Trotting Sport In Greymouth: Successful Year

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1949, Page 8

Trotting Sport In Greymouth: Successful Year

“Although unfortunate with the weather for the October meeting, the club has had another fairly successful year. At New Yeai- we had to work in with our sister-clubs and had to race on two mid-week days, which had a natural effect on the totalisator returns.” This statement was made by the president, Mr J. Steel, at the annual meeting last night of the Greymouth Trotting Club. Mr Steel was addressing about 55 members of the club. The committee, said Mr Steel, had worked well during the year, and improvements had been- made to the grounds and appointments. This applied particularly to the outside tearooms. The rooms had been relined and a hot-water system, which was of a standard in keeping with the .Health Department requirements, had been installed.

Another necessity which had been installed was hot showers in the drivers’ room.

Mr- Steel stated that the chief stipendiary steward had asked to have the track resurveyed. This had been done and everything was in order, although some “filling” had had to be done on the track. A matter which would have to be considered by the club was the tarsealing of the roadway to the grounds, said Mr Steel. At the last October meeting the ground had developed into a quagmire. Club Stewards “Also, our chief stipendiary steward was concerned about the number of club stewards absent from our last race meeting. We are all aware that patrols have to have a fair knowledge of racing requirements, and it is hardly fair to call on outside assistance,” he said. “y/e will have a very busy time with the introduction of a ‘doubles’ totalisator and oil-course betting, but I do not think that that will eventuate this season,” added Mr Steel. He thanked the officers of the club for their work during the year, the course broadcaster, Mr J. O’Donnell, the judges, the caretaker, Mr R. Thompson, the secretary, Mr W. E. Pribg, and the tearooms staff. “I hope our club will continue to prosper and that our incoming committee will carry out the high standard of work of past years,” conMr Steel. Discussing the balance-sheet, the

adoption of which was moved by Mr J. Saunders, Mr E. W. Caulton made reference to the entertainment account, which, he said, amounted to £lO6 12s 3d. “I realise that there is quite a lot to be done, but I would like to ask about the issue of afternoon tea tickets. There are a number of people —not members of the club—who get afternoon tea tickets.” Mr Caulton said that if tickets were “to be given awav,” members, owners, and drivers should get a ticket, but not other people. . “Reasonable Amount” Mr Steel: You will agree it is not a very large sum when you spread it over 100 to 150 visiting owners, visiting trainers, outside stewards, and club members. I do not think we are “throwing much away.” In fact, I think we are a little on the “measily” side. Mr Saunders expressed the hope that through the years the club would “wipe out” the loan indebtedness. “The club is to be congratulated on the excellent position disclosed by the balance sheet,” he said. It had been stated that building permits could not be gained by the club for new buildings on the grounds, stated Mr C. L. Kettle. “The building of a ramp does not need a permit and I think we should build a ramp, on a smaller scale to that at Addington. It could be built at a very reasonable cost and it would be popular.” He moved that a recommendation be made to the incoming committee to consider the matter of building a ramp for “outside” patrons. This was seconded by Mr H. Kennedy and carried. Officers Elected The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr Steel (j-e-eleeted); vicepresidents, Messrs T.« Oxenham and E. McDonnell; secretary, Mr Pring; treasurer, Mr W. E. J. Steer; auditor, Mr H. Herring; committee (four vacancies), Messrs E. W. Miller, C. R. McGinley,. J. O’Donnell, and J. Saunders. Messrs D. Hamer and J. Timlin were elected ne\y. members.