THE PAYMENT OF CADDIES
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—The question of the payment of caddies bristles with difficulties. Any golfer except the super egotist must realize the hardship of their position in winter, and by their very nature there is small probability of their saving from the good times in summer. They would not become caddies, as a general rule, if mentally or physically capable of other 'Work. This applies only to the larg,e majority, and not to the few young men who hope eventually to become pro- fessionals.
Various methods have been tried to solve the bad weather difficulty, but have always proved useless on account of the type of caddie nature. In this club we have offered them work on the course, but naturally they cannot start in the morning, or afternoon, until the chance of carrying has been proved nil. By that time more than half the morning or afternoon has gone—or the weather made out-of-door work impossible. But caddies would not be caddies if ready and able for other work.
If there were any question of paying a regular weekly wage, then unemployment insurance would have to be paid, which the majority of poor clubs could not afford, and the door would also be opened for the dole. It would then pay caddies better to be unable to work. The only real solution is for the majority of golfers to cut down the ridiculous number of clubs that are now thought essential, and carry their own bags. Let the few luxury clubs keep a regular staff-of caddies who are paid a weekly wage, whether employed or not. Let the ordinary club try and support a very small number of ex-soldiers, &e,. who have pensions, and who should be. recognized as earmarked for the elderly and infirm And let the ordinary golfer carry his own clubs.--I am, Sir, •
Gelfers indulge in the game presumably for exercise as the
chief of the reasons. :Carrying one's own clubs is a part of that exercise and will do no harm even to those who habitually afford the _ luxury a a. caddie. As a class, caddies—in their own interests—should not be encouraged.-3. G. L. SWANN, Hon. Sec., St. Derniol Golf Club, Bangor, N. Wales.
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