Founding of the OTMC

MINUTES of the First Meeting of The Otago Tramping Club held in Mr. E. S. Wilson’s Board Room, 23/8/23

On Thursday 23rd August 1923, a meeting was called for the purpose of forming a Tramping Club. 63 persons attended, including a large number of ladies.

Apologies were received from Messers A. E. Gascoigne, Stewart, R. H. Austin, A. Thomson, Robinson and R. H. Bligh and Mr G. G. Marlow, Mr G. H. Hamel.

Mr. O. Balk was voted to the chair.

In his opening remarks the chairman said that he was pleased to see such a large gathering, and referred to the great advantages which Dunedin offered to a club of that nature. He pointed out the benefits to be derived from such healthy exercise as tramping over the hills, and the elevating effect it would have upon the mind. He mentioned that in The Tararua Tramping Club of Wellington, which had now completed its fourth season, we had an excellent model to work upon, both as regards rules and procedures. It was proposed to first arrange trips in the immediate vicinity of Dunedin, then later to go further afield. He also mentioned that Mr. Robinson, the Chief of the Government Tourist Bureau, had offered to give the club every assistance in both his and his Departments power.

Mr R. Gilkison, in moving the motion that the club be formed, called the Otago Tramping Club, said he was pleased to see that the movement had taken shape and read programmes of similar movements up north.

Mr. F. W. Clayton seconded the motion which was carried with enthusiasm.  

The Rules of the Tararua Tramping Club were then gone through and were adopted with only slight alterations.

The Chairman moved that the subscription be: - Gentlemen 10/-, Ladies 5/-, Boys under 18 years of age 5/-

Miss Mackie seconded (Carried)

It was then decided that instead of individual notices re. tramps etc. being sent to each member the Secretary was to advertise same in the local papers, also put special notices on the Sports Depots & Haywards Windows.

The following officers were elected:

President:    Mr. O. Balk (proposed by Mr. R. Gilkison, seconded by F. W Clayton – and carried unanimously)

Vice Presidents: Messers R. Gilkison & F. W. Clayton (proposed by Mr. P.L. Ritchie, seconded by Mr. Brickell)

Secretary: Mr. Chas. J. Hayward (proposed by Mr. R. Gilkison, seconded by Mr. F. W. Clayton)

Treasurer: Mr Eric Miller (proposed by Mr E. W. Hunter, seconded by Mr. C. J. Hayward)

Mr Gilkison then moved that the office of Chief Guide be left in the hands of the Committee. Mr. P. L. Ritchie seconded.

Committee:

	Proposed by	Seconded by
Miss E. Webbing	Miss H. Balk	Mr. F. W. Clayton
Miss M? Le Brun	Mr. F. W. Clayton	Miss M. Balk
Mr. A. E. Gascoigne	Mr. O. Balk	Mr. P. L. Ritchie
Mr. G. L. Lindley	Mr. Brickell	Mr. P. L. Ritchie
Mr. P. L. Ritchie	Mr. E. Miller	Mr. Brickell
Mr. R. Hamel	Mr. Brickell	Mr. F. W. Clayton

A resolution was passed to thank Mr. Vossler for the assistance given in the way of literature and information supplied.

It was proposed to hold the first walk over Flagstaff on Saturday, Sept. 1st 1923, meeting at the Reservoir at 2.30pm

Mr P. B. Steel expressed his pleasure at being present on behalf of the Otago Expansion League which was entirely in harmony with the objects of the club. He assured the Club that it could depend upon receiving every assistance from the League, and he also trusted that this would be reciprocated by the Club. He would be pleased to show any members over any of the tracks, especially in the Lakes District. He apologised for the absence of the President of the League and wished the club every success.

A vote of thanks was then proposed for Mr. H. Driver for arranging the room, and Mr. E. S. Wilson for the use of same.

The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the President, Mr. O. Balk, whose untiring efforts helped largely to bring the Club to such a successful issue.

(Read at Committee Meeting, Aug 30, 1923)