THE RACING CLUB

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 9875, 24 July 1923, Page 5

THE RACING CLUB

EFFECTS OF TAXATION,

A SERIOUS POSITION. ■A ANNUAL MEETING HELD'.

At the annual meeting of the Ashburton County Racing Club this afternoon some pertinent remarks were made concerning the apparently exces- * sive taxation being levied on racing clubs, and it would appear that the Ashburton Club is being seriously embarrassed as a result.

Mr Hunter Morris, in the absence from the country of Mr E. B. Newton, presided over a small attendance of members. Movung the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, alreadypublished, he said he Avas extremely sorry he was unable to present a healthier or better balance sheet, but so long as the Government continued to collect such “murderous” taxation the position could not improA’e. In fact unless there was a considerable reduction the Club Avould have to consider the question of winding up its affairs. However, the matter of taxa-, tion had been put so plainly before tha Government of late that it must surely be beginning to recognise the situation in which the racing clubs A\-ere placed. It Avas quite likely reductions would be made. The club should certainly back up Sir George Clifford, and if his idea of taxation Avere given

effect to it would bring considerable relief to all, particularly country clubs. Reviewing the activities of the year, he said two really good meetings had been held, the racing being excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by the public. The starting at the' races hadi been exceptionally good. Mr J. C. N. G rigg seconded the motion for. the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. He said there were always two sides to a question, and possibly the position might have been worse. They could only urge and hop© for reductions. He recalled the time when the Club was £BOO in debt, and iit persevered until it had £BOO in credit at the Building Society. All clubs had their ups and downs, and if this Club kept going and did all it could to get reduction in taxation, bet was sure it would not have to “file,’ 3, but instead would go on as merrily as it had done in the past. Times were changing obviously for the better, and! prospects financially appeared to bet much more hopeful. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr E. F. Nicoll said that in view of resolutions regarding taxation reduction, he would like to see the Chiba's report and balance-sheet of to-day * meeting forwarded to the authorities in Wellington. All the evidence possible should be accumulated', and! facts about Ashburton’s position would, help. The Chairman said it would be agood idea to do this, and suggestedthat the member for the district should be requested to place the matter before the right authorities.

Mr J. C. N. Grigg supported Mr Nicoll, who moved in this direction. The motion was carried.

The chairman urged that an effort be made to increase the membership* which was only 180. A good membership was an asset, especially on a wet day. While people said it was not wise to have too many members, he thought it quite all right, for members brought friends to the meetings, to the benefit of the club. The more members the greater the interest. The following were declared elected a committee and stewards, being the only ones nominated: Committee —Messrs E. B. Newton, E. F. Nicoll. T. E. Upton. H. C. Orbell* H. F, Nicoll, W. C. Brydon, and R. Ivennedv.

Stewards —Messrs E B. Newton, J. H. Grigg, John Grigg. H. Morris, T. E. Unton, H. C. Orbell, H. F. Nicoll, W. C. Brvdon. R. Kennedy, T. Blackley. and E. F. Nicoll. The chairman returned the thanks of the club to the unpaid officials, who had done excellent work. He thanked the secretary (Mr A. A. Fooks). saying that there had not been a single hitch in the conduct of the meetings. The Press was also thanked for its assistance.

Subsequently a meeting of the committee was held to elect various officials: The meeting is proceeding.