Successful Year In Spite Of Loss

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32053, 30 July 1969, Page 5

Successful Year In Spite Of Loss

(From Our Own Reporter)

ASHBURTON.

The Methven Trotting Club showed a loss of $2273.89 for the year ended May 31, after allowing for depreciation of $1917.69, the retiring president (Mr J. W. Thomas) said in his report to the club’s annual meeting last evening.

Mr Thomas said that in spite of this loss the club had had a successful year. The loss could be attributed mainly to adverse weather for the club’s two race meetings. This affected the oncourse totallsator turnover which, at $157,843, was $27,000 less than last year. The off-course turnover was

$234,493.50, an increase of $1395. “Stakes were increased by $450 to $17,730, and it is hoped that a worth-while increase in stakes will be possible when the club’s share of the T.A.B. profit for 1969 is known,” Mr Thomas said. “Large fields competed at both meetings and many horses were balloted out; The track throughout the year was in splendid order and many horses were trained on the outer portion of the track. These horses scored a high percentage of wins at meetings in various parts of the country. “The committee considered the question of erecting a tower for race filming, and met the chief stipendiary steward and the camera operator at the racecourse for discussion. It was later decided to hold this matter in abeyance until more information is available, especially regarding the best location for the tower.

“Five days of race trials were held on our track and provided excellent educational opportunities for younger and maiden horses, as well as training runs for others. Our thanks go to all those who supported the club during the year.”

The club’s balance sheet lists the main items of expenditure as stakes, $17,730, and taxation, $34,065.76. The main income is from totalisator receipts, $53,678.38, and nominations and acceptances, $4214.

Officers for the coming year are: president, Mr G. D. Kelly; vice-presidents, Messrs H. J. Harrison, J. C. Nordqvist; treasurer, Mr J. E. Triggs; committee, Messrs D. S. Harrison, A. S. Milne, D. J. McCloy, E. J. McCloy, M. C. McTigue.