HASTINGS TROTTING CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 November 1934, Page 10

HASTINGS TROTTING CLUB.

GONE INTO RECESS. Mention was made in a Press Association telegram this week of the intention of the Hawke’s Bay Trotting Club to go into reoess, which means that while the club will retain its permit it will not take an active part in racing. One of the principal factors underlying the difficulties now facing- the club is that several prominent local owners and trainers have either retired from trotting or have transferred their interests, but it is hoped that in the near future others will take their place. In that event the club will be able to resume its activities.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss a report in which a special subcommittee appointed some time ago set out the position of the club financially and otherwise, and made several recommendations which included a proposal that the club should wind up its affairs. There was a considerable amount of objection to the main proposal, and the discussion disclosed a belief on the part of some members that nothing would be lost by taking; the less drastio step, of suspending activities for a year. This course was ultimately agreed to. Some of tno aspects mentioned as militating against success at the present time' were the decline in the financial support on the totalisator, the consequent inability of the club to offer high stakes and thus attract the support of owners in other districts, and the death and retirement of several owners upon whom the club could always formerly depend for a large number of nominations.

It was mentioned during the meeting that there are grounds for believing that in a year’s time other local' owners will have trotting horses ready to race. For. some time the club has tried to obtain some day other than June 3 for its annual meeting, but without success. It is not impossible, however, that some adjustment of the existing arrangement will bo allowed.