NAME CHANGED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 November 1924, Page 7

NAME CHANGED.

TO HAWERA TROTTING CLUB

BY NARROW MAJORITY. It was anticipated that there would be (some opposition on, the part of some of the members of the Waimaie Plains Trotting Club to the move made to change the name of the dub to that of the Hawera Trotting Club. And so it proved, for at a special general meeting last night, when a resolution adopting the new rules, regulations and by-laws embodying the suggested change, came before the meeting, a motion of confirmation was only carried by a majority of nine to eight. At t'he outset the chairman, Mr. B. McCarthy, explained that the meeting had been convened for the purpose of confirming or rejecting two resolutions passed at a special general meeting of the club held on October 24 last. The resolutions were: (1) That the club becomes incorporated; (2) that the new rules, regulations and by-laws be adopted. It would be seen therefore that no amendments could be moved, and all that could be done was to vote for or against the motion confirming the resolutions passed at the previous meeting. If the meeting voted against, the whole business would have to he commenced again if any change were to be effected. The vexed question involved in the motion was that of the change in the name of the club, and at the previous meeting the following arguments in favour of the change had been advanced: That the name gives clear identity to the club as to its location; that if a change were effected the name would not clash with that of “Waimate” in the South Island; that it is said that the trots held here are generally known as the “Hawera Trots’’; that the greatest' support to the meeting is from Hawera and the immediate., neighbourhood. Arguments advanced against the proposal were: That the existing name is of long standings—some 17 years. Why, therefore, the neces-* sity for a change? That the original promoters were gentlemen of the Waimate Plains, and it is a compliment to them to retain the original name; that some of the club’s most active supporters are still men of the Waimate Plains; that the name being so well established the club’s location is well known.

The chairman urged members to accept tbe decision in the best possible spirit 'and to continue to give their unswerving support to the club.

Mr. F. Stevens moved that the resolutions in question be confirmed. Mr. T. Taylor seconded. and the motion was carried by the narrow majority stated above.

Mr. W. Slattery said be had not beard anyone state that they would withdraw support from the club if the name were changed, and he assured the meeting of continued support.