Trotting Enthusiasm

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 227, 26 September 1935, Page 8

Trotting Enthusiasm

ANNUAL MEETING OF MANAWATU CLUB

Mr W. Mouldey presided at tho annual meeting of tho Manawatu Trotting Club last evening, when tlier?

was a large attendance.

Speaking to the annual report the

chairman stated that an extra totalisator permit had been grauted tho club, which would now have not less than two days’ trotting a year. The committee had decided to use tho extra permit ou Labour Day, October 28, as thero was nothing elso on in tho way of sport within a radius of 100 miles of Palmerston North. If they could get sufficient horses, which it was hoped they would, and reasouabl}' fine weather, it was anticipated that a very successful trotting meeting would bo staged. It was considered by the committeo that two meetings a year would assist in creating further interest in trotting in this district. The last meeting was a very successful one, and interest in trotting was certainly growing in tho district, and if the samo success could bo continued for a couple of seasons, the club would bo able to givo much bigger stakes and obtain good-class horses for its principal races while still catering for the middle and maiden-class horse.

"I would liko members to try .and induce their friends to join up with the club and it will not belong before there are big trotting meetings in Palmerston North,” added Mr Mouldey. ‘ ‘There is a first-class racing club in Palmerston North and thero is room for a first-class trotting club. Tho beauty of Awapuni rucccourso and its surroundings, with a mile course, make it au ideal place for good meetings, and our club appreciates tho manner in which we havo been met by tho officials of tho Manawatu Racing Club. The grand response mado by owners in nominating horses for our meetings is very much appreciated aud in a small measure wo havo tried to lessen their expenses by providing free stabling accommodation for their horses, and owners and trainers stato that this help is much appreciated by them. Tho stakes for tho Labour Day meeting are £575, which is '£2s more than for the first day at tho last meeting and £SO moro than on tho second day. If the meeting turns out a sue cess tho stakes for the April meeting will bo further increased, so that owners will reap tho benefit of our' success. ’ ’

The committee, officials and a number of enthusiasts worked very hard during tho past season on behalf of tho club, and Mr Mouldey again thanked all those who gave a helping hand to make the success achieved. The training track laid down last season by the club had been considerably improved recently by drainage and grading, and was serving a very useful purpose for local trainers. It was anticipated that more would avail themselves of the track in the coming sea-

Mr Mouldey mentioned that Mr H. F. Nicol, president of tho New Zealand Trotting Association, had visited Palmerston North last week and had inspected tho Awapuni course. Mr Nicol had been very impressed with what he had seen and had expressed tho opinion that there was no reason why there should not bo two two-day meetings a year in the Manawatu.

Officers were elected as follow: —■ Patron, Mr J. A. Nash, M.P.; president, Mr W. Mouldey; vice-presidents, Messrs G. Luoni and H. J. Woodfield; executive vacancies, Messrs E. F. Thwaites, A. Blomficld, H. Guy andF. Pycroft; hon. treasurer, Mr C. P. Nash; auditor, Mr C. D. Fraser.

The matter of socuriug a proper starting barrier was mentioned and Mr A. H. Manson (secretary) reported that tho committee had given consideration to tho question, which had been held over for the new committee to finalise. It had been discovered that a suitablo starting machine could be hired for each meeting. On the motion of Mr Luoni, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho president for the services he had given tho sport in recent years. Mr Luoni stated that it was in largo measure due to Mr Mouldey that tho club had made such headway.

la returning thanks the president had a word of praise for the committee and club officials, and expressed the opinion that ■when tho club secured permits for two two-day meetings, the sport would go ahead in leaps and bounds. It was decided to placo on record the services of tho lato Mr C. E. Goosman (Hamilton), who had been the club’s handicapper, and the late Mr G. Atkins (Aokautere), an old member.

Eulogistic references were also made to tho work of Mr Manson, the club’s secretary. One member reported that from the South Island had come the information that Mr Manson was one of the best trotting club secretaries in New Zealand. Wheu replying, Mr Manson averred that, given a chance, Manawatu would lead the North Island as far as trotting was concerned.

Mr E. B'. Vine was accorded a vote of thanks for services rendered during a period of 27 years as a committeeman.

Five new members were elected.