Race Meeting On Anzac Day Planned

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31304, 25 February 1967, Page 12

Race Meeting On Anzac Day Planned

A gala equalisator race meeting, organised by the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association, the Lions Club of Christchurch and the Canterbury Trotting Owners’ and Breeders’ Association will be held on the afternoon of Anzac Day at Addington Raceway.

A six-race programme will be held and between races other entertainment will be provided. Expected to be held are sky-diving displays, gliding, and a horse versus athlete race. A number of bands will attend. A competition will be held for the best dressed woman patron. The armed services may also participate. The Returned Services’ Sandilands Home for Veterans will receive 80 per cent of the money raised and the balance will be distributed to other charities to be nominated by the Lions Club. The catering facilities at the Raceway will be operating as will a licensed booth. The staff for the equalisator, gates, bar and car park will be volunteers from the R.S.A. and Lions clubs. Members of the New Zealand

Trainers’ and Horsemen’s Association will also give their time and services. The New Zealand Metropolitan, Canterbury Park and New Brighton Trotting Clubs are behind the venture and will provide financial and other assistance.

The president of the Christ church Lions Club (Mr B. E. Williams) said that once they realised after 1 p.m. on Anzac Day could be treated as an afternoon on any Saturday, they saw an opportunity to use the day as fund raising for charity. “The morning will be used to commemorate the fallen and we plan to use the afternoon to raise money to help those affected by war service,” he said. Our approaches to the three trotting clubs were met with a great response. All the specialists on course management have offered their services. “Business houses will give the prizes for the six events,” said Mr Williams.

“I am sure I am expressing the sincere appreciation of the executive and members of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association to the Lions Club and other organisations combining to make Anzac afternoon a success,” said the president of the R.S.A. (M' D. Barrett).

“I am ell aware of the poor conditions our members from the First World War are living in in Christchurch,” he said. “The money we receive from this function will be spent entirely on the developments we have in view at the Sandilands settlement in Pages road. We have already built four cottages, and if we can obtain sufficient money we will build another 12,” said Mr Barrett.