NELSON TROTTING CLUB

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 7

NELSON TROTTING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING The animal meeting of tjio Nelson Trotting Club was held at the*’secretary's office last evening. Mr IL. Baigent (I’rcsident) was in the chair, and between 30 and 40 members were in attendance. ANNUAL REPORT In the course of the annual report it was stated: “The annual race meeting was again held in conjunction with the Jockey Club's annual meeting, and passed off very successfully. There was a falling off in nominations, owing largely to dry weather and hard tracks, but ac- ■ ceptances were good and the ultimate i fields, although not quile so large as the previous year, were very satisfactory. ■ bevcral new outside owners were represented, and some fast times wen* recorded. The totalizator returns showed an innease of £lB2, being £ll,Bßl against £11,699. Government taxes amounted to no less than £958 9s 3d, and it is hoped that the Government will provide some relief in the way of reduced taxation this year as, with wet weather, it. is almost impossible for a small club to make ends meet at present. The most important step during The year was the erection by the combined clubs of. 18 loose boxes with feed houses on the Richmond course, and this progressive move has been much appreciated by visiting owners and trainers, as it will"now ensure that ail horses can be accommodated either on or close to the course. The old stewards’ stand was removed, and a now one erected against, the main stand. Last year’s proposed legislation making a redistribution of permits, under which Nelson would have received an extra meeting, was unfortunately shelved, but we hope it will go through this session and give us the extra days the district is undoubtedly entitled to. The whole year’s work unfortunately was marred by the untimely death of "the secretary of both clubs, Mr J. H. Finney, and his loss leaves the city and clubs very much the poorer. The committee appointed Mr E. R. Neale to carry on till the end of the financial year, and express their appreciation of the able manner in which he has managed the club’s race meeting and affairs. Tile club’s thanks are also due to Mr Jas Noble (handicappcr), for his continued willing assistance. For the offices of President and Vice-President, Mr H. Tfaigent and Mr F. 0. Hamilton, being Hie only persons nominated, are declared elected to the respective positions.” On the motion of Mr F. 0. Hamilton, seconded by Mr Webster, the report and balance sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The president announced that three applications had been received for the position of secretary, but one had been withdrawn.

After a ballot Mr Neale {acting-secre-tary for the past nine months) was declared ebeted unanimously amid applause.

Mr Neale returned thanks for his election, and said lie would do his utmost to retain the confidence of members.

Mr H. Baigent was re-elected president and Mr F. 0. Hamilton was elected vice-president; being the only nominations. Members congratulated the officers in their election; both of whom suitably replied. Mr Hamilton explained that Mr Webster had refused to stand again as vice-president-; and went on to refer to the good Work lie*had done for the club.

Mr Webster in replying, said lie considered lie had had a fair innings, and hoped that the club would continue to progress. The following committee (12 nominations) were declared elected after a ballot: Messrs VV. Bunten, M. P. Webster, J. A. Stringer, F. W. Fairey, A. Grant, E. F. HeaJy, H F West, F. Curran and G. Hogg. Mr E. Trask t-iif witli Mr Hogg for ninth position, and said lie would retire in his favour. (Applause).

The following stewards were elected after a ballot: Messrs Bunten, Webster, J. A. Stringer, Grant, Fairey, Healy, West, E. E. Trask, F. Curran, and E. G. 1M oore.

For the position of handicappcr Messrs J. Noble and F. Burn were nominated ; and after a ballot Mr Noble was reelected. Other officers elected were: treasurer, Mr F. G. Edwards (re-elected); starter, Mr A. Keith (re-elected); timekeepers, Mssrs W. Bunten, J. E. Bartlett and N. L. Kerr; auditors, Messrs A. W. Clayden (re-elected) and A. E. Greenslade; judge, Mr U. Shannon? (re-elected); lion, surgeon, left to committee; lion. vet. surgeon, left to committee; clerk of scales, Mr G. W. Gaudin (re-elected); clerk of course, Mr J. R. Gaukrodger (reelected) ; ground committee, Messrs Grant , Healy and Stringer; programme committee, Messrs Curran, F. O. Hamilton, Webster, and Grant.

AMOUNT OF STAKES Mr Webster moved, seconded by Mr F. 0. Hamilton, that £IOOO be given in stakes, in addition to a cup, at the next race meeting. There was no discussion and the morion was carried.

GENERAL Mr Healy referred to the time limits, am) it was resolved to leave the matter to the incoming committee. A notice of motion standing in tiie name of Mr F. 0. Hamilton dealing with alteration of certain rules to conform with the new regulations was adopted. Mr F. G. Edwards gave notice of motion to alter the rule providing that in future the appointment of club secretary be dealt with by the committee. Mr M. P. Webster said a number of rules needed revising; and it was resolved that a committee consisting of the president, vice-president, and Messrs Webstar and J. Stringer be appointed to report back to a special meeting. Mr C. Ruffell referred to certain remits which are to come before the annual conference of the Trotting Association, and made certain suggestinoris which were accepted as instructions to the club's delegates. Mr Hamilton said that while in Auckland recently he had met Mr J. Hardy, an old supporter of the club, who wished to send his kind regards to all the members. (Applause). Messrs W. Sherlock, and F. G. Mason were elected members. Reference was made to the good work of the ground committee and the general committee, and votes of thanks were accorded them. Several minor matters were discussed before tho meeting adjourned. Owing to the unexpectedly large attendance of members at the Trotting Club meeting last evening, which taxed the accommodation of the Club’s offices, it lias been deemed advisable to hold the Jockey Club meeting on Saturday night at the Institute rooms, Hardy Street.