Everton Independent Research Data

 

TRANMERE ROVERS v EVERTON
Birkenhead News- Saturday 1 May 1915
ROVERS OUTCLASSED
By “R.E.T,”
These two teams met at Prenton Park on Thursday evening in the final of the Birkenhead Hospital Cup. The visitors played their full first league eleven, and certainly helped to swell the gate, which was for sweet charities’ sake. The teams lined out in the following order under Mr. J.O. Forshaw;-
Tranmere Rovers;- Scott; Bull, Sadler; Hancock, Holden, Lomas; Moreton, Cunningham, Smith, Leek, Gould. Everton;- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Fleetwood, Galt, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, Harrison. Bull and Sadler were introduced into the home side owing to Fenner having left with his battalion for Grantham, and the indisposition of Bullough, Moreton won the toss for the Rovers, and Parker kicked off towards the country goal. Everton were the first to become aggressive, but Bull was conspicuous in defence with several very fine clearance. Tranmere got away on the right, and Moreton passed Weller and sent in a perfect centre. Gould was lying in the goalmouth, and had only Fern to beat when he shot harmlessly outside. The difference in the style of the two teams could be noticed at this early period of the game, Everton simply placing the ball wherever they wished. However, on one occasion Bull very cleverly robbed Harrison and sent the ball well down the field. Play was for a little time confined to midfield, and during tis period the visitors showed up to advantage. After a neat forward movement on the part of Everton, Parker received in the goalmouth, and opened the scoring with a low drive. Cunningham next delighted the crowd with one of his solo runs, but he was dispossessed by Grenyer before he could shoot. Tranmere were sticking gamely to their task, and Smith sent a capital shot, which just passed outside. Harrison was far too fast for Hancock, and placed across a nice ce4ntre, but which, fortunately for the home team, was not taken advantage of. Parker brushed aside all opposition, but Scott effected a very clever save. Everton continued to have the best of matters up to the interval, but failed to increase the lead. Half-time;- Everton 1, Tranmere Rovers 0.
On resuming play was of a more even character, and Fern was forced in concede a corner to Leek, who got in a hard shot. Everton were next in evidence, and Lomas handled the ball in the penalty area. Parker took the ensuing kick, and increased the visitor4s lead. Everton for a short time completely outplayed their opponents, and Grenyer sent in a terrific drive from long range, which Scott made no attempt to save. Nor was this all, for Kirsopp set Chedgzoy in motion, and the winger after passing Lomas and Sadler centred to Parker, who notched the fourth goal. They now slackened down for a time, and Rovers pressed. Smith, who had been playing a splendid game, had hard luck with a hot one which grassed the crossbar. In the next minute Thompson was lucky in heading away a strong shot from this same player. A corner followed, and this was well placed by Gould, and Smith headed Tranmere’s first goal. Everton again had a spell of attacking, and Chedgzoy gained a corner off Sadler. This was accurately placed, and by Gould, and Smith headed Tranmere’s fist goal. Everton again had a spell of attacking, and Chedgzoy gained a corner off Sadler. This was accurately placed, and Grenyer headed a fifth, Scott in the next few minutes was exceptionally busy, and effected several very clever saves from Grenyer, Parker and Clennell. Cunningham set Moreton going and the winger veered goalwards, and after a splendid run he scored a second point for the home team. The Rovers played in spirited fashion after this success, and Smith passed to Goulds, who further reduced the lead. This proved to be the extent of the scoring and the final arrived with Everton still to the fore. Final;- Everton 5, Tranmere Rovers 3.
COMMENTS
The game was of a very interesting nature throughout, and of course the honours went to the better and cleverer side. The visitors never fully extended themselves and played a very cool game, and often left the Rovers standing. Scott in the home goal could not be blamed for any of the goals, each being well directed. Bull at back played capitally and was often applauded for fine clearance. Holden was easily the pick of the halves, and held on to Parker in a capable manner. Smith was the best forward, several of his shots being worthy of a better fate. Fern was rarely troubled, but what little bit came his way he did well. Thompson was the better back, whilst Grenyer took the honours of the intermediate line. The forwards were all good, but did not put themselves out of the way to get there. The cup and medals were presented to the winners at the conclusion of the game by Mr. Clayton. There were about 4,000 people present the gate receipts amounting to close in £60.

HOUSTON JOINS ROYAL IRISH RIFLES
May 4, 1915. The Evening Express
Mr. Tom Watson's Illness
By the Critic
Football players are free agents now until the winner pastime is resumed, and a small number of them have joined the army, while there are many others who are working at their old trade or in some new field of labour. Houston the Everton forward has, I understand, joined the Royal Irish Rifles and is stationed in Belfast. Houston, it will be remembered was previously in the army, and now that his contract with Everton has expired he has lost no time in getting back to the colours. It is stated that 22 of the 35 Hotspur men have decided to join the army or to work on ammunitions. Of the Woolwich Arsenal players Ratcliffe, Spittle, Ford, Butler, and Houston are members of the Football Battalion. Hardling has joined the Naval Air Service and Greenaway, Benson, Grant, Winship, McKinnon, and Kimpton have returned to their employment at Woolwich or on the Tyne. Football enthusiasts will regret to learn that Mr. Tom Watson, the secretary of the Liverpool Club, has been rather seriously ill during the last few days. He had rather a bad night last night, but I am pleased to learn that he is much better today, and it is hoped that he will soon be able to get about again.

Footballers Are Doing.
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 May 1915
I came across Ernest Pinkney yesterday. The former Everton player had a good season with Sam Gilligan's team, and is now looking for work. He's clerk, and I can recommend him. you know of a crib that vacant, word sent to me shall be put Pinkney's box. Talking of footballers going work reminds me that a number of players have taken up summer work, in fact majority of them have found billets. Some are the docks; others are engaged on Government work. number of the laddies turned to see the purple heather, but Nuttall, Thompson, Metcalfe, Bratley, Terris, Fleetwood, and Elisha Scott are among those I know to have gained good places. Cammell, Laird's has been a favourite place for our local footballers. 

WHAT FOOTBALLERS ARE DOING
May 5, 1915. The Liverpool Echo
Bee's Sports Notes
I came across Ernest Pinkney yesterday. The former Everton player had a good season with Sam Gillgan's team and is now looking for work, he's a clerk and I can recommend him. If you know of a crib that is vacant, word sent on to me shall be put to Pinkney's box. Talking of footballers going to work reminds me that a number of players have taken up summer work, in fact the majority of them have found billets. Some are on the docks, others are engaged on Government work. A number of the laddies have turned came to me the purple heather but Nuttall, Thompson, Metcalfs, Bratley, Terris, Fleetwood, and Elisha Scott are among those I know to have gained good places. Camel Lairds has been a favourite place for our local footballers.
Serious Illness of Mr. Tom Watson
I deeply regret to learn that Mr. Tom Watson has been suddenly taken ill and his condition is somewhat serious. No football “head” is so popular as Mr. Tom Watson “Owd Tom” is the call everywhere he gone, and the news of his illness will surprise and shook his numberless friends. Last week he was at a match and it is feared he caught a chill. At any rate pleurisy led to his temperature jumping up. Later an improvement was seen, but last night's report of Doctor Ferguson was not as encouraging as we should have liked. However we trust that Mr. Watson will speedily pick up and be out and about again at his favourite summer game –Bowls.

MR. TOM WATSON
May 6, 1915. The Evening Express
Famous Football Official Dies Today
We regret to announce the death of Mr. Tom Watson, secretary of the Liverpool Football Club, which occurred at his residence, Priory-road, Liverpool, early this afternoon. Mr. Watson was present at the match between South Liverpool and Liverpool last Thursday, and was in town on Friday, but later he was taken ill, suffering from pharisy. He was at once attended to Dr. Ferguson but his condition became very serious and despite all attention he was some come as stated. Mr. Watson was one of the best known football secretaries in the country and was a most popular figure in England and Scotland, a favourite with everybody, player and official alike who were greatly attached to him. His geniality has been known to secure players for his club where others have failed simply because the players could not refuse him. He made host of friends and in happy smile will be sadly missing from many sporting circles. Mr. Watson had spent his lifetime in the interest of football and it may be said that he was one of the pioneer of the professional game. A native of the Tyne district he was appointed secretary of the Newcastle West End Club in 1886 when there were no league, and no £1,000 transfer fees, but he succeeded in bringing severe internationals from Scotland. From West End he went to the East End but later the two were amalgamed and became Newcastle United. Mr. Watson migrated to Sunderland as a paid secretary and all enthusiasts knows how he raised the club to the best pinnacle of fame. Though they had but three pros when he joined he later obtained what was known as “the team of all the talents.”
At Anfield
After a most successful career with Sunderland Mr. Watson was induced to join the Liverpool club as its secretary and he took up his duties under Alderman John Houlding in 18896. Since that time he had held the reins off the Anfield club, and though it has passed through troubled waters he never stopped trying and along with the directors worked hard to enable the club to secure its present magnificent ground, and prior to the war the club was in a sounder position than it had ever been before. This was undoubtedly largely due to the fine work of Mr. Watson, who gave the directors the fullest benefit of his long experience. During the course of his career with the Anfielders Mr. Watson has seen the club champions of the First League on two occasions and they created a record by finishing on top of the Second Division one season and at the top of the first the following year. The club experienced many ups and downs but Mr. Watson used to say that Liverpool was the most attractive club in the League simply because you never knew what they were going to do next. Mr. Watson was very proud of the team's in reaching the final of the cup last year, and though naturally disappointed at the defeat in the final –it was his first final –he was nevertheless pleased with the previous successes. He was very fond of bowls and on local greens was a familiar figure. A member of the Anfield club, he was also expresident of the Liverpool and District Boxing Association and chairman of the Liverpool Parks and Garden League.

TIME FOR CHANGES?
The Liverpool Echo-Friday May 7, 1915
Bee’s Notes
“Sporty” writes; - I believe there is to be opposition to Everton’s retiring directors at the annual meeting. Surely in these days, when it is a recognized principle that there shall be no disturbing element in political, sporting, or commercial circles, that least the nominees of the opposing candidate could do is to accept the position and fall into line. One would not mind if the club had a bad year and was in urgent need of new blood, but when the club has added lustre to its shield and everything has worked smoothly, it is surely the wrong time for interference. I would like to commend the old adage.  “Leave well alone” to those whom it concerns. My only object is to accentuate the fact that an election is not only out of place at present, but quite unnecessary.

Parker’s Sudden Change.
Dundee, Perth, Forfar, and Fife's People's Journal - Saturday 08  1915
May How many are aware that Bobby Parker was almost a Third Lanark player before Rangers signed the present Everton centre forward? He was on the point of being fixed up for Cathkin when he changed his mind in the very last moment.  What a star we missed, ?  Tarbat had heard of the Possil boy’s prowess, and soon had him at Cathkin for a trial.  After the game Bobby was called the stair. Everything seemed be going smoothly; the cash, forms, and terms were all right; but our Directors were when Parker laid down the pen dry. “I don’t want to sign,” he kept repeating, then bolted down the stairs. Bobby afterwards told that he was with a sort of panic. His whole thoughts had been centred in the game had just finished, and I often think he would have been a Warrior ” had had time for a little longer reflection such weighty subject for a young player.

GALT JOINS MOTOR MACHINE GUN SERVICE
May 10, 1915. The Evening Express
Following the example set by Houston the Everton forward who rejoined the Army, James Galt the captain of the Goodison club, has placed his services at the country's disposal. He has joined the motor machine gun service and he expects to begin training shortly. Football players are justly falling into line, and they are choosing the branches of the service which especially goals to them. Galt is just the sort of men to prove his mettle in the daring machine gun work. Whatever objection their might e to senior sports no one can object to the boys and youths of the country preparing for the future and training themselves to take the places of their big brothers who are fighting or preparing to fight for their naïve land.

EVERTON CAPTAIN JOINS THE FORCES
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, May 10, 1915
Bee’s Notes
James Galt, the Everton F.C captain, has joined the forces selecting the Motor Machine Gun Service section. Long before the season closed, I heard that Galt was deeply anxious to snap the first chance of joining the colours. He’s certainly fit and well, and as a motorist has had any amount of experience. His favorite jaunt is from Liverpool to Glasgow, and anyone who has gone over Shap, with its biting cold air and a wind that threatens to lift the motor off its wheels, can claim to be an efficient driver. Tom Gracie, the former veteran Liverpool footballer, who has had an abundantly successful season in Scottish football, has been made a sergeant, and has recently been helping the good work on by recruiting speeches. J.H. Prescott, of the sister code- he used to play with Wigan- has joined the Royal Engineers.

REPRESENTATIONS AT MR. WATSON'S FUNERAL
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday May 11, 1915
Bee’s Notes
 A cool corner Anfield Cemetery had been chosen. The sun's rays shaded his last restingplace.  "Tom" was buried there. The day was beauteously fine, and the setting of the last act was all-peaceful. The whole sports-world seemed to be represented. The late manager of the Liverpool Football Club had no enemies and the far-stretching of his works—charity being placed No. I—was in a measure shown by the representative gathering which attended to pay its last tribute to an esteemed man. The body-was borne to its resting-place old and famed players of the club: Raisbeck, Maurice Parry (in his regimentals), Charles Wilson, Goddard, Ted Doig, Bobbie Robinson, and Trainers Fleming and Connell. The following players of the past season were present:—J. Hewitt, T. Fairfoull, K. Campbell, A. Metcalfe, D. McKinlay, J. Parkinson, J. Sheldon, R. Terriss, J. Scott, H. Lowe, E. Longworth, E. Scott, P. Bratley, M. McQueen W. Connell, G. Patterson, and R. Riley. " From far and near came the football club representatives. A bosom chum in Mr. John J. Bentley was much affected his friend's passing hence, and others noticed were Mr. R. Kyle, of Sunderland, Mr. Frank Watt, of Newcastle, Mr. Oliver (Newcastle's chairman and relative to the deceased), Villa's chairman and secretary, and representatives of Wolverhampton, Stockport, Blackpool, Barnsley, Grimsby, Manchester United and City, and Bolton clubs. Scottish clubs, where Tom was so well-known, sent their " bearers," and I noticed Willie Maley present, also Mr. A. J. Dickinson, of the League Management Committee and Wednesday F.C.  The “Union Jack Day Committee and the  “Belgian Flag Day" Committee were represented by Messrs. W. W. Kelly (chairman), Lewis Peake, Tom Bush, Tom Wood, W. A. Crouch, G. Stretch, Will Jones, John Guffney, T. Audley (Liverpool Cyclists' Carnival Committee), Harry Walker (hon. secretary), T. Smith (assistant secretary), and J. Mulligan.  There was a large attendance of brethren from the Masonic lodges.  Various bowling associations were represented by Messrs. A. A. Newlands, W. Harrison, W. Dobell, G. H. Dale (Manchester), H. Wright, A. E. Haynes, J. Hewitt, R. Smethurst, J. Denaro, T. Preston, A. Clinton, J. L. Leyland, A. G. Bell, W. D. White, J. Hughes, T. Page, N. C. Gibb, T. Hartill, F. E. Kitchen, T. Kendall. W. Jones, F. Perks, T. W. Smith, J. Reynolds.  The Liverpool Football Club directors (Messrs. John Asbury, John McKenna, W. R. Williams, A. Worgan, R. L. Martindale, T. Crompton, E. A. Bainbridge, and W. C. Briggs), and Dr. Ferguson attended, and the Rev. W. L. Hann conducted the service.  Another clergyman present was the Rev. Herbert Dunnico. Journalism was represented by Messrs. J. A. H. Catton and H. Hartley ("Athletic  News"), E. Edwards and F. E. Hughes  ("Liverpool Daily Post" and "Liverpool Echo"), J. Sager, T. Wales, and F. McNeill  ("Liverpool Courier" and "Liverpool Express ").  The general body of mourners included Alderman Simon Jude, Messrs. T. H. Blair (former secretary of the Casuals A.F.C.), Tom Mclnemey, Edwin Berry, H. P. Cleaver (clerk to West Derby Guardians), Dr. Whitford, J. Lorimer, T. L. Hudson, A. E. Clinton, T. Heaton, W. J. Whitehead, H- Bamber, H. Neill, T. Jones, W. Buckley, J. Smith, Dr. Bogle, John Fare, Dr. W. H. Wright, N. Gibb, William Scattergood, James Hampson, H. Durry, G. F. Cullen, T. E. Kendall, Thomas Keates, H. Coleman, Thomas Molloy, T. Swift, C. F. Oakes, William Sandham, S. Hayes, J. Edwards, Dr. Unsworth, T. Purcell,  J. P. Grant, Dr. Johnston, A. Lomax, L.  Helliwell, J. Bond, J. Hampson, J. Carroll, H. Jones, J. Sadler, W. E. Chaloner, T. Cuff, W. Ashcroft, G. B. Davies, F. G. Herrod, F. Skuce. J. Cato.  R. E. Lythgoe, D. S. Lamont, and J. Grant (representing the Liverpool County F.A), R. Alty, J. P. Breckenridge, and C. Porter (South Liverpool Club), W. Steadman (Wednesday League), H. T. Halliday (Hospital Cup), F. Hargreaves (Lancashire Combination), Fitzroy Norris (nineteen years a referee), W. Jackson,  John Elliott (Everton trainer), T. Jackson (Northern Nomads), F. J. Hoyle, H. Dutton Holt Stanley Cricket Club), and F. Sugg.  The number of wreaths, including tributes from the Liverpool and Everton clubs, was more than one hundred, and represented all the leading football associations. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, May 12, 1915
By some extraordinary accident the names of the Everton representatives at Mr. Watson’s funeral were omitted from yesterday’s column. Messrs. W.R. Clayton, D. Kirkwood, and W. Cuff, and Dr. Baxter were present. 
The Everton captain, James’ H. Galt, goes into training with the machine gun section at Bisley in about ten days.

A PLAYER-DIRECTOR WHO IS BE OPPOSED.
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 May 1915
First, my notebook must remedy an extraordinary-error which crept in (or crept out, perhaps that would be the better term) the report Mr. Watson's funeral. mention was made of the Evertori representatives. The club was represented, is needless to say, and sent a beautiful wreath. Messrs. W. R. Clayton, Kirkwood, and W C. Cuff, together with Dr. Baxter, were present at Anfield on Monday. I am sorry the accident occurred by which the club was not notified in the list given in Tuesday's notebook. In 1891 Everton won the League championship, and 1915 they repeated this performance. If only view of this fact the statement that Mr. Kirkwood is to be opposed would surprise me. But there are other reasons why "leave well alone" should be the policy this year. First and foremost the club had good season, paid its way in a ticklish time, had a good run in the Cup, and, general, has not had so capital reason for a long time. The very nature of the stare of the war has led to most organisations discarding elections. Apparently Everton be an exception. Mr. Kirkwood be opposed then looks if the shareholders are showing their dissatisfaction with League victory and a run to the semi-final of the Cup. I confess I cannot understand the opposition player-director who has worked for the club during his term of office. Mr. Kirkwood has topped the poll three or four times in his re-elections, and it must not be forgotten that played the side that won championship in 1891. It is a strange irony that brings opposition to Mr. Kirkwood this season, for did not help them by his playing to win the League in 1891, and did lie not by his work the board help them to win the League in 1915? Some claim it would well to have younger blood the board. What age Mr. Kirkwood, do you think? In any case has always done his work thoroughly, and I am grieved that there should bo set against a man popular reason his personality and his worth.  

CORRESPONDENCE
The Liverpool Echo- Friday May 14, 1915
Bee’s Notes
One was surprised to learn of a probable contest for the coming Everton Board of Directors (Writes “Shareholder”). Surely this should have been closured on an occasion like the present. The little ray of pleasure at the Blues’ wonderful achievement should in no wise be blighted by probably a repetition of that spirit which every true Everton supporter is thoroughly disgusted with.  There are three able and estimable gentlemen about to retire and seeking re-election, each of whom has in a certain measure contributed to the success achieved by our premier club, and it would indeed be a woeful want of gratitude if the shareholders did not mark their sense of appreciation by returning these gentlemen. 

EVERTON'S ANNUAL MEETING
May 18, 1915. The Evening Express
By the Critic
The annual meeting of the Everton Football Club will be held on Monday, June 7 th . There are four candidates for three seats, these being the retiring directors, Messrs Clayton, Coffey, and Kirkwood, and Mr. John Davies, jun. The contest is sure to be an interesting one and the result of the voting will be anxiety's awaited. It has come as somewhat of a surprise to many that there should have been a contest this season in view of the fact that the club did so well in winning the championship but this fact will add to the attractiveness of the A.G.M. All three retiring directors have done excellent work for the club, and Mr. Kirkwood it will be remembered has not only served Everton as a player when they first won the championship, but as a member of the Board, has done well in the matter of finding players and in other ways helped the club.

LETTERS FROM SPORTSMEN AT THE FRONT.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 18 May 1915
There must be a huge following of " Bee " readers at the front, for hardly day passes but I get letters from the sporting Tommy, who always makes reference to his fondness for either Everton or Liverpool. To day's  letters include one from a German " home." Sam Wolstenholme is there, and he's not all happy. He badly wanting tobacco, and I have seen to this want this morning. Still, if any reader would care to send some " weed " along, I advise him to take note of this address: S. Wolstenholme, British Civil Prisoner of War, Barracks, 9, Englanderlager, Spandau Ruhleben, bei Berlin, Germany.  Duty on tobacco sent out Germany may be deducted, and there no postages to pay. The former Garston footballer. Rogan, has written some instructive letters home. I quote the following:—" Please send a 41b loaf of bread each week, and also all foodstuffs that will keep, such as corned beef, sardines, biscuits, sailor biscuits. &e. Football here is again in full swing. The racecourse is open to us for our games, different regiments being opposed to each other. There are fourteen all told, and I am captain of our team (colours yellow and blue hoops, white knickers). We have played two games and won one. lam playing centre-half, and have never played better. Steve Bloomer, Cameron (once with Everton, I think), Wolstenbolme, and Fred Pentland are all in different teams. I have been in the hospital through slipping when playing rounders—we have a rounders league, you know. The injury was not as serious as at first imagined, I am glad to say." In another letter Rowans says:—"l have received my Ruhleben International cap last week (April 15). I played for the Rest against England, the latter team including Bloomer, Wolstenholme. Pentland, and Brearley. The Rest won 4-.5. We get a bit too much football, to tell you the truth, for there is a match every other day. The League has two divisions, and the first is built up by 13 clubs, and the second division is composed of reserve elevens. Bloomer's team is our opposition to-morrow, and we are in for a hot time. Bloomer is still marvel with the ball, and how he does shoot! I was sorry to hear Everton were knocked out of the Cup. I thought they would win it this year." "The Last Thing." Though the critics would doubtless desire to stop even Tommies enjoying their sport, no one can stop the sport spirit having his game.

EVERTON AND THE ORDERING OFF OF PLAYERS
May 19, 1915. The Evening Express
By the Critic
It is quite evident that Everton's proposal to bring forward the methods of dealing with players who have been ordered off is likely to create some considerable discussion, at the F.A. meeting and it would appear that there is some suggestion that it would not be advisable to have contentious questions discussed. Mr. Wagstaff Simmons a member of the F.A. in the course of an article in the Sporting Life” says; - Everton are very much in earnest with regard to their proposal alteration to Rule 44 dealing with the method now usually followed by the Football Association when players are sent off the field for misconduct. Everton are within their rights in endeavoring to bring about a change of procedure but it surely would have been much better to have allowed the annual meeting this year to be a formal affair and to bring forward contentious proposals on a more suitable occasion. The point has been put forward, and there is considerable justification for it, that a large number of the amateur clubs in direct membership with the Association are not likely to be represented at the annual meeting, and that it would be a graceful act in the circumstances if Everton withdrew their proposal for the present. There is no cause for immediate hurry. Players have now and always have had, an opportunity of stating their case in writing. They are not judged on an ex-parte statement of the referee and other officials but on the facts after all the parties concerned have given their version of the incident which brought about the enforced retirement of the players. Everton contend that this is not satisfactory. They urge that the club of which the player sent off the field is a member should have the right to insist upon the appointment of a committee to inquire into the whole of the circumstances and that at that inquiry written or oral evidence, or both, may be tendered.

PRIVATE COLLINSON
Manchester Evening News - Thursday 20 May 1915
Official intimation has been received in Bury of the death from wounds on May 15 of Private Fredrick Collinson of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers.  Private Collinson was forty-one years of age, and had previously spent thirteen years in the Army.  He took part in the South African war.  Private Collinson played football with the Bury, Ashton, and Darwen clubs.  Collinson had been nineteen years in the service of the Bury Corporation gas department. 

EVERTON'S PROPOSAL
May 20, 1915. The Evening Express
By the Critic
As indicated yesterday, Everton's proposal with regard to the method of dealing with plasing is causing a lot of discussion and the matter came up again yesterday. The Chairman of the Notts Association last night expressed himself strongly proposed of the proposal but he and the council in the event of the proposal being carried decided to support an amendment from the Lincolnshire Association. Calling upon clubs requesting a committee to deposit five guineas to be retained or returned at the will of the council.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday 26 May 1915
The annual general meeting of the Football Association will be held at the Holborn Restaurant London, on Monday next, when there will come up for consideration propositions by Everton and Liverpool to alter certain rules so as to give more power to the Football Association in regard to the punishment of any League association combination or individual officers, or players, or spectator who may be found guilty of any violation of the laws of the game or any misconduct on or off the field.

EVERTON CLUB HAD A GOOD SEASON
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday 27 May 1915
The balance-sheet issued by the Everton Football Club shows that the club had a most successful year considering the troublous time football went through during the 1914-15 campaign. The club paid their way and recommend a dividend of 5 per cent. The retiring directors are Messrs. W.R. Clayton, D. Kirkwood, and A. Coffey. Mr. J. Davies, jun., is nominated for a seat on the board. Reference to certain Everton matters will be found in “Bee’s” Notes.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
EXPENDITURE
APRIL 30, 1915 £.s.d.
The players wages, transfer fees, &c., £6,668 19s 9d
League contribution scheme £392 4s 8d
Medical fees, players’ accident insurance, &c, £104 8s 4d
Gate division to visitors £763 7s 8d
Travelling expenses £838 5s 1d
Advertising, billposting, printing and stationery £264 10s 3d
Gate expenses, checkers, &c., £565 16s 8d
Training expenses and trainers’ wages £623 2s 7d
Ground expenses and Groundsmen’s wages £396 0s 1d
National Health Insurance £23 13s 9d
Rates, taxes, lightning, water, telephone and insurance £970 13s 5d
Office expenses, secretary’s salary, postages, &c, £623 6s 10s
Bank interest and commission £142 10s 11d
Clothing, material, and stores £223 5s 10d
League and other subscriptions, contributions, &c, £767 6s 9d
Cup tie percentages and grants to affiliated associations £17 7s 6d
Accountancy charges £52 19s 10d
Total £13, 439 19s 11d
INCOME
April 30, 1915
By Gate receipts £12,059 12s 0d
Proceeds of matches played away £832 1s 7d
Total £12,891 13s
Season tickets £326 11s
Advertising contractors for programmes, hoarding and refreshments £172 10s 0d
Share transfer fees £3 12s 6d
Balance to profit and loss account, £45, 12s 4d
Total £13,439 19s 11d
PROFIT AND LOSS
June 15, 1914
To Dividend declared this day at 5 per cent, per annum free of Income-tax £97 7s 6d
April 30, 1915
To legal and other expenses on Gwladys-street property, less income from rents £91 17s 1d
Amounts now written off;
Depreciation of stands, &c., 10 p.c. £1195 9s 9d
Balance of fixtures, fittings, furniture, implements, &c., accounts, £337 14s 7d
Total £1533 4s 4d
Amount of expenditure in excess of income £45 12s 4d
Balance carried forward £17,766 8s 7d
Total £19, 534 9s 10d
April 30, 1914
By surplus at this date as per certified accounts £19,534 9s 10d
Total £19,534 9s 10d
LIABILITIES
Nominal Capital £2,500, in 2,500 Shares of £1 each £2,500 0s 0d
Issued capital- 2,210 Shares issued and allotted which 15/ per share has been called and paid up…£1,657 10s 0d
290 Bonus shares issued and allotted to old members £290 0s 0d
2,500 -£1,947 10s 0d
Sundry creditors £235 10s 4d
Unclaimed Dividends £45 7s 4d
Balance to credit of profit and loss account £17,768 8s 7d
Total £19,994 16s 3d
ASSETS
Freehold land, including freehold messuages Nos 2 to 48, Gwladys-street, at cost Stands, hoardings, and erections at Goodison Park as at 30th April, 1914 £11,954 17s 2d
Less 10 p.c.  now written off for depreciation £1,195 9s 9d-£10,759 7s 5d
Total £25,029 3s 2d
Less mortgage to London City and Midland Banks, Ltd., for amount of overdraft £6,048 4s 10d
Total £18,980 18s 4d
Fixtures, fittings, furniture, implements &c., as at 30th April 1914 £337 14s 7d
Less balance now written off £337 14s 7d
Sundry debtors as valued by the directors £994 2s
Sundry deposits £11 8d
Cash in hand £8 7s
Total £19,994 16s 3d

FOOTBALL BALANCE-SHEET
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday May 27, 1915
Bee’s Notes considering the state if the country, football clubs’ balance-sheet are not at all as black as they seem. Some of the clubs are likely to go under and Sunderland and Nottingham Forest for instance, will have a heavy time trying to right last season’s backwash, while Glossop will probably drop out of existence.  Locally, as I have said all along, the clubs have fared exceedingly well. Everton F.C have issued their balance-sheet to-day, and it will be found that the figures show that the club in League and Cup-tie had capital attendances and the finances of the club are excellent. It must be remembered that the figures given to-day include fee for Galt’s transfer, and there are other items which in ordinary seasons would have been a mere flea-bite, but in these hard times make a big drag. Had things been normal Everton’s season of success in the League and success to the semi-final stage of the Cup would have brought a tremendous income. As it is, they must be thankful for small mercies.  Blackpool have experienced a set-back and must look to transfer in the future to bring their finances to a better level.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Friday May 28, 1915
Among the cards received this morning from friends at the front is one from Mr. Stelfox, who is with the heavy-armoured cars working around Dunkirk. Mr. Stelfox is one of Everton’s most ardent supporters and in his time he has worked with amazing vigour for local charities. Time was when his little boy used to be termed the Everton mascot, but after the famous 5-0 defeat at Derby, the “Pearly-boy” -he was attired in coster costume-the idea of a mascot was not happy, and given up. Mr. Stelfox asks that any reader who can oblige will cause great pleasure by sending to the Liverpool pals a football, cricket s4et, set of boxing-gloves, cards, draughts &c. Address them to Petty-officer Stelfox, R.N.A.S; 1073 c/o lieu Field, 2nd Division Heavy Armoured Cars, Dunkirk, France. Being Naval boys, and not attached to any particular force, they do not participate in the gifts sent out to the front. “Pleased to see Everton won the League, and it was hard lines for the Cup as well.” concludes the card.

May 1915