THE CANTERBURY COURSING CLUB.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1533, 16 January 1879, Page 3

THE CANTERBURY COURSING CLUB.

The animal meeting of the members of this club was held at the Shades at five o’clock yesterday afternoon. About a dozen members wore present, and the chair was occupied by Mr W* Browne. The secretary, Mr Walker, read the following report:— ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting this, the second annual report, your committee desire to congratulate the members on the success which has attended tho labors of the committee during the past year, and especially through the coursing season, May, June, and July. All the stakes on the programme were well filled, and the season terminated with the Cup Meeting, at which visitors from various parts of the colony were present, and which proved in every way a success, tho principal event, tho Canterbury Cup, going to Mr Lunn, of‘Southland, with tho Gazelle. During the past year a largo number of good dogs have been imported into the place, and there cannot be a doubt that the sport of coursing has been thoroughly established in the Canterbury district. From a letter received from tho North Otago Club, and which will be laid before the members, it will be seen that efforts are being made to establish one New Zealand Waterloo Meeting, and with that object in view it is proposed to hold a meeting of delegates from tho leading clubs in Dunedin at an early date. That such a coursing meeting will materially advance the sport throughout tho colony cannot be denied, and your committee hope that their successors in office will act promptly in the matter. Your committee have to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a very handsome silver cup presented by one of the members, and by him placed unconditionally at the disposal of the club, to be run for during the coming season. y our committee hope that steps will this season be taken to secure a more suitable ground than Hagley Park over which to course, as until this is done the running will never be of a legitimate character, which is so necessary to ensure the filling up of good stakes. It is reported that hares are fast spreading in all directions, and it is hoped that gentlemen will bo found who will further the sport by placing their estates at the disposal of the club for coursing purposes, as is done at Oamaru and other parts of this island. Your committee feel that this report would not be complete without a reference to the kindly manner in which the Xiomalu Board and lessees have acted during the past season by granting the use of the park at various times. At the last meeting of the committee a letter was read from Mr H. V. Anson, resigning the office of secretary. That gentleman has held office since tho formation of the club, and it wid be universally conceded that in a great measure the success of the club has resulted from his efforts to promote its welfare. Your committee are however gratified to report that Mr Anson is still willing to act as treasurer if desired to. From the statement of accounts presented by the treasurer, and duly audiced, it will be seen that the expenditure has been exceedingly heavy, but as the chief items are for stock, which will last for several years, there is every reason to believe that a good credit balance will be shown at the next year’s audit. The statement of accounts showed the receipts had been .£464 9s, of which sum, after all accounts had been paid, there remained a balance in hand of j> o la 9d. Mr A. Duncan moved that the annual report and balance sheet be adopted. Seconded by Mr Deacon, and agreed to. The next business was the election of officers for the ensuing year. The secretary stated that the members of committee, who had been balloted out, were Messrs Mitchell, Anson, Jerome, Disher, Strouts, and Hill. Some discussion took place as to whether any member could be e'ected to tho committee who had not psid his subscription. It was resolved—“ That any members could be elected, but could not serve on tho committee until they had paid their subscriptions.” The following gentlemen were elided on the committee; Messrs Deacon, Anson, Hill, Miles, Johnston, and Chatteris. The secretary read a letter that had been received from the Oamaru Coursing Clnb in reference to a meeting of delegates rc Wat erloo Cup, as referred to in the report The secretary said bo had acknowledged the receipt of_ the letter, and had promised to communicate with tho Oamaru Club as early as possible. It was no doubt a matter to be considered by the committee, but at the same time it was open for the meeting to discuss it, and pass any recommendation they thought proper. Mr Disher thought it was altogether a matter for the committca. Mr Duncan thought not, ho was opinion that a resolution on the subject should bo passed, and he would move—“ That this meeting having heard the letter from the N.O. < lub read re the proposed Waterloo meeting, remit the matter to the committee, and request their favorable consideration of the matter.” Seconded by Mr Porter. The meeting then terminated.