Rifle Association have not been carried out, and the Gun Club is faced with the necessity of paying off the amount of $250. mentioned, which was raised by a loan to facilitate the completion of the work, and which is now about due. This amount is expected to be repaid to the Gun Club at a future date, but under present conditions, it is impossible to know just when, but under any circumstances the Club is to be congratulated on being able to secure such suitable quarters for the amount mentioned.
As the expense has been incurred for the benefit of the Club in general, it is much to be desired that as many members as possible will share in the same, and affix their names hereto as willing to contribute in equal shares to make up the necessary amount of $250." .
One month later--to the day--the Club's annual meeting was held, again at the Bank of Montreal. An indicator of things to come was evident when, although no less than twenty names had been signed to the note committing them to $12.50 per share, only five members were in attendance. Another problem sign that devel- oped during the meeting came when the complete execu- tive was re-elected for the third straight year...By all standards the Newstead Gun Club was still very healthy. Twenty-two members had paid their annual $5. dues, including Fred Hyndman, and there was a balance in the bank of $25. Another full target order had been placed with Hamilton, and a new trap to replace one that had been badly damaged in transportation, was on its way...But the war was starting to take its toll both in members and enthusiasm.
The general attitude in the country thoughout the
Christmas season of 1914 was apprehension. The war was worsening, but the Gun Club was trying hard to
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