North Eastern Daily Gazette, Thursday, May 28th., 1891
Football.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB.
The annual general meting of the members was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Middlesbrough,
last evening, Mr W. H. Thomas presiding. The proceedings throughout were of a most
enthusiastic and harmonious character. -- The CHAIRMAN, in referring to the report
and statement of accounts, said it would be seen that there had been a very heavy
expenditure during the past year in regard to professionals, and the incoming committee
would also be committed to further expense in order to pay the players their bounty
money, which would be due in September. The ordinary income of the Club might be
fairly expected to pay that amount, however. He was quite alive to the fact that
the members did not wish that they should be behind any club in the country as regarded
the composition of their team, but that could not be done unless the ordinary receipts
were supplemented by voluntary efforts. During the many years the Club had been in
existence he believed an extraordinary claim had never been made on the members,
and he thought that was a fitting opportunity when some strong effort might be made
to secure first-class men in addition to those already secured. He, therefore, had
great pleasure in moving the following resolution :-- “That this meeting considers
it desirable that the team should be improved, and recommends members to voluntarily
subscribe towards a fund for that purpose.” -- Mr ROBERT DODDS thought that instead
of raising a fund as suggested the subscriptions should be raised to 10s. He, however,
would second Mr Thomas’s motion, in order that the matter might be discussed. --
The CHAIRMAN pointed out that the question of increasing the subscription could not
be discussed at that meeting, as no notice of motion had been given. (A Voice: “Let’s
all be on an equality: raise the subscription,” and cheers.) -- Mr CAMPBELL enquired
whether any guarantee would be given if money was subscribed that they would get
men that were worth the money that might be given them. -- The CHAIRMAN said great
difficulties had to be contended with in getting men, but he might say that the few
mistakes made by the committee during the past season had not proved costly to the
Club. He could assure Mr Campbell and the members generally that they would do their
best to get good value for any money that might be raised. (Cheers.) -- Mr T. Y.
HOWCROFT enquired whether a notice of motion to raise the subscriptions could be
proposed, say, a fortnight hence, if that meeting was adjourned. -- The CHAIRMAN
said all alteration of rules must be effected at that meeting (it being the annual
general meeting), and no other. -- On the motion being put it was carried amidst
enthusiastic cheering, and it was agreed that the subscriptions list should be closed
a month from that date. -- Papers were handed to those present, and on their being
returned the CHAIRMAN announced that the handsome sum of £46 8s 6d had been promised.
He thought that spoke volumes for the enthusiasm and interest taken in the Club,
and he trusted that the total would not fall short of £100before the month closed.
(Cheers.) -- The report and balance sheet was adopted. -- Mr. F. HARDISTY moved “That
the executive shall be empowered to reserve a portion of the covered stand, and to
issue tickets for same, to members subscribing not less than a guinea, or ladies
half a guinea per season. The number of tickets and sitting accommodation to be limited
to 100.” -- Mr TIMOTHY HENDERSON seconded, -- Mr LANG thought they should not limit
the tickets or sitting accommodation and expressed a hope that Mr Hardisty would
amend his motion to this effect. -- Mr HARDISTY said he was quite willing to do so,
and the proposition was unanimously carried. -- It was agreed to call upon lady and
junior members to pay for all cup ties. -- Mr HARDISTY said that step was considered
desirable, as they had had during the past season to refund to their opponents in
cup ties the amount that should have been paid by lady and junior members. -- On
the motion of Mr SEDGWICK, seconded by Mr HARDISTY, Mr J. V. Cooper was elected hon.
President, Messrs T. Sanderson, Geo. Marshall, W. H. Thomas, J. Ewbank, S. A. Sadler,
Robt. Dodds, J. T. Belk, and Henry Cochrane were elected hon. Vice-presidents. --
Power was given to the Executive to add to their number. Mr CREASOR proposed, and
Mr W. G. ROBERTS seconded, the election of Mr F. Hardisty to the position of acting
president in place of Mr W. H. Thomas, resigned, and the motion was adopted, Mr HARDISTY
briefly returning thanks. -- In reply to a hearty vote of thanks for past services,
Mr THOMAS said he sincerely trusted “the old club” would go on and prosper. (Cheers)
-- Dr. Bateman and Mr Forrester were elected acting vice-presidents, and Mr E. Wethey
treasurer. Mr A. Borrie was re-elected secretary and hon. Treasurer, and Messrs Gilbert
Lang and Jos. Holland were elected auditors. -- Nominations were then taken for the
committee.
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