THE RACING CLUBS.

Marlborough Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 1769, 4 May 1886, Page 2

THE RACING CLUBS.

' PROPOSED AMALGAMATION. . A meeting of members of the Mariborounh and Wairau Racing Clubs, to consider the question of amalgamating was held on Friday in the Blenheim Istitnte. Present Messrs W. fl. Lambert, W. E. P. Cloustin, W. B Girling, C. Redwood, G. W. Riley, G. 11. Owens, H. Dodson, M.H.R., F. Mayhew, H. A.W. McKenzie C. Ediott, J, Taylor, junior, A. Redwood, F. B. Gentry, L. Dodson, J. Hathaway, J. Piggott, J. Quartley, J. Hull, E. J. Vavasour, W. Clark, F. Dod* son, Gb Robinson, Collett©, H, H. Dodson, T. Redwood. Mr T. Redwood was voted to the chur and explained the object of the meeting. Mr Dodson M.H.R. proposed— 1 “ That in the opinion of this meeting it is advisable that the two Clubs should amalgamate, and that the united Clubs be requested to continue the Boxing Day meeting as far as might be thought advisable on the same lines as formerly.” He felt some regret in moving a resolution that would wipe out of existence a Club with which he had been so long associated, but the members of the two Clubs consisted practically of the same persons and their amalgamation would be a distinct gain to the community. Mr F. B. Gentry seconded the motion. He did not think, however, that it was necessary to confine the Spring Meeting to one day. Mr Dodson Baid that the resolution had purposely been made open so as not to bind the Clubs down. Mr Oweus proposed an amendment that horse racing be kept distinct from foot racing. The Chairman ruled that the amend* jxient was out of order and it was withdrawn. Mr C. Redwood said he had always looked forward to the amalgamation of the two Clubs. The community was too small to support both. He would a ways look back to the days of the old Wairau Clubs with pleasure. It had satisfied a want of the district, but the Marlborough Club had bought a new course and in order to make it nice they needed money The amalgamation of the two Clubs would strengthen funds and 1 hey would be able to make a new course second to none in the Colony. The old Club was constituted of the same members ub the other, and they would get on swimmingly. He thought Mr Dodson might use bis influence to get-a railway made to the course (applause). He saw that Sir Julius Vogel was in favor of borrowing a large sum of money, anl they might gel some of it for the railway. The new course would be an improvement in every way on the old one. They were on the eve of giving satisfaction to everybody. Mr Redwood went ou to speak of the discomfort caused by the dust on the old course, and added that no one but an enthusiast in racing would attend the second day. IJe had much pleasure in supporting the motion. The motion was then put and carried unanimously. Mr Clouston moved that the funds, property, and liabilities of both Clubs be the property of the United Club, Seconded by Mr Girling and carried. Mr Dodson said it would be advisable to fix an early meeting for the election of officers. He therefore moved that the meeting take place on that day week, and the members of both Clubs have the right to vote at the meeting. Mr C. Redwood seconded. Mr Dodson, in answer to Mr Gentrj, said that he thought they would not be doing wrong to throw the meeting open to the public. Strictly speaking there were no enrolled members of the Wairau Club. The chairman of the meeting could, if he thought proper, make it a rule that none but members who had paid their subscriptions could vote. Mr Gentry said it was very important that the general public should not be allowed to vote on the question of electing officers. Only those on the roll of the two Olubi should vote. The members of the Wairau Club should certainly bj allowed to vote. In reply to Mr Charles Redwool, Mr Dodson said lhat there was a list of persons forming the Wairau Club made about three years ago and sent to the Colonial Secretary so as to obtain permis; sion to use the totalisator. He thought that the officers and committee on the Lite Club should vote at the rpepting. were no other enrolled members,

Mr Gentry moved as an amendment— That all those enrolled as members of the Wairau Racing Club, whether they paid a subscription or not, be allowed to vote at the meeting. There were some members of the Club who were not officers and did not belong t-o the Committee, and they had a right to vote. Mr Dodson said he had no objection to the amendment being incorporated with his motion. There had always been a great deal of latitude allowed at the meetings of the Marlborough Club and the vote of anyone present had always been taken. He did not foresee any difficulty as they could only do the special business for which the meeting was called —the election of officers. He could not overlook the fact that the new officers would have grave financial affairs to face before they could hope to get the new course in order and the necessary buildings erected. He hoped the officers would be; carefully selected. If the clubs were involved in financial difficulties now it would .throw racing back a considerable timo. In the past they had always had the money to meet their liabilities promptly, and he hoped it would be the same m the future. The Chairman then put the motion in its amended form; and it was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. 14