VALEDICTORY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 March 1921, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

MR R, S. LATTA.

At the Albion Hotel yesterday afternoon tlld emnmittee of the Greymouth Jockey Club met ib hid farewell to one of their number, Mr R. S. Latta, who leaves on Saturday for Hamilton. The President, (Mr T. E. Coates, after apologising for some of the committeemen who were unavoidably absent, regretted that such a gathering was necessary, although all knew that the guest had spent a much longer term in Greymouth than was usual with civil servants. He much appreciated Mr Latta’s services as a committfifftnan and the great amount of time he had ptlt iw to help the club along, also for his many suggestions for the improvements of the course afid management. As a Jtidge he had been second to none, for in iid (iiise had any complaint been made when the rtehlt of many close finishes had been announced. He hoped that before long Mr Latta would be’ OCWpying a similar position with one of the larger clubs. In presenting a cheque with which to purchase a memento of his connection with the Jockey Club, Mr Coates < elt sure that the guest would make good in the large district to which he was removing, and hoped that when the holidays came round tbeir guest would be with them again to give them the benefit of his advice. The whole of the other members present spoke in appreciative terms of Mr Latta’s assistance in making the club a better club, and for his generosity in giving a helping hand at all times. In responding, Mr Latta greatly regretted his departure after 164 years’ icsidence, though he could not object to being removed after that length of time. He greatly appreciated what had been said about, his connection with the club, but as racing was his favourite sport he was always willing to give it a help along anywhere. He hoped ofter a couple of years to pay a visit to the Grey, when he hoped to see a substantial Cup race on the programme and horses from all parts of the country competing. He greatly appreciated the gift, and his connection with the Jockey Club would always be held in pleasant remembrance.