REPORT OF THE FINANCES OF THE UNIVERSITY BOAT CLUB.

EDITORS HARVARD HERALD: The University Boat Club wish to make, through your columns, grateful acknowledgment to the Hasty Pudding Club for the aid received from the theatricals given by the H. P. C. in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The following is a summary of the manager's account:

Sale of tickets in N. Y. and Philadelphia. $1,693.95

Sale of tickets in Boston. 1,590.25

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Total receipts. 3,284.20

Expenses in N. Y. and Philadelphia. $2,072.08

Expenses in Boston. 476.64

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Total expenses. 2,548.72

Making a balance of $735.48, which was given to the Boat Club.

Considerable surprise has been expressed that the expenses bore such a large proportion to the receipes. The profit on the Boston performances was decreased by the deficit ($378.13) in New York and Philadelphia. The New York deficit was caused mainly by hiring an orchestra at the Madison Square Theatre at the price of $250. This was rendered necessary by the sickness of the musical manager, who was to have collected a cheaper orchestra in New York. In order that there may be no misunderstanding in future, the Boat Club and any society giving theatricals for the benefit of the crew should make more definite arrangements as to the expenses to be incurred.

As the Boat Club is disappointed in its calculations to the extent of nearly $400, it is thought advisable to publish a statement of the finances of the club in order to induce the college to furnish more money, and to explain to those who think that the crew wastes money what the expenses have been and are to be.

The main expense has been caused by paying a debt of a little less than $1000, which was left over from last year. The second item is the repairing done to the launch. If any suspicion had been entertained that the launch was to cost for repairs about $800 it is probable that the launch would have been sold. When, however, several hundred dollars had been spent on the launch, it was deemed foolish to abandon it because it was to cost a hundred or two more. So through lack of knowing at first what repairs were necessary, this very large sum has been expended with only a partial success as a result. Alcorn, the machinist, has been paid, exclusive of work on launch, about $200. Geo. Smyth has been paid, exclusive of work on launch, about $250. John Smyth, whom it was necessary to employ when Alcorn left in April, has been paid $60. The university coach has been paid $350. Rent on the boat-house to the college, $500. Oars, slides, etc., $170. A new boat, $450. To sum up (approximately true amounts):

Last year's debt. $950.00

Repairs on launch. 800.00

Alcorn. 200.00

George Smyth. 250.00

John Smyth. 60.00

Coaching. 350.00

Rent. 500.00

Oars, etc. 170.00

New shell for crew. 450.00

Training table. 120.00

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Total. 3,850.00

About $500 has been spent in small amounts under different headings. These are too numerous to publish, but may be examined in the treasury book by any one so desiring. The total expenditure to date has been $4350.

It was hoped that this year the crew would be able to use the '79 'Varsity shell for the race, but it is not large enough to float the crew, as they are by far the heaviest eight that have ever rowed here. Consequently a new boat had to be ordered, and it was used today for the first time. The means of revenue of the Boat Club are now:

Cash on hand. $557.16

Subscriptions due, '82. 91.00

Subscriptions due, '83. 117.50

Subscriptions due, '84. 120.50

Subscriptions due, '85. 65.00

Subscriptions due, U. 25.00

Subscriptions due, L. S. 26.00

Subscriptions due, L. S. S. 7.50

*'84 theatricals. 200.00

-'85 crew. 300.00

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Total. 1,510.16

*Expected share of Boat Club from '84 theatricals.

- This includes the price of the '81 'Varsity shell which was sold to the freshmen for $250.00.

The expenses of the Boat Club, from now to the day of the race, will be:

Unpaid bills. $247.00

Board in Cambridge. 200.00

Rowing clothes (tights, shirt and shoes). 100.00

Coaching crew. 150.00

G. Smyth, for running the launch. 120.00

J. Smyth, general work at boat-house. 120.00

Running of launch. 75.00

*New London expenses, 18 men for 10 days. 800.00

- Oars. 120.00

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Total. 2,032.00

*This estimate is made from last year's expenditure; the items are as follows:

Butcher's bill. $200.00

Grocer's. 100.00

Caterer and cook. 100.00

Furniture. 70.00

New stove. 25.00

Travelling expenses. 50.00

Coal. 5.00

Express. 30.00

Crocker House, for night after race. 50.00

Sundries. 170.00

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Total. 800.00

These, as well as the other estimates, may seem larger than necessary, but experience has shown that the tendency has been to make the estimates, especially of sundries, too small.

- This charge for oars is to pay for two sets of oars that were ordered last year, as an experiment, on the understanding that they were to be a present to the Boat Club. This has since proved to be a mistake, and the person furnishing them wishes to be reimbursed. One set of these oars has been sold at a discount, and the other set may be sold.

The assets are. $1,510,16

The liabilities will be. 2,032.00

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Leaving to be raised. 521.84

At least $200 more will be necessary to pay all the small bills that can not now be calculated upon, making in all, $721.84.

It is true that this is a very late date to call for more money, and it would not have been necessary had not the theatrical fund fallen short of what was calculated upon, and if the new boat had not been ordered. In view of this circumstance the executive committee strongly urge those who have not subscribed already to give all and anything they can afford. Some men who have subscribed have signified their willingness to give an additional amount, and it is hoped that others will follow their example. Those who still owe this year's subscription are requested to make an effort to pay soon. Also those men owing sums from last year are earnestly requested to pay, especially since the debt from last year was so large. Only a little over $700 is needed, and if this can be raised it will be an inestimable help to the crew in their actual rowing, as they will feel sure that all will then be furnished that is necessary. It must be remembered that this is the year that is to decide which college is to be reckoned the best on the water, as there have been since the eight-oared races began three victories for each college. Owing to the examinations, it will be impossible for the treasurer to go the rounds to get subscriptions until the 12th of June, and it will therefore be a great aid if men intending to subscribe will immediately send word on a postal card how much they will give, or if they have the amount ready either to send it in a letter or to state at what time they will pay it.

In order that the college may not complain of being unable to see the crew row, Capt. Hammond agrees to row the crew three or four times up and down in front of the boat-house every day at five, provided there are half a dozen men there to see it, and it is to be hoped that use will be made of this opportunity to see the crew as it is making its greatest improvements.

Negotiations are being made for an eight-oared race with the Narraganset Boat Club, and their challenge will be recommended for acceptance by the executive committee if an agreement to a race on the Charles river before June 17th can be made. Yours respectfully,

MAY 31, 1882.

GUY WARING.