RACING CLUBS

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 January 1923, Page 2

RACING CLUBS

AN APPLICATION OPPOSED.

For the purpose of considering correspondence received from the New Zealand Racing Conference with reference to an objection raised by the Westland Racing Club against the Kuinar.i Jockey Club racing at the Greymoutn Racecourse on Easter Monday, a special meeting of the District Committee of the Grey Jockey Club was held last evening. The following members were present: Messrs T. E. Coates (chair), W. R. Kettle. A. Perotti, D. J. Evans AV. H. Parfitt, J. Walton, AV. B, Gilbert, and A. Beban. The Stipendiary Steward (Air C. H. Gorton) and delegates from the Kumara Club (Alessrs R. Ford, E. Alulvihill. and G. Burger) also attended the. meeting. The AVcstland Racing Club’s objection was based mainly on the allegation that the Kumara Jockey Club had not made legitimate efforts to. bring their course into order- The AVcstland Club did not consider it fair to other country clubs who were struggling to provide efficient appointments and maintain stakes consistent with the times. The AVestland Club protested against any concession being given io the Kumara Club, unless consideration was given to the claims of the AVestland Club for the Easter Monday date.

In answer to the Chairman, the Kumara delegates stated that £250 had been spent on the course during the last twelve months, and that the Club had £l5O in hand, which they intended to expend in refencing the inside of the track, repairing drains, and in other necessary work. Further, it was intended to spejid £4OO to £5OO on tho buildings and other necessary iinprovements during the next twelve months. If sufficient profit were not made out oi the forthcoming meeting, the Club intended to raise by debentures the money required to put the track and buildings in a condition fit for race meetings. Mr Ford said that the Club had drawn up a programme for Easter Dlonday, with stakes amounting to £7OO

Mr Burger stated that ploughing and seeding operations were being conducted under the supervision of Dlr C. 8. Dalgleish, of the Department of Agriculture.

After hearing the explanation of the Kumara delegates, Dlr Evans (AVestland Club) moved that the AVestland Racing Club be asked to withdraw it& objection to the Kumara Jockey Club racing at- Greymouth on Easter Dlonday, on the distinct understanding that in future the Kumara Club would race on its own course.

The motion was seconded by Dlr Beban and carried.

Dlr Gilbert moved and Dlr Perotti (Reefton) seconded, that the District Committee, having heard the Kumara representative, is satisfied that the Kumara Club has made legitimate efforts to put its track in order, and that the application of the Kumara Club to race elsewhere be recommended. —Carried.

The programme of the Reefton Jockcv Club for a meeting to be held on April 11, and that of the AVestportJockey Club for a meeting to be held on Dlarch 24 and 26, were approved. The transfer of apprentice AV. Oliver from Shannahan and Donnellan to K. Patrick was recommended.