PRESIDENT AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 5

PRESIDENT AT AUCKLAND

Mr P. R. Bridgens Elected "The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, July 28 Mr P. R. Bridgens was elected president and Mr R. Lewis retained his seat as vice-president of the Auckland Trotting Club at the annual meeting on Wednesday. It was the first time in the history of the dub that a vote was needed to decide either of those petitions and there was a record attendance of members Mr Bridgens, who was opposed for the presidency by Mr H. Bull, won the seat by 362 votes to 231. Mr Lewis was re-elected vicepresident with 321 votes, a majority of 69 over Mr G. E. Wheeler. There were 15 nominations for six seats on the committee. The successful members for the vacancies were Messrs A. V. Hardley, C. F. Nicholson, C. J. W. Taylor (retiring members), N. Simpson, G. Easton and T. Banfield. The sixth vacancy arose from the re-election of Mr Lewis as vice-president. Messrs Banfield and C. C. Gill polled an equal number of votes and the position was decided after a draw from a hat. Mr Bridgens succeeds Dr. M. G Pezaro, who retired after being president since 1945. Dr. Pezaro, whose activities in trotting extend over 25 years, was presented with a life membership gold badge and Mrs Pezaro, who was also praised for her work, was presented with a television set The presentation" were made by Mr Bridgens. Mr Bridgens has been a committeeman of the dub for 14 years. He served as vicepresident for eight years and more recently as treasurer.