Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-01-02

The new flve-year contract for
operation Of publicly-owned golf
courses in the District by the S. G..
Leoffler Co. provides for increased
green fees, but return of substantial
funds for course Improvements, it
was announced last night by the
Interior Department.
The contract went into effect yes
terday. Both department officials
and Mr.. Leof11er expressed satisfac-
ton last night with the agreement
as the best that could be negotiated
under present conditions.
In, their announcement of the
contract, officials of the department
explained certain provisions had
been specified ito insure the maxi
mum benefits to the golf courses
and facilities that may be obtained
from revenue paid by the public for
the use of the facilities"
Fee Schedule Noted.
Fees for the use of the courses
in East Potomac, Rock Creek and
Anacostia Parks, exclusive of the
Langston course, we're announced
as having been increased as follows:
Weekdays, nine holes. raised from
Is cents to Is cents: 10 holes from
Is cents to 40 cents; Saturdays, SUM-
days and holidays, nine holes raised
from Is to 40 cents; 10 holes from
so to IS cents.
Fees at Langston for weekdays
were increased for nine holes from
Is to 20 cents and for Saturdays.
Sundays and holidays from 80 to
IS cents.
Under the former contract the
Leoffler firm paid an annual fee of
$4,000 to the Government and an
additional percentage of gross rev.
enue over and above specified
amount. The money went into
the Treasury Department officials
explained and could not be used
for improvement of the grounds.
New System Outlined.
The new contract provides for
money to be returned to the golf
courses under an entirely different
plan. The contract instead of be-
ing with the former S. G. Leoffler
Operating Co., was made out to the
S. G. Leoffler Co., a partnership"
consisting of w. A. Farr, A. l..
Thomas, B. H. Graham and Mr..
Leoffler. Mr.. Leof1ler's partners in
the company are managers of the
Anacostia, Rock Greek and East
Potomac golf courses and long have
been associated with him.
Under the new contract, the de-
partment said, the new firm will pay
to the Government an annual fran
chise fee Of 500 and SO per cent of
all net profits derived from the ope-
ration of the golf facilities, after
deducting $500 allowed the COM
pany as an annual priority on its
investment. The company will be
required to provide new and re-
habilitated facilities for the occom-
mediation and convenience of the
public. upon the request or demand
Of the department, provided the cost
OF such improvements does not ex-
coed S per cent of the annual gross
receipts.
Furthermore, continued the
statement. 1.-The Secretary of the
Interior, by the terms of the con-
tract, may waive in whole or in part
the payment of the distribution of
the net profits which would other
wise accrue to the Federal Govern
ment in order to enable the financ-
ing of improvements, rehabilitations
and additional facilities"
Further Rate Change Possible.
The increase in green fees over
the old rates was allowed, it was
explained, ito compensate for the
reduction in golf course use due to
gasoline rationing and longer work
ing hours, together with increased
cost of labor, materials and operat-
ing expenses" The contract pro-
vides, however, that the rates may
be adjusted if conditions warrant.
The contract also provides that,
in the event of changed conditions
due to the war. should the COM
pany find it impossible to operate
the facilities, the Department of the
Interior, upon written application
made in advance, may for such
stated periods as it may deem war;
ranted in the circumstances, sus-
pend for such period or periods any