PARK RACECOURSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1519, 29 July 1905, Page 3

PARK RACECOURSE.

GISBORNE RACING CLUB PUR CHASE PROPERTY.

A largely attended meeting of the Gisborne Racing Olub was hold at the Gisborne Hotel last evening for tho purpose ' of considering tho question of purchasing the Park Racecourse. Mr D. Hepburn presided and the following members wore also present:—Messrs W. ' Gault, H. Martin, Parker, H. M. Porter, J. A. Harding, J. A. Luoas, F. Hall, D. J. Barry, Captain Tucker, Erskine, J. J. Martin, A. F. Kennedy, T- G. Lawless, G. Oman, O. White, McConnell. A letter was read from Mr H. M. Porter, secretary of tho Povori.y Bay Park Company, under data of July 3rd, offering the property to the Club for the sum of £6OOO, the offer being subject to the Company boing able to legally complete a sale, and also to acceptance by the Club within one month of the date of tbe offer. *

In reply to Mr Harding, the secretary. Mr Nasmith, stv-ed that the Racing Club bad about £llOO to their credit, besides the shares they hold in tbe Park Company. The total ersdit "balance was about £I7OO.

Captain Tucker proposed that the offer of the Park Club should'be accepted. He was anxious that tho ground should be retained as a recreation ground for Gisborne for all time. There would bo no difficulty in regard to financing the matter, as many of the shareholders in the Park would still retain their interest, If any of the shareholders wanted their money out he would be prepared to pay them. Mr D. .J. Barry seconded tbe motioD, and expressed pleasure that the ground would still bo kept fot recreation purposes. It was a good investment, and the Club should not allow it to pass. Mr A. F. Kennedy heartily supported the motioD, pointing out what an excellent investment the club wore obtaining. He had been asked by several membera of iho Borough Conneil to express the hope that the grounds would not be lost as a park for Gisborne.

Several- other members spoke to the motion, congratulating the club on the prospect of securing the grounds, and also expressing tho wish that tho interests of tho public should be kept in view. All the Racing Club wanted was that they should have their own rights protected.

Mr Harding was anxious to move a resolution setting up a committee tojneet the Borough Council in regard to acquiring tho grounds, bnt the chairman could nol see his way to accept such a motion. He (the chairman) thought it would be quite time to discuss tho matter with the Borough Connell when the purchase was completed. ■" Mr J. H. Martin said it was tho spirit of the meeting that the property should not be lost to tbe public. All the club wanted was the right to race. (Applause.) The Club were practically securing the ground for tbe public good, and were at the same time conserving tho interests of the Gisborno Racing Olub. Captain Tucker expressed satisfaction at the unanimity of tho meeting. Ho thought a committee Bhould be sot up to make all arrangements in connection with the completion of the purchase. This was finally agreed to, and Messrs Hepburn, Harding, Matthewson, White aDd Captain Tucker were appointed members of the committee. A hearty vote of thanks to the Chair concluded a most suooosßful meeting.