Everton F.C.: The annual meeting of 1895
June 6 1895 Liverpool Mercury
The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, was held in the Picton Lecture Hall last evening, when Mr. George Mahon (president) presided over a large attendance.
The balance-sheet was taken as read, on the motion of the chairman, an amendment in favour of its recital receiving very scanty support. In moving the adoption of the accounts, the Chairman said he thought they were presenting to the meeting a balance-sheet which was nothing short of marvelous, after only three years’ working under the present regime. (Hear, hear.) It must, he contended, command respect both in the sporting and in the commercial world. (Hear, hear.).
Three years ago a guarantee list for upwards of £1,500 was obtained, and to-day they could congratulate themselves upon the fact that not one single penny of that amount had been expended (Applause.) During that period there had been written off by way of deprecation from the original cost of the fixtures and the preliminary expenses sums amounting to £1,844; in respect of dividends, £148 had been paid; 293 shares had been issued, and they had notwithstanding these items, the sum of £4,000 to the credit of their profit and loss account (Applause.) In other words, during a period of three years they had made no less than £6,319. (Applause.) The balance-sheets placed before them from time to time were no hole-and-corner-affairs – they were all prepared on straight business lines, setting out, he ventured to think, as fully as those of any football club in the country, the whole of their transactions, both for and against. (Hear, hear.) There was not a shadow of doubt but that the club now occupied an unquestionably sound financial position. Of course they had had three very successful seasons, but the most pleasing feature of their position was that should adverse circumstances arise in the immediate future they had something to fall back upon without calling upon the shareholders or members for their support. The balance-sheet spoke for itself, and carried, to his mind, the firm conviction that the directors had been men of business, and had conducted the affairs of the club in an entirely satisfactory manner. (Applause).
He was sorry to see a decrease in the number of season-ticket holders, although he thought that had been amply compensated by the increase in gates. At the same time, he considered that a large number of ticket-holders must be of advantage to any club, being the means of introducing many friends to matches.
Their liabilities to creditors were under £50 – the bulk of this amount being the audit fee – and their outside debts were practically nil, being in respect of unpaid dividends. Their share capital amounted to £1,947, and their happy position was that their total liabilities, including the share capital, were under £2,000, while their assets were sufficient to cover all liabilities three times over. (Applause.)
No avaricious motives prompted the directors in their actions. Their desire was to establish the club on a solid foundation, and to perpetuate the game, assuring such perpetuation by the early purchase of the land, so that in future the club would have no liability in respect of interest. He hoped that after achieving such success in a comparatively few years, they would soon have completed the purchase – the sooner the better for the club and the sporting world.
The liability they had in respect of balance of the purchase money was a matter of no light moment. Other clubs could obtain their grounds practically for an old song, the land in many cases being of trifling value; but they were compelled, from the exigencies of their position, to purchase land in a building part of the town which would before long be part and parcel of Liverpool. He believed the shareholders had an unquestionable security in the land which would always be worth the money paid for it. (Applause.)
He was sorry that with regard to the question of mortgages on the land he was unable to place before them any definite scheme or settlement.
He, however, had no doubt that the committee that had been appointed to deal with the matter would arrange it in a most satisfactory manner before many weeks were over. The theatrical match they held on the ground was perfectly successful, and during the three years, whilst they had been “pocketing” a little “reserve” for themselves, they had not forgotten charitable institutions, and they had handed over upwards of £1,000 to charities. (Applause.)
Another little charity worthy of mention was that carried on during the severe frost which they experienced during the winter. He referred to the soup kitchen. (Applause.) When he told them that there were 12,000 or 13,000 meals supplied they would agree that great good was done. He thought he ought to connect with that work the name of Mr. Coates, who gave such excellent assistance. (Applause).
He was pleased to say that the accounts in connection with that charity were in the happy position of having a little nucleus, there being something like £20 in the bank, which, when a similar occasion arose as during the last winter, would be brought forward and used. (Applause.)
With regard to the land abutting on Mere Lane, he had wondered whether it would be possible, or meet with the approval of the meeting, that that ground might be levelled for bowls, quoits, or something of that sort. (Hear, hear.) He only put it forward as a suggestion.
Speaking of the retiring directors, he remarked that his personal opinions was that if they re-elected them they would be acting wisely, both with regard to the interests of the club and football in Liverpool. In conclusion, he said that he could say that the directors had tried honestly and faithfully to do the business of the club, and they had devoted a vast amount of time to that work. (Applause.)
Mr. Talbot seconded the passing of the accounts.
Questions having been invited, one gentleman asked if the chairman would state to the meeting the amount paid to the players in wages and the amount in bonuses.
The Chairman replied that that question had been discussed at previous meetings, and it had been decided that it would not be wise to give publicly too many particulars as to those matters. (Applause).
Some dissatisfaction was expressed as to the increase in the wages and expenses of grounds men and trainers, one shareholder remarking that those two items were growing larger every year. The Chairman pointed out that a portion of the ground had been re-sodded during the past year, and that would not be necessary this year. Each of the items referred to had been passed by the grounds committee, and had been expended in the interest of the club.
It was considered by one speaker that it would be advisable, and he moved that in future players receive no bonus, but be paid a larger salary instead. The motion, however, received no seconder, and the balance-sheet was adopted.
On the motion of the Chairman it was resolved to pay a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. Per annum on called-up capital.
The Secretary, in reply to numerous questions, stated that the following players had been engaged for next season: -
Goalkeepers: Jack Hillman, Cook and William Sutton;
Full-backs: James Adams, Smart Arridge, Bob Kelso, W. Macdonald, and Charles Parry;
Half-backs: Dickie Boyle, Billy Stewart, David Storrier, Jack Elliott, Goulding, and Johnny Holt;
Forwards: Bill Williams, Jack Bell, Tom McInnes, Abe Hartley, Edgar Chadwick, Alf Milward, Hill, Harry Reay, Albert Flewitt, W. Handford, and Joey Murray.
Dissatisfaction was expressed at the non-inclusion of the name of Richard Williams, among the goalkeepers, and the chairman explained that the injury to his ankle made Williams’s future reliability in goal doubtful. The directors, desirous of treating him and all other players in a fair and generous spirit had arranged to give him a benefit. Having made this statement, the chairman complained that charges of mismanagement had in this and other matters been made against the directors in a rough and uncouth style. The retiring directors were Messrs. Atkinson, Coates, Clayton, and Griffiths. Numerous nominations were made for the vacancies on the board, the result of the vote, taken by ballot, being the election of Messrs. Clayton, 202 votes; Griffiths, 162; John Davies, 149; and Coates, 131.
A vote of thanks was tendered to the chairman and directorate in an enthusiastic manner, and the proceedings terminated, the directors promising to consider to what use the portion of land abutting Mere Lane could best be applied.
* Thanks to Kjell Hanseen
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The Liverpool Daily Post-Thursday June 6, 1895
LIST OF NEXT SEASON’S PLAYERS
The annual meeting of the shareholders of Everton Football Club Company limited, was held last night in the Picton Lecture Hall, William brown-Street. There was a large attendance. Mr. George Mahon (president of the club) was voted to the chair. It was unanimously agreed to admit the Press to the meeting. The balance sheet, the details of which have appeared in these columnswas taken as read. The Chairman in moving the adoption of the accounts said the directors were presenting nothing shorter than a marvellous balance sheet, considering the short period of working (three years) under the present regime (hear, hear). The balance sheet was one which must command the regard both in the sporting and the commercial world (hear, hear). During the three years they had written off for depreciation of fixtures &c., £1,841. They had paid in respect of dividends £143 on the 293 shares issued, and had placed £4,000 to the credit of the profit and loss account, in other words they had during the three years made no less a sum than £6,319 (applause). The balance sheets placed before the shareholders from time to time were no hole and corner business. They were all on straight business lines (applause). There was no shadow of a doubt that the club occupied an unquestionably sound financial position. Of course they had three very successful seasons, but should adverse circumstances meet them in the immediate future they had something to fall back upon without calling upon the shareholders or members for their support (hear-hear). The balance sheet showed that the directors had done their duty in a business-like manner, and what they had done he (the chairman) felt sure had been done to the entire satisfaction of the shareholders (hear-hear). During the year they had disposed of the balance of £500 debentures which was paid shortly after the last annual meeting. He regretted to see a decrease in the number of season tickets, but this had been amply compensated for in the increase at the gates. The liabilities to creditors were under £50 the bulk of the sum really being audit fees. Their total debts were practically nil being in respect of unpaid dividend. The share capital account amounted to £1,947, and they were in the happy position of having their total liabilities, including share capital under £2,000; while their assets covered their liabilities three times over (applause). There was no avaricious motives prompting the directors in their actions. They desired to establish the club on a solid foundation. And to assure the perpetuation of the game by early completing the purchase of the ground, so that the club would have no liabilities in respect of interest. In a comparatively few years they would be in that happy position, and the sooner the better in the interest both of sport and of the club. Some other clubs had been able to secure their ground for comparatively speaking an old song, but the Everton Club had been compelled, through the exigencies of their position, to purchase a ground in a building part of the city, and which would before long be part of parcel of Liverpool. The land, however, would always be worth the money they paid for it. With regard to question of the mortgage on the land, he was unable to place before the meeting any definite settlement, but the committee appointed to deal with the matter had no doubts that the question of the mortgage would be arranged in a satisfactory manner before many weeks were over. During the year, the committee had not forgotten charity, and during the past three years they had handed upwards of £1,000 to charities (applause). White the severe frost of last winter continued a soup kitchen was conducted on the ground, and between 12,000 and 13,000 meals were distributed. In this respect he must mention Mr. Coates, who devoted a large amount of time to the management of the kitchen. At the represent time £20 remained in the bank to the credit of the soup kitchen fund, and when occasion required that money would be brought forward to do good and active service (applause). Regarding the land abutting on Mere-lane, he suggested the possibility of levelling it for the games of bowls and quiots (applause). The chairman concluded eulogising the retiring directors (MessrsAtkinson, Coates, Clayton and Griffiths), whom the shareholders, he said, would do well in re-electing. Mr. Talbutt seconded the adoption of the accounts. During the discussion which took place on the accounts suggestions were made that high wages and no bonuses should be paid the players, and that both wages and bonuses should be adjusted. The accounts were unanimously passed, and Mr. Theodore Rogers and Co, were re-elected auditors. Mr. Keats thought the frequent changes of the centre forward had a good deal to do with the club losing the League Cup. Mr. Molyneux (secretary) stated that the following players had been engaged by the directors for the coming season;- Goalkeepers; Hillman, Cooke, and Sutton. Backs. Adams, Arridge, Kelso, McDonald, and Parry. Half-backs; Boyle, Stewart, Storrier, Elliott, Goulding, and Holt. Forwards; Williams, Bell, McInnes, Hartley, Chadwick, Milward, Hill, Wray, Thritt, Handford, and Murray.
Mr. Brookes-is is a fact that Holt has signed?
Mr. Molyneux-He is under an agreement and cannot play for any other club but Everton next season.
Mr. Brooks-that isn’t signing
A member asked why Richard Williams had not been re-engaged as a goalkeeper.
The Chairman replied that Richard Williams had injured his ankles, and his future prowess as a goalkeeper was doubtful. The directors had not dealt amiably with him, having promised him a benefit match to show the confidence they had in him.
Regarding the arrangement of a bowling ground, it was pointed out that there was not sufficient ground now for football practice, and that a bowling green was out of the question.
Messrs Clayton, Griffiths and Coates were re-appointed on the directorates and Mr. John Davies, was elected to fill the fourth vacancy. The voting was by ballet. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the directors and the chairman.
ADVERTISMENT IN DAILY POST
The Liverpool Daily Post, June 6, 1895
To Medical Men, Builders, speculators and others
BY MR. T.G. BOND
On Wednesday next, the 12th inst, at eight o’clock in the Evening precisely at the Stanley Park Hotel corner of Langham-street, mere-lane, Liverpool, subject to conditions of sale to be then produced.
ALL that Valuable Piece of Freehold Land, on the east side of fronting Goodison-road, Walton-On-the-Hill, adjoining the Everton Football Ground, with the superior Family RESIDENCE erected thereon, and known as “Stanley Villa.” The Land contains an area of about 4,500 square yards and is absolutely unrestricted for building or any other purpose. The house has a large entrance hall and contains three large entertaining -rooms, Kitchen and usual domestic offices on ground floor, with eight large bedrooms, bathroom, separate w.c, dressing-room 7c, above. The promises are suitable for a medical practitioner or for the purpose of a Club, or the site is available for building operations for which advances may possible be arranged. The property is near to Stanley park and close to Walton road, a=with capital train and tram service to the city. The person in charge will show the property. Early possession can be given. For further particulars apply to the Auctioneer, 62 Dale-street or the Messrs Bremner, Sons and Corlett, solicitors 1, Crosshall street, Liverpool.
RESIGNATION OF AN EVERTON DIRECTOR
The Liverpool Daily Post Saturday June 8,1895
We have been officially informed that Mr. James Griffiths, who was re-elected a director of the Everton Football Club Company, limited at the annual meeting this week, has sent in his resignation. This decision on the part of Mr. Griffiths comes rather as a surprise and will be greatly regretted by all the members, as well as by the outside public who have the interest of the club at heart. He has always been a most ardent worker, and had made himself popular with players and spectators alike. If Mr. Griffiths’ resignation from the board of directors also means his retirement as linesman in League and other principal matches played by the club he will be doubly missed, as his position as “flagman” was as much appreciated by opponents as by Evertonians.
Same article in Echo
LIVERPOOL ASSOCIATION
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday June 8, 1895
The annual meeting of the Liverpool and District Football Association was held last evening at the Neptune Hotel, Clayton-square. Mr. D. S. Lamont presided, and there was a large attendance, twenty-four clubs being represented. The report, read by R.E. Lythgoe (hon. Secretary), showed an increase in the number of clubs who had joined the association as compared with last year. Mr. J. Grant (hon. Treasurer) read the statement of accounts, which showed a balance in the bank of £236 14s 1d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. In conformity with past usage, it was decided to grant the hon. Secretary an honorarium of £31 10s for his service during the year. The election of officers was As afterwards preceded with. Mr. Lamont was re-elected president; Mr. W.R. Clayton was re-elected vice president; Mr. Lythgoe secretary; and Mr. grant treasurer. The following gentlemen were also elected to form a committee;-Messrs. B. Molyneux (Everton), W. Houlding (Liverpool), J. Baliffe (White Star), R. Nelson (Police Athletic), W. Roche (Casuals), P. Phillips (Whiston), R.F. Daglish (Ramblers), P.G. Twist (Prescot), W.P. Lomax (Aintree Church), J. O’Donoghue (Stanley), W, Beckitt (Kirkdale), T.J. Laugford (Celtic), W.R. Blair (North Toxteth), S.W. Gill (Hoylake) and F. Wainwright (Sport Sunlight). A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close.
THE LADY FOOTBALLERS IN LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Daily Post -Monday 10 June 1895
MATCH AT STANLEY
On Saturday afternoon the much-talked-of lady footballers, who it will be remembered made their debut at Crouch End, London some few months ago, visited Liverpool and played an exhibition game at the Athletic Grounds, Stanley. The afternoon was beautifully fine, and there were about 1,000 spectators present when the fair footballers trooped on to the field. They were attired in knickerbockers of an amplified cut and loose jerseys, and presented a very business-like appearance. Several of the ladies wore a loose skirt over their neither garments, but this, while adding nothing to the attractiveness of the costume, served rather to hamper the movements of the wearer. The teams were Red v Blue, and nine a side. the Reds started with the wind in their favour downhill, and at the outset it must be acknowledged in ladies display a knowledge of the game and an agility which few of the spectators were at first disposed to give them credit for. Of course, there can be no serious comparison between “the” game and that played on Saturday, though in several instances the dribbling and shooting of the lady performers was really smart. The spectators naturally treated the game as a huge joke, and cheered any little bit of passing or tackling, though there was little of the latter, to the echo. The fie and soul of the match was personified in a little lady, scarcely more than a child, who played “outside left” for the Reds. This diminutive plater completely outclassed her fellows at every point, and immediately became the chief object of interest to the crowd, who roared itself hoarse whenever she sprinted away with the leather. This she did countless times, and she also scored first goal for Reds in a very clever way. The Blues managed to get a goal and at half time the score stood 1 each. In the second half the ladies kept up the pace- which as many be supposed, was not particularly speedy- wonderfully well and they one and all seemed to finish “fresh as paint,” the verdict being in favour of the Blues by 2 goals to 1,. Perhaps the most amusing incident of the match occurred in the first half when the little lady already alluded to sent in a shot and claimed a goal. The point was allowed by the referee, but the Blues contended that the ball had gone outside, and they refused to come to the half-way line, grouping themselves in picturesque attitudes within their own goal mouth. This perfect picture of femininity in the sulks appealed strongly to the spectators sense of humour, and when the referee was forced to bow to the superior judgement of the Blues and “cave in” the crowd positively “chortled in its joy.” The general opinion arrived at after witnessing the game was that in football, at least the New Woman is never likely to offer serious rivalry to the sterner sex.
RESIGNATION OF DIRECTORS OF THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
June 12, 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The proceedings at the recent meeting of the Everton Football Club have been construed as a want of confident in several gentlemen who have managed the affairs of the important football organisation. We learn that, in consequence, the resignation of Mr. James Griffiths, one of the directors, have been followed by the resignations of Messrs Read, Wilson, and Coates. It is probable that Mr. Mahon, the president who untiring energy in behalf of the club has been so conspicuous, may likewise withdraw from the directorate.
DISTURBANCES IN THE EVERTON CLUB
The Liverpool Daily Post – Wednesday June 12, 1895
MORE RESIGNATIONS
The Everton Football Club Company, Limited seems to have got into a state bordering on chaos since the holding of the annual meeting a week ago, and the public are asking themselves what is the reason for it. To some the “heckling” to which the directors were submitted at the annual meeting is regarded as sufficient cause, but this surely can scarcely account for the wholesale resignations of directors, which is now said to be going on, as it is announced that Messrs, Coates, Wilson, and Read have followed in the footsteps of Mr. James Griffiths (who resigned last week), and it is even suggested that Mr. Mahon, the chairman will follow suit. If this is so, we cannot but think that the Everton Club is about to pass through a very critical period, especially as the purchases of Goodison Park is not yet definitely settled. If eliquism has anything to do with with it, it is to be hoped that the shareholders will at once have the bandage taken off their eyes in order that they may see things in their proper light. Under the old management the club has gone on prospering, and it will be very much to be regrated if, through the patty jealously of one or two individuals who want things all their own way, the amicable management and prosparity of the past is upset.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The Liverpool Daily Post Thursday 13 June 1895
RETIREMENT OF HOLT
We understand that Holt, the famous Everton centre half back, contemplates retiring from the football field, and that he will not be seen with any club next season. If this be the case, which we have reason to believe, it will come as a great surprise and disappointment to all Evertonian supporters.
THE RESIGNATION OF DIRECTORS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Friday June 14, 1895
SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING CALLED
We are informed that an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Everton Football Club will be held on Friday evening #, the 21st at the Picton Lecture Hall, William Brown-street. The directors consider this step advisable consequent on the retirement of Messrs Mahon, Griffiths, Coates, Wilson and Read and in order to leave in the hands of the shareholders the selection of candidates to fill the vacancies.
The following is a copy of the circular issued to the shareholders;-
The Everton Football Club Company Limited, Goodison Park, Liverpool, June 13, 1895.
Dear sir.- I am instructed by the directors to inform you that as special general meetings of the shareholders of the above company will be held in the Picton Lecture Hall, William Brown-Street on Friday, the 21st at eight o’clock sharp. Admission on presentation of this notice which must be given up at the door. -R. Molyneux, Secretary.
Business;- To elect five directors, Messrs Coates, Griffiths, Mahon, Read and Wilson have resigned.
It may be pointed out that the usual practice in the case of vacancies has been for the board itself to nominate candidates, but on the present occasion it has been deemed advisable to call the shareholders together a step which to doubt, the members of the club will all know how to fully appreciate. (Same Article in Liverpool Echo).
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Athletic News- Monday, June 17, 1895
Messrs Mahon, President, Coates, Wilson, and Read have resigned their seats on the directorate of the Everton F.C thus following the example of Mr. Griffiths, the linesman. It would have been more satisfactory if the gentlemen named had given their reasons for taking this course, and then those who pay the nimble sixpence weekly towards the funds of the club would have an opportunity of knowing “what it is all about.” The absence of any information on the point has given rise to various rumours and, of course, some of them are of the wildest description, and it is therefore not surprising to find even the stability of the club questioned.
It is to be regretted that such influential gentlemen should have resigned just when the negotiations in regard to the purchase of the ground have taken a decided course, but their action will at any rate have given the “wind-bags” of the club an opportunity of showing their loyalty in a more substantial manner. But we certainly decline to believe that the resignations are due to any desire to shirk the responsibility as is hinted in certain quarters, but rather to matters effectively the conducting of the affairs of the club at committee and other meetings of a private character. We know it is the privilege of a shareholder to ventilate grievances, imaginary or real, at the annual meeting,. But it is another thing when matters dealt with in the committee-room are treated as public property, and the votes given questioned and discussed. It would be better if the shareholders were more discreet in their language, and for the good of the club we hope matters will be smothered over at the meeting which is to be held on Friday evening next.
WHOLESALE RESIGNATIONS
June 22 1895 Liverpool Mercury
A special meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, was held in the Picton Hall last evening for the purpose of filling vacancies on the directorate caused by the resignation of Messrs. George Mahon (president), Coates, Griffiths, Reid, and R. Wilson.
Mr. W.R. Clayton occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform by Dr Baxter, Messrs. Kelly, C.J. Leyland, and John Davies (members of the board), Mr. Cornett (Messrs. North, Kirk, and Cornett), and others. At the commencement of the proceedings Mr. Coates, who occupied a seat in the body of the hall, where a large number of shareholders had assembled, proceeded to criticize the manner in which response had been given to the resignations of the directors who had severed their connection with the board. The Chairman expressed his abhorrence of the treatment meted out to the five gentlemen in question, who had, he said, acted so well for the club in the past. (Applause.)
The communications were forwarded to them without his sanction by Mr. Richard Molyneux, who, as secretary of the club, they believed to be fully posted in the art of letter writing. He had presumed that the replies had been forwarded in a proper manner, and he could assure them, from the bottom of his heart, that he was sorry the gentlemen in question should have received such communications from the club. (Applause.) What had been done could not be rectified, and the fault, if fault there were, lay with the secretary. (Applause.) Mr. Mitchell proposed, amid applause and hooting, a vote of thanks to the retiring directors for their past services.
The Chairman ruled the motion out of order.
A shareholder asked why the resignations had not been accepted before a statement to that effect was made in the circular convening the meeting.
The Chairman said the resignation had been accepted at that time. As chairman of the directors he had spent a lot of time in endeavouring to get the five gentlemen to stand for re-election. He (the chairman) was their director, but not their servant. (Applause and hooting.) In addition to rendering service to the club he had to consider his home, his business, and his health, and consequently he could not afford to attend the office every day to see what communications were issued. (Applause and hooting.)
Mr. Molyneux explained that he wrote out a copy of the letter to be forwarded to the resigning directors, and handed it to the office boy for transmission. Possibly it was more brief than it might have been, but it really contained what was decided upon at the directors’ meeting. (Applause.) But for a large amount of business in connection with the preparation of returns for the registrar of joint stock companies he should have forwarded the letters himself.
Mr. Coates asked that the minutes should be read in support of this statement.
The Chairman replied that the minute book was not there, and was proceeding to explain the reason of its absence when interrupted by hooting and groans.
The Secretary said the books of the company were not required at such a meeting as that. The resolution recorded on the minutes was to the effect “that the resignation of the five gentlemen named be accepted.” (“Oh,” hooting, and applause.) Mr. Mahon said the statement that the letters were correctly representative of the resolution adopted was denied by the directors who passed the resolution. He had retired from a position which was exceedingly onerous and had interfered considerably with his business, private and social, and he considered it a positive disgrace that such a missive should have been sent to him. The communication was a most discourteous one. (Applause and hisses.) Mr. Griffiths. “You (the chairman) have made a statement just now that you have been endeavouring to get the five directors to reconsider their decision and stand again as directors of the club. I want to give you the lie direct. (Applause.)
Another shareholder asked whether the club was to be dictated to by solicitors, schoolmasters and a clique? As he spoke one of those present passed him bearing a slender cane, caught and twisted it with energy born of excitement. A disorderly scene was then witnessed for some minutes, and at length the chairman rose to speak. He said the scene which they had just witnessed was not worthy of the Everton Football Club, and not even fit for a bear-garden. The chairman was proceeding to state the case for the present directors, when Mr. Coates intervened.
In the course of a lengthy speech, he complained that at the last meeting certain directors had acted with a gentleman who made the occasion somewhat notorious, and that shareholders had been canvassed for the purpose of throwing out one of their most valuable colleagues. They had succeeded in rejecting Mr. Atkinson without a word of thanks or regret, and such lack of harmony existed that it was impossible for the retiring directors to continue on the board. They were not willing to spend the whole season in wrangling, and they felt it only consistent with their self-respect to resign. While acting on the board, by some way or other nearly the whole of their business became known to those who were conducting this agitation (“Shame”) and was a common subject of conversation in Tithebarn Street. No one knew better about it than their chairman that evening. (Hooting)
The information could only come from the secretary or the directors betraying their trust, and their minds were made up that it came from two gentlemen of the directorate. (“Names,” and interruption.) Accordingly, they felt it necessary for themselves or their colleagues to retire. “They must retire,” and hooting.) The Chairman then claimed the attention of the shareholders. He asserted that many attended the meeting with preconceived ideas, and that unfounded statements had been published in the press. It was reasonable, he submitted, to think that having entered upon negotiations for the early purchase of the club ground, he should adopt the suicidal policy of alienating five of his colleagues. He regretted that Mr. Griffiths had not lived up to his reputation as a gentleman (applause and hooting) and had so far forgotten himself as to call a gentleman equal to himself in every particular a liar. (Applause.) He had written to Mr. Mahon urging him to stand for re-election, and had received from him, and from another retiring director on behalf of the other two resigning members of the board, a refusal to stand. There was no quarrel between himself and the retiring directors; the issue was a fictitious one.
Mr. Wilson had complained of the action of the shareholders, culminating in the dismissal of his old friend Mr. Atkinson, and the quarrel was thus proved to be one between the shareholders and the retiring members of the board. (Applause and groans.) Mr. Wilson appeared to suggest that the retiring directors should be re-elected en bloc, seeming to forget that he himself replaced a former member of the board. There was no unanimous recommendation from the board that its members should be re-elected. (Interruption.) Having denied that any of the present members of the board had acted with a clique at the previous meeting, the chairman proceeded to refute the statement that any of their number had divulged particulars of the business transacted at their meetings, adding that two of the gentlemen who had tendered their resignations had apologized to a meeting of the directors for carrying private information to outside quarters.
Mr. Mahon. “I think the speech which the shareholders have just heard from you proves up to the hilt the utter harmony which has existed, and which exists at present, among the directorate.” (Laughter and hisses.) Dir. Whitford said he had heard many things which he regretted, and believed that too much importance was being attached to very trivial matters. He proposed that the five retiring directors be re-elected upon the board. (Applause and hisses.)
The shareholders desired their directors to act not as children, but as a harmonious body, with a single eye to the welfare of the club. (Applause.)
The motion was seconded by Mr. Richardson.
Mr. Coates said that he was pretty sure that none of the retiring directors would allow themselves to be re-elected. Nominations being invited by the chairman, the names of about a dozen gentlemen were brought before the meeting.
Dr Whitford pressed his motion, which was eventually carried by a considerable majority on a show of hands. Dr Wright suggested that it was uncertain whether the gentlemen on the platform possessed the confidence of the meeting. Mr. Mahon, who arose amid great cheering, said the construction he put upon the vote was that it was not a vote of confidence in the resigning directors so much as a resolution expressing lack of confidence in the present members of the board. (Loud applause and hooting.)
The Chairman said he and his colleagues refused to resign a position to which they had been appointed a fortnight ago; but after further discussion.
Mr. Kelly (amid cries of “Resign” and cheers) said he saw that the majority had no confidence in the present directorate, and should therefore resign.
A motion was then proposed by Dr Whitford that the meeting be adjourned for a week, and further discussion took place. Mr. Cornett having given his opinion that an adjournment was quite in order, whether the present members of the board resigned or not.
The Chairman intimated that he and his four colleagues on the board would hand in their resignation, but would conduct the business of the club until their successors were appointed. Their resignation would be handed in at the next meeting. (Cheers and hooting.)
The meeting was then adjourned for a week.
Thanks to Kjell Hanseen
FRED GEARY
Lancashire Evening Post- Saturday 22 June 1895
It is said that Everton’s price for Geary’s transfer to Liverpool was £60
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, June 22, 1895 (Also Echo)
MORE RESIGNATIONS OF DIRECTORS
LIVELY MEETING
A special general meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, was held last evening, in the Picton Lecture Hall, to fill the five vacancies on the board of directorate caused by the resignation of Messrs, Mahon, Coates, Griffiths, Reid, and Wilson. There was a large attendance of shareholders and Mr. W.R. Clayton presided. The letters of resignation have been read. Mr. Coates drew attention to the curt reply received to their respective letters of resignation. It was a formal acceptance, and not the least expression of thanks for their services, or of regret for their resignation. This, he thought was not the proper way to treat gentlemen who has served the club so long. The Chairman said it was only at five O’clock that afternoon he heard of the communications received by the five gentlemen in question. When he heard from Mr. Lythgoe he expressed his abhorrence that such treatment should have been meted out to five gentlemen who had worked so well for the club in the past (applause). Such a communication was not sent with the sanction of himself and the gentlemen who sat with him. They believed Mr. Molyneux was fully posted up in the art of letter writing, and it was not for them to sit over him whilst he was writing his correspondence (hear, hear, and laughter). He could assure all from the bottom of his heart that he was sorry the five gentlemen should have received such communications from the club (applause). He could not be held responsible for the letters he had not seen (applause). Mr. Mitchell proposed a vote of thanks to the five retiring directors for their past services (hear, hear, and disorder). The Chairman ruled the proposition out of order Mr. Henderson asked, did it occur to the chairman or some of the other directors that some expressions of regret should have been embodied in the resolutions accepting the five resignations. The Chairman replied that the resignations were accepted, and he had, as chairman of the directors, spent a lot of time in endeavouring to get the five gentlemen to stand for re-election that night )hear, hear, and laughter). He was a director, but not their servants (applause and ironical cheers). He had given more time to the service of the club than most people knew (applause). He did not wish to receive applause, but he had his home, business and health to look after (cries of “Out or order”). He could not, however, be expected to be at the club’s office every day in the week, to see what communications went out (applause). Mr. Molyneux said no doubt the shareholders, from the statement made by Mr. Coates, might think they had a very poor secretary (applause, and “No, no”). He wrote out a copy of the communication in question, and gave it and five sheets of notepaper to the boy. The communication contained briefly what was decided at the committee’s meeting (hear,. Hear, and applause).
Mr. Mahon, who was enthusiastically received, said it was nothing short of a disgrace to send such a reply. His position in connection with the club had been an exceedingly onerous one, and that was not the way to treat an old colleague ((cheers). Mr. Griffiths said he would like to give the lie to the chairman’s statement that he had been endeavouring to get the five directors to stand for re-election. A shareholder rose and said;- Are we called here to be dictated to by solicitors, schoolmasters, and a clique (cheers and interruption, and cries of “Sit down”). The Chairman said the scene they had just witnessed was not fit for the Everton Football Club- it was not fit for a bear garden. They could not judge wisely between the various statements made if they were fighting like bears (interruption). Mr. Coates said it was essential to the success of the club that there should be harmony on the directorate. There was a division to a certain extent in carrying on the business of the club during the whole of last season, and at the last annual meeting a large body of shareholders were approached and canvassed for the purpose of throwing out one of their valued colleagues on the directorate; and gentlemen were canvassed to induce them to submit themselves for nomination in order to throw out three out of the four retiring directors. The agitation resulted in one valued colleagues not being returned (“Shame”). Instead of being desirous of spending the whole of next season in wrangling, the five directors preferred to tender their resignation. Again, some confidential matters discussed at the board had in twenty-four hours become the subject of common conversation not far from Tithebarn-street (interruption). Either the secretary or some of the directors must have, therefore, betrayed their trust. Mr. Coates then gave instances, which he said, proved that information had leaked out from the board. The Chairman said some people had come to the meeting with preconceived ideas. Mr. Clayton then referred to the reconstruction of the club, and to the hard work which he and others had done in assisting to bring the club to its present position. His plan had been that the club should possess its own ground, have its dressing-room, that the office should be on the ground, and that the shareholders should conduct the business of the club. Was it reasonable, when they had entered into negotiations for their land and had to raise for that purpose £7,000 by the 1st August, that he should attempt to alienate the five gentlemen who had resigned from the directorate at such a crucial time. As regarded Mr. Griffith’s statement, he (Mr. Clayton) communicated with Messrs. Mahon, Tried, and Wilson on the subject, and Mr. Wilson told him positively that Mr. Coates and Mr. Griffiths would not stand for re-election. Those five gentlemen had been working in harmony all along, and he thought he could say, therefore, that he had approached them (cheers). It was clear that the reason these five gentlemen had resigned was because the shareholders did not re-elect Mr. Atkinson a director at the last annual meeting (cheers). Their quarrel was, therefore, with the shareholders, and not with the five remaining directors and with the shareholders they would have to make their peace. There had been no quarrel on the directorate. They had been acting in harmony and exercising free and open minds upon every question put before them. At the 1894 annual meeting, when an equally good report and balance-sheet was presented, Mr. Davies was not re-elected, but the remaining directors did not consider his non-election a vote of no confidence in them, and why should they in Mr. Atkinson’s case (cheers)? With reference to Mr. Coates’s statement that the directors at the annual meeting were badgered by a clique it could not be suggested that at least three of the remaining directors belonged to any clique and as regarded the other two it was a pity if fear was entertained of the clique of two, even if there was such a thing. Mr. Coates had said that information had leaked out of the committee, but it had never been brought home to any director. He could inform the meeting, however, that two of the gentlemen who had retired had been guilty of divulging board secrets, and apologised at a directors’ meeting for having done so (loud cheers). In conclusion the Chairman pointed out that Mr. Coates had not submitted proof in support of any statement he made.
Mr. Mahon.- I think after the speech which the shareholders have heard for you, Mr. Chairman, you have proved up to the hilt the true harmony, which was existed, and which existed up to the present time on the part of the directors (hear, hear, and “Oh, oh”).
Dr. Whitford, who said he had heard a great deal he regretted that night proposed that the retiring directors be re-elected (applause). The shareholders should not be called together to hear gossip (applause). Too much importance was being attached to trivial matters. The shareholders ought to express their disapprobation of the conduct of the persons who betrayed the interests of the club. They should have some knowledge of the persons to be nominated as directors beforehand. They should now go on and act in the future as a harmonious body, with a single eye in the interests of the club. A shareholder seconded the proposition. Mr. Coates intimated that it was not their desire to go back on the directorate. The Chairman invited nominations, and the following gentlemen were nominated.- Messrs, Crawshaw, John Brooks, T. Bush, Bainbridge, Jackson, Wade, Cuff, Mitchell, Crosbie, Talbot, and Phippe. Dr. Whitford proposed the adjournment of the meeting, for the reason that possibly four-fifths of the shareholders knew nothing of the gentlemen whose names had been mentioned. They could not vote under those circumstances. They should proceed, more especially at the present time, with a little circumspection (applause). The proposition was seconded. The resolution that the five retiring directors be re-elected was then put to the meeting, and, after the show of hands, the Chairman said; I declare the proposal is carried by a majority (loud applause). I now wish to know whether the gentlemen will accept the office. Mr. Mahon said the retiring directors took the step they did for the reason that perfect harmony could not exist so long as the board was constituted as at present (Vices; “Pick them yourself”). The vote just taken was not exactly a vote of confidence in the retiring directors, but a vote of want of confidence in the other directors (applause). It was for other gentlemen to reply to what vote and not for them (applause). The Chairmen said the present directors refused to resign that night. If the retiring directors refused (cries of “resign”) to accept office they would proceed to the election of other gentlemen. A shareholder proposed that the present directors to be called upon to retire. This was seconded by another shareholder. The Chairman ruled the proposition entirely out of order, on the advice of the solicitor, Mr. Cornett. Mr. Kelly, one of the directors, felt very pained to feel that he had not the confidence of the shareholders. When elected he intended to do his best, but he must now ask that meeting to accept his resignation. The Chairman said that of the present directors resigned, how would the shareholders carry on the club (continued cries of “Resign”). The Chairman, after consulting with his co-directors, Dr. Baxter, Messrs Kelly, Davies and Leyland, said;- We now place in your hands our resignations. Subsequently by request he out the resolution for the adjournment of the meeting, and it was carried by a majority. The Chairman said the directors who had tendered their resignations would carry on the business of the club till a new board was elected. The meeting then stood adjourned for a week.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Athletic News- Monday June 24, 1895
The special general meeting convened by the Everton F.C for the purpose of electing five directors in place of Messrs Mahon, Griffiths, Reid, Coates, and Wilson, who resigned, was held on Friday. A goodly number turned up, and matters were a trifle sultry at times. The process of washing the dirty linen of the club went on for two hours, for when the chief actors relaxed their efforts there were any number willing to take their places. The methods adopted were various, and each side- that is, the directors who have resigned and those who have stuck to the club-had an innings, but for the purpose of the meeting it was difficult to tell how matters would go. To get to business, Dr. Whitford proposed that the five gentlemen who had resigned be re-elected, but Mr. Coates, who acted as spokesman, declined the preferred honour, and the chairman, Mr. Clayton, proceeded to take nominations for the vacancies. It was here that Dr. Whitford came forward with some very sensible remarks, and his resolution that the five directors be re-elected was easily carried. This opened up another question, and by the request of the chairman, Mr. Mahon got up to state his views, and put in very pertinently that he thought it was the present members of the directorate who should consider their position, and they took the hint and resigned, and there the matter stands. We are not sorry that events have taken this course, for now the shareholders have the opportunity of electing thew whole number of directors, and we are confident there are a sufficient number of gentlemen who are in possession of level heads to upset any cliques that may be formed. The adjourned meeting will be held next Monday night, when we hope the matter will be finally settled. A big club like Everton cannot afford to go on in this matter.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
June 26, 1895. The Liverpool Mercury
The adjourned meeting of the Everton Football club, Limited in which great interest centres at the present time, will be held on Monday evening next, at eight o'clock, in Picton Lecture Hall.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Mercury-Wednesday 26 June 1895
The adjourned meetings of the Everton Football Club, Limited, in which great interest centres at the present time, will be held on Monday evening next, at eight o’clock, in the Picton Lecture Hall.