Manawatu Racing Club Elects Officers

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 192, 15 August 1945, Page 7

Manawatu Racing Club Elects Officers

MR. H. R. COOPER IS PRESIDENT. There were five nominations for the four vacancies on the committee and the attendance at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club was much larger than usual. Mr. B. J. Jacobs, who has been president since 1941, presided, until the new president, Mr. H. R. Cooper, took over. Moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mr. Jacobs said “We meet tonight on the eve of what probably will prove to be the greatest day in history. I make no apology in emphasising that for each person in our country the end of the period of nearly six years of cruel, relentless and destructive war should mean the beginning of a new life of endeavour —endeavour to profit by the lessons of our own short span of life. I know that it is easy for the individual to express the belief that the little he can do will not matter. He is correct, but only up to a point. It is the aggregate of our efforts that is the important element of any success that may be achieved, so what each one of us can do may only provide an influence, but if that is iu the right direction it will be all to the good. Accordingly, in our Racing Club I appeal to each member to dedicate himself to the task of seeing that the sacrifices of the war years will not have been in vain.

“We have drawn a good position at the barrier,” said Mr. Jacobs. “We have been well trained for the race, and the stake is more than worth winning. ’ ’ Referring to the year just closed, Mr. Jacobs stated that the totalisator turn-

over had been nearly £247,000, compared with £228,000 the previous year, and that stakes had amounted to £13,490, as against £12,000. He added that the treasury had benefited to the extent of just over £25,000 in taxation. Mr. Jacobs concluded: “May I conclude with sincere thanks to the members of the committee for their loyalty and assistance to me in the difficult years it has been my lot to serve the club. I must not forget, cither, the help of the wives, so cheerfully given.” The treasurer, Mr. G. C. Keeble, who seconded the adoption of the report and balance sheet, gave a review of the club ’s finances, stating inter alia, that the club’s assets had increased by £4267 17s 5d during the year and the liabilities by £3226 19s lid, the difference, £IO4O 17s 6d, being the profit for the year. The report and balance sheet were adopted after one or two questions and Mr. Jacobs then proceeded to pay tribute to his successor, Mr. 11. R. Cooper, who was declared elected. Mr. Cooper, taking over, thanked members for re-electing him to the presidency. He mentioned he had been “in charge” in the Desert Gold —Biplane year. Vice presidents elected were Messrs B. J. Jacobs and L. B. Wall. Mr. G. C. Keeble was re-elected honorary treasurer, and Messrs L. H. Collinson, M. Millar, L. W. G. Millward and R. Porter were elected to the committee. Thanks to Retiring President. Moving a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Jacobs, who, he said, had been president during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s history, Mr. Cooper said Mr. Jacobs had taken office just before Japan came into the war. The course was immediately taken over by the military, continued Mr. Cooper, and during their occupation and afterwards when the course was being rehabilitated, Mr. Jacobs had done a great job for the club. He added that members owed him a great debt of gratitude. Mr. Cooper moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Jacobs and to his helpmate, Mrs. Jacobs, and this was carried by acclamation. Mr. Jacobs briefly returned thanks and in turn he moved that Mr. J. P. tnnes, retiring member of the committee who was not seeking re-election, be thanked for his valuable services. This, top, was carried by acclamation. Notice of Motion. In accordance with notice given, Mr. J. P. Innes moved “that the following rule be added to the cxisitng rules of the Club: That for the election of of-fice-bearers of the club, each voter shall vote for the required number of candidates. ’ ’ After some discussion the motion was carried with only two or three votes against it. Before the meeting closed, Mr. G. V. Simpson suggested, as a recommendation to the incoming committee, that steps be taken to ascertain the opinion of members regarding postal voting.. There was considerable discussion and it was finally decided to ask the committee to call a special general meeting at which the question will be put to the vote.