ASHBURTON RACING CLUB

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 271, 28 August 1946, Page 2

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB

BEST SEASON IN HISTORY “From every point of view the past season has been the most, successful in the history of the club,” commented Mr H. F. Nicoll, president of the Ashburton County Racing Club, in moving the adoption of the committee’s report (as already published in the “Guardian”) at the annual" meeting yesterday. “Although we were called upon to pay £10,739 in taxation, and provided £6695 in stakes for three days’ racing, a profit resulted amounting to £1053. The question of taxation must be mentioned because, although at the present time we have been able to meet, it, and still show a profit, we cannot expect the existing favourable conditions to continue over a period. “In spite of the endeavours of the Government inflation of the currency is with us and a reaction is inevitable. When that, occurs it will have repercussions upon our finance which will make the taxation a load that will lie very difficult to carry. It is to lie hoped that the conference will take such action as they may consider expedient' to obtain some alleviation from this. Building Programme “We are still awaiting permission to proceed with our building programme. We have been extraordinarily fortunate during the last three years and more, since the fire occurred which destroyed our grandstand, that we have not encountered bad weather for any of our race meetings, so that our patrons, although deprived of sitting accommodation, have been able to view the racing without overmuch discomfort. “The committee are much concerned at the delay of the rebuilding programme. They have the necessary funds in hand, together with the Trotting Club, and fully recognise the imperative necessity for providing all the amenities for our members and patrons. You can be assured that we will lose no opportunity to obtain the permission of the Building Controller for this important work, “We all sincerely regret the absence of our chairman, Mr E. B. Newton, through illness, from our annual meeting, and you will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery,” concluded Mr Nicoll. Election of Officers Apart from the committee and stewards, officers were elected unopposed. For the positions requiring a ballot the new personnel is as follows: Committee: Messrs E. B. Nawton, IT. F. Nicoll, E. F. Nicoll, M. D. Cunneen, T. S. Harrison, R. Kennedy, R. J. Mulligan, J. Findlay, J. H. Grigg, H. B. Millichamp, H. Morris, F. V. Piper, F. B. Robilliard, J. T. Thomas. Stewards: Messrs J. Findlay, J. IT. Grigg, C. G. C. Harper, T. S. Harrison, R. Kennedy. H. B. Millichamp, H. Morris, R. J. Mulligan, V. C. Mulligan, E. F. Nicoll, H. F. Nicoll, F. V. Piper, E. W. Roberts and J. T. Thomas. Mr J. W. Bowden was re-elected auditor. On the motion of Mr R. Kennedy, seconded by Mr E. F. Nicoll, the dale for closing the club’s financial •year was altered from July 31 to Julv 20. A vote of thanks, with acclamation, was passed to the local newspapers.