REEFTON JOCKEY CLUB

Grey River Argus, 3 December 1938, Page 4

REEFTON JOCKEY CLUB

DECISION TO RAISE DEBENTURES. — I' A general .meeting of members was held in the Band Room last evening, there being present members. Mr. J. B. Discaciati occupied the chair Ln the,absence of the President (Mr. ,T. B. Auld), in Westport. The Secretary read the notice convening the meeting, also the notices nf motion.

The Chairman apologised for the absence of the President, who was called away to Westport. He referred to the necessity of both the Jockey and Trotting Clubs working together He called upon Mr. Winchester to move his notice of motion.

Mr. Winchester said his proposition was to popularise the Club. The more members the Club had, the more popular it became. He moved his motion as follows: "That Rule 5 of the Rtilcs of the Reefton Jockey-Club (Tnc.) be and hereby is amended by deleting the words: "and the proposer shall pay the entrance fee of one guinea immediately.” That Rule 6 (b) of the Rules of the. Reefton Jockey Club (Tnc.) be and hereby is amended by deleting the words: “and the entrance fee shall become forfeited to the Club." Mr. R. Cook did not favour the motion. After the first year a member got considerably more in the way of the value of privileges than his subscription. Mr. C. H. Cleaver said this matter had been discussed by the Club on several occasions.’ He seconded the motion, which he thought would be to the advantage of the Club. Mr. Bonifacio suggested- that a secret ballot be taken oh- the matter. . . . . -

The Chairman did not think that could be done. He had given the matter considerable thought. When he joined the Club 28 years agt) the entrance fee was £2 2$ ai)d £1 Is subscription. He had spoken to a number of people and most of these had objected to paying that amount. The Club had reduced the entrance fee to £1 Is and they had gained, a large number of members. Mr. Dellaca was not in favour of the motion. He' did not ' think it would assist the Club to any great degree.

The Chairman then put the’motion and declared it carried by 10 to 3. Mr. J. Patterson then moved his motion as follows: “That Rulo 28 of the Rules of the Reefton Jockey Club •Jnc.) be and hereby is amended by deleting the words; “but no member of the Committee of any other Club (holding a totalisator permit) leasing the grounds or buildings of the Club shall bo so eligible.” He had brought this motion some time ago, but withdrew it owing to opposition. He now moved it so that both local clubs could co-operate. Mr. Seawright seconded the motion. He thought that the Clubs should work together.

The Chairman put the motion and declared it carried unanimously. The Chairman then moved Mn. J. B. Auld’s motions, which were to alter the rules so that effect could be given to the amendments to the rules carried. This was seconded by Mr. Seawright. The motion was put and carried. '/ The Chairman then referred to the issue of debentures. These were now printed and ready to be taken up. They wanted money and he asked

members to express their opinions on the subject. In reply to Mr. Keating as to any guarantee re the debenture, the Chairman said debenture holders had a second guarantee after the bank.

Mr. W. Gore Porter (Secretary), said "the debenture holders had the right to appoint a receiver, if the Club failed to pay the interest. The Bank had a charge on the freehold only. The Club had the right to redeem the debentures when funds were available, by means of a ballot. Mr. Jas. Patterson said he originated the idea of the debentures, and if each member would take one or more debenture it would assist the Club naturally. . They were being offered better interest than could be obtained from the Post Oliiee.

The Secretary said that they had to make some definite move in the matter. He hoped they would formulate some plan by perhaps forming a com-' mitfee to canvass members and others to take up at least one debenture. Mr. Cleaver hoped that each member would take up one debenture and induce others to do so.

Mr. Noble suggested that the Committee take a definite step in the matter and appoint a committee to canvass the district and place the debentures.

Mr. Cleaver • supported the suggestion, and pointed out that the Cluo wanted the approval of members. Mr. Noble moved and Mr. Keating seconded, that the action of the .committee in issuing debentures be endorsed. This was carried.

The Chairman then asked, those .present willing to . subscribe for debentures to give their names and several in the room responded. The Chairman asked if any member had any general business to bring before the members.

Mr. Dellaca suggested that' members of the Club be canvassed for assistance on race days, and thus save 'paying a large amount on the three days’ races. The Chairman said this matter had been mentioned, and he thought the Trotting and Jockey Clubs should reciprocate in. this, matter. He himself would be willing to assist the Trotting Club,

The Chairman thanked members for- their support and attendance and the meeting closed. ' ■