motion was unanimously carried. - The
TREASURER (Mr Thomas) then read his report. Subscriptions for the year amounted to
£151 3s, about £50 more than in the previous year. The receipts of matches amounted
to £457, which was £100 more than last year. £851 14s 11d was the total amount of
the receipts. After meeting expenditure, the club is about £95 to the good. Mr Thomas
explained that this balance-sheet took no account of the value the club had in the
way of field, stands &c., which might be estimated at £600. (Applause.)-- This report
was also unanimously adopted. The officers for the ensuing season were then elected
as follows:-- Captain, Mr T.H. Wynn; vice-captain, Mr W. Fox : treasurer, Mr W.H.
Thomas (with Mr Peel as assistant treasurer); and secretary, Mr Hardisty.
1887-88
Northern Echo, Tuesday May 15, 1888.
FOOTBALL.
----------
MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB: ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the members of the Middlesbrough Football Club was held
last night in the Oddfellows’ Hall -- the Mayor (Ald. T.Sanderson) in chair. The
meeting was large and enthusiastic. -- Mr F. Hardisty, secretary of the club, read
his annual report, which stated that the season just ended had been on the whole
a very eventful one, and one that the members should consider highly satisfactory.
The number of matches played was 33, of which 20 were won, 7 lost, and 6 tied. 101
goals were kicked by the members of the Middlesbrough team and 42 were registered
against them, being a proportion of 2.40 to 1. The results were a decided improvement
on the previous year. The club are the holders of two valuable trophies -- the Cleveland
Challenge Cup and the Charity Cup, the former having been won six times, and the
later on three occasions. The Swifts team won during the season 11 matches, lost
7, and tied 2. They kicked 44 goals against 38, or a proportion of 1.29 to 1. The
result of the junior team’s matches was as follows:-- Won 14, lost 3, and tied 1;
they kicked 71 goals against 17, or a proportion of 4.18 to 1. The membership had
been considerably augmented, about 1,050 members being on the books, against 750
last season, and 450 for the season 1885-6.-- On the motion of the Chairman, seconded
by Mr Ingram, the report was unanimously adopted. -- Mr Thomas, hon treasurer, then
read the financial statement, which showed the amount of subscriptions to have been
£223 6s 6d, and the receipts at matches £683 6s 6d, the total receipts including
a balance in hand of £77 14s 8d, being £1,026 18s 8d. Expenses at matches amounted
to £x05 5s 2d, and a sum of £238 2s 2d had been paid in improvements and extension
of accommodation. The balance in hand amounts to £66 18s. Mr Thomas explained that
the balance-sheet did not include the receipts at the Preston North End match, which
amounted to £87, the largest sum ever taken at any match in the history of the club.--
Mr Walker moved-- “That season tickets be issued to ladies for free admission to
the field and covered stands on all ordinary occasions at 2s 6d each.” -- Mr John
Hall seconded the motion. Mr Jas. Ingram proposed, as an amendment, that 2s 6d per
family should be charged, whether there was one member or three. (“Oh, oh,” and laughter.)
-- Mr Laing seconded. -- The amendment found few supporters, and the resolution was
carried by a large majority. -- Mr Walker then moved-- “That it be a recommendation
to the committee to admit ladies free on all ordinary occasions, but that a charge
be made for admission to the covered stand.” -- Mr Anderson seconded the motion which
was carried. -- Mr Tom Bach was elected captain for the ensuing year, Mr H. Cochrane
was re-elected president, Mr W. Fox deputy captain, and Mr F. Hardisty secretary.
The re-election of other officers was then proceeded with, and the meeting, which
was of a somewhat boisterous character, broke up at a late hour of the evening.
1888-89
North-Eastern Daily Gazette, Wednesday May 8 1889.
MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB -- The secretary (Mr F. Hardisty) has just published
the annual abstract of receipts and expenses in connection with the Middlesbrough
club during the past season. There was a balance in hand at the commencement of the
season of £63 18s. Subscriptions amounted to £320 3s, of which £8 12s 6d was forthcoming
from the ladies. Receipts at matches at home were £855 8s 8d, and only £35 7s 5d
away. Sale of cards brought in £3 14 s 3d, hire of field &c., £52 2s 2d, and rent
of posting station £5, making a total of £1,338 13s 6d. On the other side of the
account, expenses at matches were put at £556 7s, of which £282 13s 3d was paid visiting
teams, £61 11s 5d disbursed for entertaining our own and visiting teams; and £211
16s 4d for railway fares, advertising, gatekeepers, &c. £33 3s was paid for the insurance
of three teams, £36 4s 6d for grounds man, £40 for rent, and £10 for assistant, £31
10s for postages, stationery, &c., £61 1s 4d for repairs, &c., and £200 7s 4d on
account of improvement and extension account, total £1,179 0s 3d, leaving a balance
at the bank and in hand of £159 13s 3d. The annual meeting will be held in the Oddfellows’
Hall on Tuesday evening next, when Mr J. Wood will move resolutions with regard to
admitting playing members free to club, also with regard to payment of players next
season.
North-Eastern Daily Gazette, Tuesday, May 14 1889.
MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB AND IMPORTED PLAYERS. -- At to-night’s meeting of
the Middlesbrough Football Club members who favour the importation of players will
propose the following to serve on the committee:-- Messrs Forrester, foreman fitter;
J. C. King, traveller; J. Robinson, boilersmith; S. Richardson, merchant tailor;
A. Swanson, foreman boilersmith; Sidgwick, and J. Wood, foreman plater. It is anticipated
that the proceedings will be somewhat lively, especially in face of the fact that
the above question has been one which has been the main topic of conversation in
football circles for some time past.
North-Eastern Daily Gazette, Wednesday, May 15 1889.
Meeting held May 14 1889
MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB. -- The annual general meeting was held at the Oddfellows’
Hall, Middlesbrough, last night, Mr Hy. Cochrane presiding. -- The eighth annual
was read by the secretary (Mr Hardisty), after which the statement of accounts, which
has already appeared in our columns was submitted. Mr Thomas said they had something
like £160 in hand on the year’s workings, and their assets would not fall short of
£1,000. -- Mr Wood next drew attention to the subject of the remission of subscriptions
to playing members as an incentive for them to play more frequently, but it was pointed
out by Mr Peel that this had already been done in about a dozen cases, and the matter
was dropped. -- The principal business as to whether members should be paid for their
services or not, was next discussed, that all players who wished it should be paid
10s for a win and 5s for a loss when playing for the Middlesbrough club. -- Mr Dodds
proposed as an amendment that professionalism be not entertained, and Mr Kedwood
seconded, the amendment being carried by a majority of about fifty amid ringing cheers
and groans. -- Mr Wynn was elected captain, and Mr Bach deputy-captain.
1889-90
NORTH EASTERN DAILY GAZETTE
Meeting held 23 October 1889
LIVELY FOOTBALL CLUB MEETING
AT MIDDLESBROUGH
----------+---------
PROPOSED CENSURE ON THE
COMMITTEE
----------+---------
THE PRESIDENT HOOTED
A special general meeting of the Middlesbrough Football Club was held last night
in the Oddfellows Hall for the discussion of certain grievances cherished by a large
number of the members, and the proceedings were of a most exciting and uproarious
character. The meeting was called by a requisition signed by 80 members “to consider
a petition presented in accordance with Rule 14, and to move and pass the following
resolutions :- (1) That voting on all resolutions be by ballot. (2) That a vote of
censure be passed on the committee for mismanagement. (3) That the following members
be asked to resign their office :- Messrs Mattison, Thomas, Kedward, and Peel. (4)
That the secretary and financial secretary, being paid officers, be not allowed to
vote in committee, and the secretary be not allowed to act as umpire for the club.
(5) That the resolution passed at the general meeting against the payment of players
be rescinded. (6) That the committee have power in future to pay players, providing
the players wish it.” There was an attendance of several hundred members, the hall
being crowded in every part, and it was pretty evident from the first that the proceedings
would be of a very animated description. The President of the club, Mr Henry Cochrane,
took the chair, and was accompanied on the platform by the members of the committee
and other officers of the Club. Having intimated, amid applause, that he had put
off several engagements in order to be free to attend the meeting, owing to its importance,
he appealed for a fair hearing for the speakers, and for the support of the chair.
He then announced his opinion that the first of the six resolutions was out of order,
for the reason that the rules of the Club clearly stipulated that no existing rule
could be altered and no new one proposed except at an annual general meeting. Even
if it were discussed he should decidedly rule that it could not be voted upon. --This
ruling was for a moment questioned by Mr S. Richardson, but was generally acquiesced
in, with just a little manifestation of disappointment, -- In introducing Resolution
No.2, the CHAIRMAN took occasion to observe that a censure of the committee must
involve a censure of the meeting itself for they selected this committee after full
opportunity for consideration -- a view which many of those present evidently did
not accept. -- Mr KING moved the resolution, but without comment, and descended from
the platform amid laughter and derisive cheers. -- Mr RICHARDSON however, in seconding,
proceeded to formulate a series of charges against the committee. First, he alleged
that they “had not put the best possible football into the field,” a remark that
was received with a mixture of applause and laughter. Secondly they had not treated
the players with proper respect and consideration. They had, in fact, “miserably
failed” to do so. In support of the second accusation he passed in review the matches
recently played and the composition of the teams, animadverting severely upon the
continued selection of a goal-keeper who had “proved he was of no use.” and evoking
loud applause by his remarks on this point. He struck a still hotter mine of feeling
next moment by declaring, in reference to the recent match against South Bank, that
“the committee sent an umpire into the field for Middlesbrough whose decision practically
lost them the game.” A burst of applause and hooting from the body of the hall followed
this declaration. The umpire in question, he said, obstinately refused to support
a claim for goal by his own side when the South Bank umpire did not contest it. In
fact the Middlesbrough goalkeeper was a twelfth man for South Bank , and the Middlesbrough
umpire was a thirteenth. Mr Richardson having concluded amid ringing applause, Mr
W. H. THOMAS was the first to rise to defend the action of the committee of which
he is a member. He was greeted with applause, but also with so much hooting that
the Chairman was forced to appeal for order. Having compared Mr King to the boy who
threw a stone and ran away, leaving another boy (Mr Richardson) to face any trouble
that might arise, he contended that the committee had treated the players with due
consideration, and had been perfectly conscientious in the composition of the teams.
On the latter point he entered into circumstances showing that the hands of the committee
had been very much tied in the matter of the choice of goal-keeper. He next, with
great warmth, defended the umpire in the South Bank match (Mr F.Hardisty, the secretary
of the Club) from what he described as the unjust attack made upon him. A more unfair
and unjust attack, he said, was probably never made upon any man. (Applause and hisses.)
He would hound down any man who dared to stand up and publicly make such an accusation.
(Applause and “Oh, oh”) Mr Hardisty acted as any honourable gentleman would in refusing
to give a decision contrary to the plain facts. Rather than do a dishonest action,
Mr Hardisty was prepared to sacrifice the momentary interests of the Club, whose
true interests he held more at heart than the 80 members who signed the requisition.
(Loud applause) Mr Thomas was subjected to frequent interruption in his speech and
many of his explanations were received with derisive cries and ironical cheers. --
Mr SEDGWICK and Mr A. MATTISON, also members of the committee, followed, the latter
complaining that the committee had been “tampered with by a certain section of the
Club.” He accused Mr Thomas Sedgwick of so “tampering” with the committee, instancing
the letter sent by him to Drabble, of Whitby, which deterred him from playing in
a recent match for Middlesbrough, owing to the “dispute” which had arisen . -- This
brought up Mr THOMAS SEDGWICK, who was received with vociferous applause from the
general audience. He first handed to the chairman the letter he wrote to Drabble,
asking that it should be freely read -- which was done -- and he justified his action
in the matter by the slight cast upon two other players (Taylor and Hopewell, excluded
from the Cup tie team), whom, like Drabble, he had been instrumental in getting connected
with the Club. The explanation was received with another tumultuous burst of applause,
clearly showing which way the sympathy of a large portion of the meeting lay. --
The meeting had now lasted over an hour, and the first debated resolution was nothing
like done with. -- Mr KEDWARD (a member of the committee) was the next speaker, and
he began by remarking that this was not the first time Mr Richardson had been put
up to “commit murder,” a remark which the person referred to sharply challenged as
out of order, and it was withdrawn. Speaking amid much interruption, Mr KEDWARD supported
the charge of the committee having been harassed and humbugged, and their hands tied
by outside influence. He also complained of unfair influence brought to bear upon
players, simply because the committee would not suffer themselves to be forced to
play any man who might be brought under their notice. There was something beneath
it all -- a hungering and thirsting for place and power on the part of some. (Applause
and “No, no.) -- Mr SAMUEL KEMP (another committee man) followed, explaining that
Hopewell’s exclusion from certain matches was due solely to the opinion that the
rule as to professionalism debarred him, and to no other feeling.-- The next to essay
to speak was Mr H.DOBBS, who, however, was subjected to incessant interruption. He
defended Mr Hardisty and the committee generally, observing with regard to Mr Thomas,
for example, that this was the gratitude he got after years and years of gratuitous
service. “Just imagine,” he said, “supplanting Mr Thomas by a man like Mr Richardson.”
Great laughter and roarious applause followed this sally, and Mr Richardson excitedly
rose to order. A passage of arms resulted between him and the Chairman, and for a
few moments disorder reigned supreme. The CHAIRMAN demanded to know whether Mr Richardson
was in the chair, and Mr RICHARDSON retaliated that the Chairman had allowed him
to be insulted. The CHAIRMAN replied, “I was patient during your speech, when I felt
I could have called you to order.” At length Mr Dobbs got a chance to proceed, and
remarked, as to insults, that Mr Richardson had insulted every one of the gentlemen
on the platform. -- The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to sum up the debate, and declared
he could see no reason for attempting to censure the committee, or for doubting their
honesty. As to Mr Hardisty’s decision against his own side, it was in the highest
degree a guarantee of his perfect straightforwardness. (Loud applause) -- On his
putting the resolution to the meeting, a forest of hands was held up in its favour.
A large number were also shown against it, and the Chairman announced, “The vote
of censure is not carried.” Loud applause followed this declaration, but it was instantly
succeeded by an angry burst of hooting and hissing, with cries of “Turn him out!”
“Chuck him out!” “Leave the chair!” “I care nothing,” shouted the Chairman, “for
howls, hisses, or applause. I am determined to come to an honest conclusion on what
takes place.” (Determined and prolonged interruption.) -- On quiet being restored
the resolution calling on Messrs Mattison, Thomas, Kedward, and Peel was brought
forward, but Mr TAYLOR intimated that it would be withdrawn. Mr THOMAS, however,
indignantly resisted the withdrawal, and himself proposed the resolution, branding
as “cowards” those who had not the courage to come forward and support their attacks.
Mr PEEL seconded, and the chairman regretfully put the motion. A few hands were reluctantly
held up, but the contrary was not taken, and the proposition was declared not carried.
The CHAIRMAN ruled that resolution No. 4 could not be put, for the same reason as
the first. “Yes it can” was the shouted response. “I say it cannot, and it shall
not!” replied the Chairman, with great emphasis. Loud hooting, and cries of “One-man
meeting!” followed. --Amid increasing excitement and disorder and an incessant storm
of angry cries, the CHAIRMAN ruled resolutions 5 and 6 also out of order. “Having
said that much,” he added “I must thank you, in spite of all--” The remainder of
the sentence was drowned in a deafening howl; a call by the Secretary for “Three
cheers for the Chairman,” was answered by a great hoot; and the meeting ended in
confusion.
Northern Echo. Saturday, May 1890.
MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB,
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual general meeting of the members of the Middlesbrough Football Club
was held last night in the Temperance Hall.-- Mr H. Cochrane president of the club,
presided over an attendance of about 1,000 members-- Mr F. Hardisty, the secretary,
read the annual report which stated that the season 1889-90 had been one of the most
critical in the history of the club, the settlement of the long-standing dispute
between the advocates of amateurism and professionalism which was rendered imperative
by the hostile attitude of a certain section of the members, giving rise to various
difficulties in the management of the business of the club. At the last annual general
meeting a resolution was passed in favour of adhering to the amateur principle which
for so many years had been so honourably upheld by the club. The committee were almost
unanimous in their determination to carry out the letter and spirit of that resolution,
and for a time it appeared as though they would succeed, but unfortunately among
a certain section of the members this action met with a most determined opposition,
and it was soon apparent that the feeling had been promulgated among a few of the
playing members of the team. The difficulty with regard to the team was surmounted,
but the opposing members did not cease their efforts, which culminated in a special
general meeting being called in October. The result of that meeting was practically
to leave the question of amateurism v. professionalism unsettled, but it was apparent
that the feeling in favour of having a professional team had grown considerably since
the annual meeting. The committee still considered it their duty to endeavour to
carry on the club on amateur lines, and would doubtless have succeeded but for the
force which the opposition to their policy took. Not content with forming a club
on pro. lines, attempts were made by the opposition to induce playing members of
the team to transfer their services to the new club. This in three cases was successful
: the men who remained became disheartened, and so many matches were lost that it
was evident that unless the team could be strengthened there was no prospect of carrying
out the list of fixtures which had been arranged. The committee then found that there
was no way of preventing the Middlesbrough Club making to a worse that mediocre position
without bowing to the spirit of the times and paying the players for their services.
In doing so many members of the committee had to sacrifice opinions which they had
long held dear and only gave them up when the prosperity of the club was threatened,
and they considered they would not be justified in wrecking the club merely to satisfy
their own wishes. A professional team was therefore engaged, and though by no means
perfect it was hoped that next season a stronger team might be looked forward to.
The financial position of the club, despite the heavy expenditure in procuring and
maintaining a professional team, was fairly satisfactory, but if the present rate
of expenditure was to be maintained it would be absolutely necessary that the income
of the club should be augmented, and with this in view it was proposed to increase
the subscriptions to those who used the stand. Though the committee had acted contrary
to a resolution of the club with regard to professionalism they believed that in
that action they would meet with the support of the great body of the members. The
committee regretted that Mr Hardisty had intimated that he wished to retire from
the secretaryship of the club which he had held for nine years with great credit
to himself and considerable benefit to the club. -- The Chairman moved the adoption
of the report. -- Mr H. Walker referred to the negotiations which had taken place
with the Ironopolis Club, and thought that the feeling of that meeting ought to be
taken on the question of rejecting those negotiations, because he thought the amalgamation
of the two clubs was a very desirable thing. He thought they ought to give the Ironopolis
Club credit for first moving in the matter of amalgamation, and the Middlesbrough
club should now take the initiative in reopening the negotiations with a view to
amalgamation. He moved a resolution to that effect, and that a deputation be appointed
to meet the Ironopolis Club. (Cheers.) Mr Dodds seconded. -- Mr Camon objected that
the proposition was out of order. -- The resolution, however, in being put was carried
unanimously, and with accxxxtion. -- Mr Walker then suggested that Messrs J. Cooper,
O.H. Cochrane, F. Hardisty, A. Borrie, and W.H. Thomas be appointed the deputation,
and their names were adopted with the addition of that of Mr Walker. -- Mr A. Sidgwick
then moved that the best thanks of the Middlesbrough Football Club be accorded to
Mr F. Hardisty for the invaluable services he has rendered to the club as secretary
during the past nine years. -- Mr J. West (Ironopolis) seconded and the resolution
was carried with hearty acclamation. -- Mr F. Hardisty feelingly acknowledged the
compliment and expressed his regret that he could not see a way to offer his services
to the club again. -- Mr A. Borrie, the financial secretary, submitted the balance
sheet, showing a balance in hand of £23 odd as previously published in the Northern
Echo, -- Mr W.H. Thomas proposed, and Mr O.H. Cochrane seconded, the adoption of
the statement. -- Mr S. Richardson criticised the statement, and drew attention to
the fact that for a portion of the season the expenditure of the club was £30 per
week irrespective of paying the team or visiting teams. -- The balance sheet was
then adopted. -- Mr W.H. Thomas then moved, on behalf of the committee, the adoption
of a revised set of rules, the principal alterations being the exclusion of paid
players from the Executive, and the fixing of of the annual subscriptions for senior
members for admission to all stands from 5s to 10s. -- After considerable discussion,
it was agreed that the annual subscription, including admission to all stands, should
be 7s 6d instead of 5s as heretofore. Other modifications of the rules of the rules
were agreed to -- Mr H. Walker was elected secretary, and the remuneration was fixed
at £?0 per annum. -- The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.
