EGMONT RACING CLUB.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 1 August 1924, Page 6

EGMONT RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Egmont Racing Club was held last night, Mr o. Gray presiding over an attendance oi about twenty-five members. ANNUAL REPORT. The chairman’s annual report was as follows: It is with much pleasure we have to report that the year’s operations have resulted in a profit of £IO6B 17s. At the two meetings during the season the club’s popularity was well maintained, a high, class of racing being witnessed, with substantial increases in our totalisator revenue, gate 'receipts and nomination and acceptance fees. The only improvements done during the year have been the installation of a. hot water service in the booths. The work of roading the new motor paddock has been commenced, and will be ready for the coming summer meeting. This will alleviate the congestion of traffic on the AYaihi Road and enable cars to go in one entrance and out the other. It is with deep regret that we have to record the deaths of Messrs J C. Hobbs and A. Willcocks, two esteemed members. It is with much regret that we to announce the retirement cf Mr W. C. Adamson from the committee and stewards. Mr Adamson has rendered invaluably service to the club for the past 34 years, and we take this opportunity of expressing our sincere thanks and appreciation. Your committee take this opportunity of expressing thanks to the paid and honorary staff for their services during the year. Nominations for the offices of president, vice-president and honorary treasurer, not being in excess of the offices to be filled, I hereby declare the following duly elected, viz.: President, Mr J. Gray; vic-e-president, Mr A. Good; honorary treasurer, Mr S. Adamson. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS.

The chairman said; “Before moving the adoption of the report and balancesheet, 1 will take this opportunity oi expressing my sincere thanks and' appreciation of the great honour conferred on me in electing me your pi-esi-dent. Since the. inception of the club we have only had two preside'nts, namely, the late Sir Harry Atkinson and the late Sir Robert Nolan, who were both exceptionally capable and good men. Sir Robert Nolan, who was known to most of the present Members, fulfilled the position with such marked ability and set a noble example for future presidents to endeavour to emulate. In following a mail of the calibre of Sir Robert, I recognise 3 have an uphill task which will give me all the- more encouragement in my endeavour to uphold the prestige and dignity of office and fulfil the duties to the best of my ability. One more pleasing reference I have to make before dealing with accounts, that is the pleasure or extending a ! very hearty welcome home to our old friend and secretary, Mr Stratton, after his prolonged and serious illness. Mr Stratton is one of our most valued and capable officials A and I feel sure I am voicing the feelings of all present when 1 say we are delighted to see him home again, and sincerely hope his health will continue to improve and call for no morei anxiety. In regard to the report and balance-sheet, I have much pleasure in moving its adoption. Members have had an opportunity to study the balance-sheet, in which the figures are fullv detailed, and leave little for me to elaborate on. The period under review has been satisfactory, both financially and from a racing point of view, and it is very gratifying to show a profit after a series of losses during the previous three years. The two meetings held were favoured with fine weather, substantial increases being recorded in our totalisator investments and gate receipts. The innovation of the Nolan Cup for hacks was highly commended by owners and trainers and was a. popular race. The finances of the club have been judicially handled and the expenditure kept down to a minimum, the only improvements done being the installation of a hot water service in the booths. The work of roading the new motor - car paddock has been commenced, and will lie completed in time /or our February meeting. Your committee have in .view the necessity of a new official and members’ stand, and as soon as a favourable opportunity presents itself for financing same the work will be proceeded with. Taxation continues to be a heavy burdetn on clubs, and thp lo.ng-sought-for reduction is to receive consideration of, Parliament at this session. I now formally move the adoption of the report and balancesheet a.s printed.” Mr S. Adamson seconded, and the motion was carried without discussion. NEW MEMBERS. New members elected were as follow: Messrs H. G. Brodie, J. P. Murphy, J. E. Murray. W. McL’Dowie, Nganiko, E. Parsons, J. A. Rodie and T. A. Winks. COMMITTEE AND STEWARDS. The voting for committeemen and stewards resulted ip the following being elected:—Committee: Messrs J. H. Baker, H. A. Foyster, A. Grant, R. Hicks, G. G. La-room, M. F. Purser, C. J. Preston, R. Spratt, S. O. Tonics, C. H. Washer and W. O. Williams. Stewards: Messrs J. H. Baker. H. A. Forster, W. Good, A. Grant, R. Hicks. G. 0. Lareoin, C. J. Preston, H. Spratt. S. C. Tonics, (’. H. Washer, and W. 0. Williams. A VALUABLE MEMBER. The chairman made reference to the retirement from the committee and stewards of Mr W. V. Adamson, and as a memento of that gentleman’s association with the crub he had much pleasure in presenting him with a pair of binoculars. Mr Adamson, who had been a member for the past 34 years, was one of the pioneers, and during his years of membership" had rendered invaluable service. The chairman sincerely hoped that Mr Adamson would soon enjoy good health again, and so be in a position to avail himself of the privileges bestowed upon him by the club. Mr S. Adamson received the presentation on behalf of his father, who was absent. He said that his father would greatly appreciate the kindness of the* members, and would value the gift in the same manner which had prompted its giving. Three cheers were then given for Mr Adamson, who was also elected patron of the' club. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. At a subsequent meeting of the committee. Mr J. Gray was elected chairman for the ensuing year, and the following officers wore appointed: — Handicapper, Mr H. Coyle; starter, Mr C. O’Connor; honorary judge, Mr C- H. Washer; clerk of course, Mr T. C. Sutherland; honorary veterinary surgeon, Mr A. Bayly; honorary clerk of scales, Mr W. F. Sutton; honorary surgeons, Drs. W. M. Thomson and' J. McGhie; lion, time-keeper. Mr T. F. Goddard; totalisator supervisor. Mr W. O’Callaghan.