WELLINGTON RACING CLUB

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 302, 10 September 1918, Page 9

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB

. ANNXTAit, BEPOET. The report to bo presented to the annual: meeting, of members of the Wellington Racing ■ Club, to bo held on September 27, states that tho balance-sheet for tho year ended July 31, 1918, considering all the' circumstances, must bo deemed satisfactory." Consequent upon the reduction of racing days by tho racing clubs of the Dominion the club held only six days' Tacinjr -during the 'year, as against ten-dayß-in; the preceding year. Tbo attendance'of the public, considering the adverse conditions, - has boen exceptionally satisfactory,. No railway facilities were afforded other than the ordinary train service, and no improvement in this respect is to:be lookedi for during the continunce of tho -war. In view of the extra, expenso inonrre<l by "the club's patrons on this account, no charge lias boon made for admission : to the outside enclosure. This action occasioned a considerable loss of revenue. At the request of the military authorities no liquor was Bold on tho racecourse grounds during tho year. This' resulted in' a decrease of revenue of about fiIOQO. Since tho commencement of'tho' war the club has made large, cash' contributions to. the various patriotic funds, in addition to which tlio club's buildings, furniture, catering plant,- etc:, have been In use-by .the camp authorities, entailing', coatly replacoments. The club's jockeys' and . trainers' accommodation houses havo. been 'in continuous, uso by, the medical and nursing ' staffs. of tho military camp, and the grounds are used daily • for training ; purposes. The total Government taxation paid by tho club over tho war period amounts to .£57,935, 14s. lid., and tho'Bnm.of £10,000 has been invested' in -the New Zealand Government War lioan. ' The stewards feci that an apology is duo to the public for ' the inadequacy of the accommodation provided at. Trentham, which, with the ever-increas-ing attendances, is now being - severely felt. An order:had actually been booked for building material prior to tho outbreak of the war.' This order was cancelled, .the wholo building scheme Bfonds in abeyanco until peace is again established. ' It is , with Tegret that tlio stewards have to record tho death during tho year of the following members Hon. Sir. Charles .Johnston, Colonel A. Jlumo,' Dr. A. Martin, Messrs, A. 8. Diss, 0. T. Gouiter, and Joseph Mandel. The following office-bearers retiro in accordance with the ruleß, all being eligible'for re-election:—President, Mr. J. B. Harcotirt,; vice-president, Mr. W. H. 8. Moorhouso; stewards, Messrs. J.' W. Abbott, W. G. Johnston, -C. W. Tringham, • and O. 8. Watkins. ; ■ i