LOWER TOTE RECEIPTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 196, 20 August 1930, Page 8

LOWER TOTE RECEIPTS.

FINANCIAL STRINGENCY.

AUCKLAND TROTTING SEASOJ

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. /

The annual meeting of members of the Auckland Trotting Club was" held this afternoon, the president, Mr, J. Rowe, being in the chair.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet (already published)' Mr. Rowe referred to the deaths of Sir Geo. Clifford, Sir Joseph Ward, Messrs. James Hodgson and J. H. Martin, memhers of the Auckland Trotting Club, and Messrs. Jos. Molloy and 'Andrew Hanna, members of sister' clubs.

Members stood as a mark of respect to the memory of the late sportsmen.

The Merger.

"The most important matter to be dealt with to-day is the merger of the Otahuhu Club with this club," said Mr. Rowe. "I feel sure you will agree with me that it is the most forward movement yet attempted for the improvement and advancement of trotting in Auckland. I sincerely hope the scheme will be accepted by you and agreed to unanimously. In my opinion I believe it will enable the club to go ahead with the necessary improvements which have been discussed for some time, but unfortunately could not be proceeded with for lack of funds. The linking up of the two clubs will mean centralisatipn of trotting, new and up-to-date appointments for members, electric totalisator, improved appointments for the outside public, and lower annual subscription. From every point of view one must see the scheme is a sound and economic one. I submit it to you for your earnest consideration, and I sincerely hope that no member will stand in the way of the onward progressive march of the popular sport of trotting.

"A Long Way 05. ,? "I regret I cannot compliment the club on an increased totalisator turnover; during the year we have been seriously affected by the financial stringency throughout the Dominion, the unemployed question, and 'largely by adverse weather conditions. As a result our past season was only a fair one financially. From a racing point of view it was all that could be desired. The racing was of a high standard, with exciting and thrilling finishes, for which great credit should be given to our handicapper. The stakes given for the season amounted to £24,9G0, the club's share of the totalisator gross being £21,838 5/3. The one great ambition I had was to see the day when the lowest race on the programme would be £500, but I am very much afraid that day is now a long way off. With a general falling off of the totalisator receipts the stakes must naturally be affected and a reduction will be necessary this year. Cinder Track. The much talked of cinder track for winter training was completed tecently and is considered to be just what was required for wet weather conditions..The cost was in the vicinity of £500, and it should be appreciated by trainers. This track has been specially laid down for fast work only on wet days. Catering For-Juveniles. "The meeting held by the club last August in aid of the Earthquake Relief Fund resulted in the sum of £5061 13/3 being handed, over for the good cause. This year the club will hold a two days' meeting for the relief of the unemployed. I feel sure the club will meet with the same support and success as last year. "I am sorry it has been necessary for the Forbury Park Club to abandon their Sapling Stakes for trotters. I believe in catering for the straight-out trotter in every case where possible. The question of introducing such a race by this club will be considered in the "ear future. It is also my intention to ask the committee to, consider the advisability of including two and three-year-old races on the programme this year.

I wish to take this opportunity of expressing our tnanks to Mrs. L. A. Adanw for the very handsome gold cup she has again donated to the club for the Adams' Memorial Ea.ce.

No Large Profit. "Although we did not make a large profit during the year our racing was. quite up to the high standard it has reached in previous meetings. Our course to-day is free from undesirables, for which we must thank our racecourse inspectors. The racing is clean and free from suspicious practice, due to the strict supervision of your stewards m conjunction with the stipendiary stewards. The many thrills and exciting finishes witnessed during the year must be credited to our handicapper, Mr. Paul, jun.,'his hunched fields and close finishes have been the cause of much favourable comment from the publW generally. , "I am pleased with the manner in whict all the Officials carried out their duties, and I must give a word of praise to our secretary, who has carried out his duties impartially and well, also to our clerk oi course, Mr. Hirst, for his tact and horsemanship in retrieving runaway horses; his prompt action on several occasions has been the means of preventing what might have been a serious accident, cluing the running of a race. I also desire to thank the committee and stewards ior their continued support and confidence in me; without a good, loyall committer ' a president cannot get very far. _ therefore very grateful for the confident placed in me."