ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Under the heading of "heavy initial interest" the Lithgow Mercury documented a meeting convened to discuss establishing a club.
Here is an extract from Friday, February 2, 1919:
"A well-attended meeting of those interested in the formation of a bowling club in the town was held in the inspector's room at the Council Chambers on Wednesday night. Cr G. Langlands presided and in opening explained that already a couple of meetings of those interested had already been held in order that there might be something tangible to place before that gathering.
The initial cost would certainly, be very heavy, and it was reliably estimated that an expenditure of about £400 would be necessary.
- Lithgow Mercury
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"There were very few towns indeed with so large a population as Lithgow which had not a bowling club, and personally he believed that a club would be a big success.
"The initial cost would certainly be very heavy, and it was reliably estimated that an expenditure of about £400 would be necessary, apart from the purchase of land.
"In this regard there were three sites in view.
"On the invitation of the chairman most of those present took part in the subsequent discussion and each promised to become a member of the proposed club.
"It was proposed that the entrance fee be 2 Pound 2s, and there was a general feeling that 150 members could be obtained. The balance of the money required could be raised by debentures.
"It was explained that it was also proposed to have croquet and tennis and thus to make the club a general rendezvous."
Then at another meeting on February 14, 1919, the Mercury reported:
"[It] was attended by 50 local citizens representing a cross-section of people including professional and business men, shop assistants, the community miners, craftsmen, steelworkers and employees of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory.
"Of those in attendance some had a knowledge of the game having played in England or Scotland before migrating to Australia; some had gained experience in other clubs in Victoria or New South Wales, but there were many who were raw recruits to the game.
"The meeting, by a unanimous vote, adopted the suggestion a Lawn Bowls Club be formed and proceeded to elect a committee."