The big news a t the moment of this writing is General Douglas MacArthur's r e t u r n to the United States.
Ye editor cannot resist getting in his five cents worth on
this subject. Not on the controversial political or military
angle, but on MacArthur, the man. Ye editor along with
millions of others, was greatly impressed with the General's superb speech to Congress, as observed on television. General Mac has something t h a t many other top
ranking figures in Washington seem to lack. And t h a t is
spiritual guidance, a religious faith, and a deep sense of
patriotism. I think more of us not only would enjoy but
need this type of speech more often. The whole country
needs it today more than ever before. I t wouldn't be a bad
idea to take advantage of the moment by asking General
MacArthur to help build the morale of the whole nation.
Send him throughout the land to re-sell this country to its
people — To sell patriotism, loyalty and faithfulness.
What's all this got to do with Greenkeeping? Not much.
But it might be said in passing that if the antidote isn't
found soon f o r the apathy shown by many of our people,
the time may come when we greenkeepers will have a lot
less freedom than we enjoy now.
Within our club, perhaps the big news of the month
was the final action on changing our name. This took place
a t the Waltham Field Station, April 2. The old original,
Greenkeepers Club of New England, is back on the shelf
again a f t e r having been well dusted, thoroughly cleaned
and stepped on a bit. Now it is again shining brightly
and proudly. Perhaps it is all to the good t h a t the oldest
club of its kind in the country, a f t e r 27 years, decides
t h a t the original name is still the best.
The April 2 meeting at Waltham was a dealers meeting. Commercial men were particularly invited. Following
the usual tasty luncheon, which by the way was paid f o r
by Chester Baldwin, (thanks Chet) an open forum was
held. Represenatives present from the several firms were
asked to express their views on the current equipment and chemical situation. The following firms were
represented. The Clapper Company, Sawtelle Bros., Jos.
Breek, American Agricultural Chemical Company, R. E.
J a r v i s Company, and the Mallinckrodt Chemical Company. One of the subjects discussed was the N.P.A. Regulations
(National Production Authority Regulation)
relating to the purchase of maintenance, repair and
operating supplies, referred to as (MRO) and the f o r m to
fill out known by the symbol DO-97. To the layman it is
the usual complicated government regulation.
Greenkeepers should take note however, t h a t this is a means of
using a priority r a t i n g to obtain supplies and materials

for the golf course and by signing a DO-97 form you enable your equipment dealer to replenish bis supplies f o r
your requirements.
S P E C I A L S — The American Agri. Chemical Co.
extended an invitation to the Greenkeepers Club to visit
their Weymouth plant at some convenient f u t u r e time.
Attendance prizes were won by Plumpy Ash, Jubilant
Finnerty, and Ant Hony Sperandio — A t the business
meeting two members were voted in. Regular membership, Ernest Stephanson, Ledgemont C.C., Seekonk, Mass.
and associate membership, Casimo Piantedosi, Commonwealth C.C.
The budget committee's outstanding report was thoroughly discussed and the recommendations acted upon.
Briefly here is the gist of the report and the action taken.
The committee finds t h a t the 1951 dues anticipated f r o m
the membership will hardly meet the estimated expenditures f o r the current year and therefore recommends a
cautious handling of the budget.
One of t h e increased costs in the budget over recent
years is the Newsletter due to expansion. The question
of selling advertising space is being investigated by business manager, Tony Sperandio. Another alternative is to
reduce the subject matter to one page as was previously
done.
The disposal of $651.93 left from the Boston Turf
Conference Fund was voted as follows: $100.00 each to
turf research a t Amherst, Mass. and Kingston, R.I., the
balance of $451.93 going to our treasury.
Recommendations were made and voted upon for the
guidance of the Welfare Committee t h a t flowers or other
suitable g i f t s in ease of serious illness be sent only to
members and members wives. The same policy also in relation to the death of a member.
The club expressed the opinion t h a t the budget committee composed of Phil Cassidy, A r t h u r Anderson,
N a r r y Sperandio -and ex officio John Counsell, should
continue its activity and service f o r the balance of the
year.
As you all know our first outdoor meeting will take
place at the N E W B E D F O R D COUNTRY CLUB, May 7.
A BARBECUE WILL BE T H E SPECIAL F E A T U R E ,
and t h a t will be something. A tournament in the morning and the Barbecue a t 3:00 P.M. sharp. If you haven't
sent your card reservations to Mike O'Grady, DO IT
NOW.
Golf course equipment will be demonstrated.
We'll be seeing you.
H. DARLING Editor.