RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1937, Page 3

RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Westland Racing Club was held last evening at the Club rooms. .Air J. J. Mclntosh (President) presided over the following members: Messrs F. McGregor, F. Fane. It. Whibley, J. J. Breeze, F. McCabe, AY. A. Jamieson, H. Rutland, Stewart, M. B. James, A. E.- Benjamin, H. T. Parry J. J. Mclntosh jnr, H. Wells, E. J. Stoop and D. J. Evans. The minutes of the last annual meeting were confirmed. The chairman referred to the deaths of the late C. J. 0, Sellers and AV. Jeffries and members stood in silence as a mark of respect.

Annual Report. The v executive report of the AVest--land Racing Club. In referring to the past season, the sad duty devolves again of remarking on the death of two of the Club’s prominent members: C. J. P. Sellers, honorary solicitor and assistant Clerk of the Scales, over many years ; anu William Jeffries, steward and supporting sportsman, whoso sudden death was *ueh a shook to the community. Both gentlemen gave valuable service over a long period and each will he missed from their accustomed posts. The Club has lost two sterling members who .had- the interests <of the sport at heart. The Club unveiled during the year a memorial to its late President, VV. E. Williams, to whom a tribute was paid by visiting sportsmen. It is pleasing on the other hand, 1o refer to the recovery of Mr J. Mclntosh. in 11 r., whose health a year ago caused anxiety to us all, also to congratulate Mr F. Fane on his improving health. The father of our Club, Mr W. A. Thompson, ■unfortunately is not so well at present, hut continues his interest in the Club', and it is hoped will be well enough to he present at the next rnce meeting as usual. Removals have caused the Club to fuse old and valued members in the persons of Mr G. AV. Keller and Mr H. C. Newman, whose support was always at

can. The year’s operations did not result as successfully ns was hoped. The throe day’s meeting at Christmas was well patronised, but the turn-over was noi equal to the requirements for the lull year. The total receipts were £3513, and the expenditure £3575, disclosing a small deficit. Unfortunately the value of the assets declined £4O, while liabilities increased £96, so that the .gross drift of the year is in the region of £l6B. While the three days meeting a I Christinas has been given a fair trial, the Committee has considered the artvisibility of confining- the meeting to one day on Boxing Day, and utilising the two remaining days of the permil in February, clear of other holiday attractions. Tt is felt that Vy mootin'-' without serious neighbouring opposition the undivided support to he obtained should ensure a, more successful season. The proposal has been well received, and it is contemplated racing on Boxing Day with a programme of seven galloping events of a total vnl•iir< of £660. and on February 25 and °6. 1938, with twelve galloping and fourtrotting events for a total stakes ot £*l5OU. The total or the stakes proposed is the same as the aggregate amount offered last year for throe days at Christmas. At both meet inns it is suggested the principal event he worth £l5O. AVith the help of Mr E. T. Stoop the Cluh membership-has increased for the coming year, and in view of the service of Ihe Club' to the town there is room for a further increase. In order to assist with the forthcoming meeting special donations might ho invited to ensure the financial success, and encourage the Club to extend its best efforts for the welfare of the sport in the districts. The associated clubs have boon endeavouring to secure a revision of the Gaming Act in minor details which would help the smaller clubs specially. But so far without effect. The Club, however, has received substantial help in the rebate allowed on totalisntor taxation. The total paid h'.v the Club to the Government in racing Taxes was £1295 and n rebate received was of £359. It can be seen without this help the Club would not have been able to continue. Representations have been made by the authorities for a, continuation of the rebate, and it is suggested the Member for Westland la* asked to support the application in the interests of the sport. The rebate is of particular help to all the smaller clubs, which need the assistance

greatly. The various officers >°f the Club were at their posts and fulfilled their duties ably. The conduct of the race meeting was commented on favourably b the visiting Stipendiary Steward, which was a well deserved tribute to those performing the honorary work. It remains only to ask the fullest support of the members and the townspeople to the activities ot the Club' which has endeavoured over the years to perform a necessary service for the benefit of the community. Tn view of the marked improvement in peonage and support noticeable elsewhere it- may be expected some of the (tenoral increase will he reflected here and receiving a fair measure, the Club should enjoy a return to the better times Imped for in recent years. The Chairman in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said the results of the past season had shown a small deficit. Tt was pleasing to see a few new faces present, hut he regretted the absence of several mem-

hers. During the winter months the racecourse Horse hap died. Mr F. McGregor seconded the motion. He regretted the balance sheet did not show a credit, but he thought the position was generally satisfactory. Mr W. A. Jamieson supported tin. motion. He thought that the proposed change of date would prove of advantage in the coming year, lit* thought they could look forward to a good meeting during the coining .w-r.r. Air J). J. Evans said the Christinas meeting had been carried on for years in the interests of the townspeople but the Club had not received the support from them that the Club deserved. They had decided to alter the dates and hold one day on Boxing Day, and two davs in February. They would then he able to see what support they would receive. If they carried on successfully they would have good grounds for receiving an extra day’s racing. They should try out these February dates and see what was the outcome. Mr R. Whi ley said m reference to their racing dates, = he thought there had been too much jumping about ot the dates. He thought the February dates would he a success and if this proved correct then they should stay on those dates for lite. Mr H. T. Barry said he was surprised to find that they had not a larger loss. Thank's were due, to the small amount, to the fine Work of their secretary. He thought a good move had been made in the change ot dates. The motion was then agreed to.

Election of Officers. Air J. J. Mclntosh intimated his intention of not standing lor the position of President and he nominated Mr H. T. Parry. The latter declined and in turn nominated Mr AA T Jamieson, who declined and asked Mr Mclntosh to reconsider liis decision. He moved to that effect. Air Whilev seconded the motion, which was supported by nionih‘*rs, Mr Mclntosh agreed to act as desired and to accept nomination for another term. President—Air J. J. Mclntosh. Committee—Messrs J. J. Mclntosh, J. J. Breeze, A. AY. Yarrall. J<\ McGregor, H. Butland, R. Adamson, W. A. Jamieson, H. T. Parry, Al. H. Houston, F. Fane, R. Whilev and Al. B. James. Judicial Committee—Alessrs J. JAfelntosh, F. AloGrogor, R. AAhiley, AT. H. Houston and A!. B. James. Four new members were elected— D. J. Hyndman, AYm. Howarth, C. O’Rourke and F. Bristow, making the total of new members for the season 29. Mr Parry moved that Mr O’Brien, Member for AYestland. be written to asking him to support a continuance of the rebates to racing clubs and to urge

a renewal of the right to telegraph money for investment with Clubs and the publication of dividends hv newspapers. Seconded by Mr Jamieson and carried. The meeting then concluded but liefore dispersing a social hour was spent when the toasts of the President, the Secretary, the lather of the Club (Mr \\ r . A. Thompson) with good wishes for his happiness, F. Fane (congratulatory on his recovery from his recent seriotis illness) and the new members were lion- * oured.