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Byrnes Quits as Schifferdecker(lt;ProdFollowing UltimatumPark Boardlex-a.smatof%v-11-HW. J. (Bill) Byrnes. superintendent of Schifferdecker municipalgolf course, resigned today, following an ultimatum by members of the park board of directors at their regular meeting last night that he resign or be discharged,Bi.ine-Byrnes, manager of the course 18 years, was granted 10 days in which to submit his resignation. His pay will not terminate until December 10, according to the resolution adopted by the board.DulBoiVicdeaprry.s-wisieids-wb-lde-?KFAom-thehannann a:ivilItiedheraltyoff-gu-y:orere-ses-laidandbutrdsal’stub-HetheakeonsUndecided As to Future.Action of the park directors followed accusations by members of the board’s golf committee that Byrnes had refused to co-operate with the committee in improving playing conditions at the course.Byrnes said today he is undecided upon the futuie. “This cameso sudden it swept me off my feet, he stated, and added, this looks like a fieeze-out to me.He said he would remain on the job until December 10.Members of the board contacted today said the decision to discharge Byrnes followed his refusal to employ someone to supervise the clubhouse concessions and to devote more of his time to instructing golfers and supervising caddies. Another point against the manager was his alleged failure to discharge a golf course foreman after the board had employed a gieenskeeperft RUmth ago.At the September meeting, the board lequested Byrnes to employ someone in the clubhouse concessions, at his own expense, and discharge the course foreman when a gieenskeeper was employed.After reading his routine report to the board last night, Byrnes was questioned about those two requests. He teplied that he could not afford to employ anyone in the clubhouse. However, this morning, Byrnea said he did not know ot any request to discharge the foreman, contradicting statementsmade by members of the board.May Name Successor in November.Members of the golf committee and members of the employment committee were named by President Roy Steele to interview’ candidates and recommend to the board a new’ superintendent, either in a special meeting, or at the regular November meeting.Members of the golf committee, George Pearson, chairman; Dr. J. Ruskin Howe and Claude Stum, have worked for several monthsofchiVtriebehnesquitocxekill1mutenintlt;1ordpacgereroveIseeking co-operation from Byrnes,Dr. Howe said.It was the opinion of the board that Byrnes could afford to employ someone to assist him in his concession business, as profit from sales of soft drinks, beer and golf equipment all go to the superintendent, Dr. Howe explained.His salary as superintendent of the course, paid by the city, is $187.50 a month.Members of the golf committee estimated that Byrnes’ annual in-Icome from the concessions at about $5,000. Byrnes said today he would estimate his 1947 income from that source at about $4,200.Another point, in which the golf committee felt Byrnes had failed to co-operate, was his alleged refusal to teli the committee what his income from the concessions was. 1He refused the committee that information on one occasion, saying it was his personal business. Byrnes admitted today he had refused the committee the information, but said that he made thei $4,200 estimate before the board last night.One Would Delay Action.Only six of the nine members of j the board were present when ac-tion was taken on Byrnes' missal. Stum has been ill for sev- * eral weeks. Others absent were Holland Shaddy and Haywood Scott. Of those attending, only Mark Farrar dissented iu the action. It was his opinion that the board should delay a little longer in adopting the resolution. The five voting for the discharge were Richard Craig, Frank Fenix, Pearson, Howe and Steele.Members of the joint committee to seek a new superintendent at the course are Pearson, Stum, Dr. Howe, Farrar and Fenix.It was learned this morning that several men already are under consideration for the job. However, whether or not their names will be disclosed before the next meeting was not known.Byrnes came to Joplin in 1929 from Oklahoma City, after the Schifferdecker course had been in operation only seven years. Ted Longworth, who now is a professional at a golf course in Portland, Ore., was the first professional. At that time Dewey Longworth, his brother, was ‘‘pro at Oak Hill Golf and Country Club, There were several superintendents between Long-worth and Byrnes.Kl}trllt; nal ens a 1ChVIPawthewaalofterIwawhitaIwaGuHeShanMeR
Newspaper Details
Joplin News Herald
Joplin, Missouri, US
Tue, Oct 07, 1947
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Joplin P.
MO, USA 03 May 2023
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