AVONDALE J.C.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 164, 14 July 1938, Page 12

AVONDALE J.C.

SUCCESSFUL SEASON.

ANNUAL MEETING TO-DAY.

"FINE FINANCIAL POSITION."

"The committee have pleasure in con gratulating the menvV>2rs upon another successful season, v said the president of the Avon-dale Jockey Club, Mr. J. E Wells, at the annual-meeting of members this afternoon.

After allowing for £1498 6/7 for depreciation and placing £73 7/ to the bad debts reserve, a balance of £1004 6/7 had been carried forward to the capital account, he continued. Thin proved beyond doubt that the club was in a very tine financial position, considering the amount spent on improvements during the last couple of seasons. Members were already aware of the extensive improvements carried out at course, and during the past year the committee had continued with its progressive policy. For instance, the sum of £1510 14/10 had been expended in maintenance of the club's properties. The outside stand cost £2398 15/3 to erect, and the amalgamation with the Dargaville Club cost £690 16/10, making a total for the year of £4606 6/11.

This, together with the £6133 10/8 expended last year made a total of £10.739 17/7 for the past two yeare, the chairman said, and it had all been paid out of revenue. The cost of tiie upkeep of the course Bad increased considerably during the last two seasons owing to the larger area, shorter hours, higher wages and necessity for more labour. At present the jockeys' room v?ae being altered and added to, and when completed would be the equal of any in the district. The race track and inside training tracks were in firet-class order. The Mile Post. The alterations to the mile post had already been taken in hand, but he was afraid that it would not be ready for nee during the ensuing season. The committee were of opinion that further accommodation for patrons was uscessary, and intended to enlarge both the main stand and members' stand as eoon as circumstances permitted. It was their earnest desire to bring the course and its appointments as near perfection ae was possible for members and patrons.

The stakes distributed during the season amounted to £11,185, an average of £1864 per day. With the exception of ijie first day of the autumn meeting., the weather was excellent and the racing had been of a very high order. Tho entries for next eeaeon'e classics showed an increase on last year and included some of the best-'bred youngsters in the land.

The vacancy created by the death of Mr. J. Raynee, one of the oldest and most respected membere of the committee, had been filled by Mr. E. J. Morrieon, who was well experienced in racing and would be of great assistance to the club.

The only nominatione for office bearere were: President, Mr. J. E. Wells; vicepresident, Mr. J. Archibald; committee (five vacancies), Messrs. E. T. Bain, J. C. Beale, P. J. Delany, G. McCarthy and J. H. Walters, and as they did not exceed the required -number they were declared elected.