RANGITIKEI RACING CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 227, 23 August 1940, Page 4

RANGITIKEI RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. . (From Our Own Correspondent.) BULLS. Aug. 22. The annual meeting of the Rangitikei Racing Club was held on AVedncsday evening Mr Rex D. MeKelvie being in tho chair, and there being a good master of members. Before., commencing tho business the president’ referred to tho deaths of Mr John Ellery (a life member), and Messrs F. E. Ilart and -A. B. Armstrong. As a mark of respect all stood in silence. The two retiring vice-presi-dents Messrs F. O. Bailey and J. E. AValker. wore re-elected unopposed. For three positions on the goncral committeo there were four nominations, and tho result of a' postal ballot was that Mr J. J. Mansell topped the poll; Mr E. A. Oaldow was second; and Messrs D. W. Wilson and G. A. McDonell tied for third place, the chairman casting his vote for the sitting committeeman. Air Wilson, who was re-elected

The report and balance-sheet were adopted, (lie report stating, inter alia,: The sum of £743 was spent during the year on improvements and plajit, and £377 on labour and maintenance, while £226 was written off thc v depreciation; £129 was written olf as bad debts. The Government stopped payment of tho ono per cent, refund of totalisator duty, and this reduced the club's revenue by nearly £300.. The income and expenditure account shows a profit of £328 on tho year’s working. Tho balance due on alterations and additions to the members’; stand, and architect’s fees, wore paid off. Considerable repair work was effected on tho grandstand; a more efficient motor and pump were installed; and up-to-date. hot water services .are now supplied in all booths. All buildings have been painted and the appointments generally have been kept in good order. The two race meetings were very successful. Despite petrol restrictions, attendances wore very little under the average of recent years. Fields allowed an improvement, both in quality and numbers,-- and racing was excellent. Gate money dropped from £636 to £529, but members’ subscriptions were £250, as against £241 the previous year. Stakes were kept up. totalling £2020, inclusive of the trainers’ trophy, which proved very popular, and was won by the Marton trainer, F. CV Mcllugh.A The farm showed a profit of £229, as against £3l last year. Our thanks are due to the farm committee. Tho course proper has been topdressed and resown, and is now in perfect order. Rails have been repaired or replaced ,and tho club should not be faced with any considerable expenditure for some time- io come. The ) ub sustained losses through the deaths of Air John Ellery, a life member, and Messrs F. E. Hart and A. B. Armstrong, and regret is expressed at their passing. Seycral members are on active service or in camp, and their subscriptions will be suspended during their absence. We commend their patriotism, and wish them a safe return. For the coining season the club is fortunate in having secured racing dates well clear of other fixtures, and if petrol restrictions arc not drastically tightened, there is every prospect of successful meetings. Messrs G. H. Archer (honorary treasurer) and F. Cults, senr. (auditor), were re-ciceted. A smoke concert followed, a party from the Air Force providing bright

musical and elocutionary items; Air C. IT. Edwards presided at tho piano; and Mr E.. A. Caldow contributed songs. Ale J. R. L. Stanford proposed tho . toast’ of the Rangitikei’ Racing Club and recalled his early visits to Bulls. The club had had its ups and downs, he said, but through adopting a sound, progressive policy, with good executive officers at the head, it was now in a goed and well deserved position. Tho course was a good one. He suggested that win-and-place betting bad come to stay, and thought that the club should adopt that system. The chairman replied, and asked Mr George Spriggcns, a life member, to speak, Air Spriggcns recalling ‘ that his connection .with tho club covered 61 years. Air It. Afackav proposed the toast of “Kindred Clubs,” and Mr Arthur Way replied on behalf of tho Marton Jockey Club; Air Roger K. Simpson for the Rangitikei Hunt Club; and Air C. C. Price for the Foxton Racing Club. Air C. V. Day was entrpsted with the toast of “The President.” Air McKelvic replying; and Air J. E. Walker proposed the toast of the caterers, thanking Messrs W. S. Dustin, G. L. B. Whiljans and A. Macdonald for their contributions to the supper. Alessrs Dustin and Whillans briefly replied. Air Walker also thanked the concert party from the Air Force and others who had contributed to. the musical programme. Verey Lights Destroyed. Vcrey Lights broke a log and was destroyed while spelling on the property of hor owner, Air E. J. Kirkwood, in Taranaki, according to a New Plymouth message. She was formerly trained by G. W. New at Awapuni. Riding Engagements. Additional riding engagements for the Pakuranga Hunt Club’s meeting are:—A. Gihner: Kirikle,, Tutor. O. Aldnally: Foung Paddon, Gay Rosetttc, Etcetera, Rival. 11. Long: Hunter’s Night, Vulirneen, My General. Disdain Retired. Disdain has been retired from racing and will be mated with Defaulter. A live-year-old by Robespierre from Contempt, sho is thus a half-sister to Silver Scorn. After two wins as a, two-year-old for her breeder, Mr G. Alurray Aynslcy, she was sold to Mr A. Young. Although she possessed brilliant speed, and raced well at three years, she became unreliable last season. After being purchased by Mr Young she was trained by L. G. Morris at Awapuni, but was lator transferred to F. D. Jones at Riccarton. The change had no appreciable effect and so her retirement was decided on.