RACING AT ELLERSLIE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 7

RACING AT ELLERSLIE.

AUCKLAND CLUB'S YEAR.

EXPENDITURE CURTAILED.

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

There was an nttondance of about 50 mom hers of tho Auckland Racing Club at tho annual meeting yesterday afternoon. The president, Sir Edwin Mitchelson, presided. Congratulations to members upon the success of tho last season's operations, which had resulted in a profit of £5090 6s Id, wero tendered by the chairman, in moving tho adoption of tho annual report and balance-sheet. After £3889 had been written off for depreciation £I2OO remained to bo carried forward to capital account, which now stood at £120,917.

With regard to future improvements which wcro mentioned in last year's report, the chairman* said that these wero being kept steadily in view so that when tho club's finances becaino more elastic it was hoped that an early start would be made to givo members and tho public tho increased accommodation so urgently needed. The committee, however, desired to proceed cautiously so as not to placo too heavy a burden on t(ic club's finances, while at tho same time protecting racing interests and the public generally. The improvements to the course proper which wero commenced three years ago had now been completed at a cost of over £IO,OOO. Tho great improvement made was genorallv acknowledged to be most satisfactory, and was highly appreciated by horse-owners and the public. There only now remained to be done tho work already, commenced to provide for tho new steeplechase I rack outside tho course proper on tho long straight at tho back of the course. That work would bo carried out as opportunity offered. Taxation Payments. After commenting upon the falling-off in totalisator rovenuo at Ellerslie, the chairman said that taxation during the year had been responsible for the payment to the Government of £61,878, £8044 less than was paid last ycyr. 'i lie club received a rebate of the usual £250 from tho Government. Local rates and wafer for the year absorbed £2294, making a total for tho year in taxation and rates of £64.173 lie regretted having to express the same opinion as last year in regard to obtaining some relief from heavy taxation levied on racing but after perusing this year's Budget he could not see any prospect of reduction. In seconding the motion, Mr. C. E. Major said lie noted that the committee had wisely curtailed expenditure. There was not a plethora of information in the balance-sheet, and one had to take quito a lot for granted. As ono of the early advocates of the tea kiosk he was interested to note a profit from it of £4OO, which ho accepted as a net one. Mr. Major said that ho. was sfill desirous of seeing the 10s totalisator introduced in the grandstand enclosure. In the interests of the club, the public and the racehorse owners, he claimed that it would be wise, and would not interfere with the club's income. Ho congratulated (lie committee upon tho wisdom of its action in connection with the Takanini training track, and expressed the hope that tiie track would bo secured as a permanent one. No Change in tho Committee.

Tn replying to Mr. Major the chairman said that tho committee, had been obliged to reduce expenditure, or elso there would have been a deficit. Tlio reduction in profit was a matter that had concerned tho committee gravely, and the seriousness of it was emphasised by tlio fact that £BOOO had had to bo taken from ordinary revenue to mako up tlio stakes to conform with (lie club's advertised programme. All liad agreed that the erection and working of the tea kiosk had been a great success. The £4OO profit did not, include interest on tlio building, but all other expenses had been included. Tho charges account had been increased this year on account of the fact that ii included tho Inst instalment upon the monument which the club had decided to erect in recognising his efforts upon its behalf. So far as tlio Takanini track was concerned tho committee had recommended (hat the subsidy of £SOO should bo continued for another two years. The question of purchaso was still being considered.

Office-bearers for the ensuing term were elected unopposed as follows; —President, Sir Edwin Mitehelson; vice-president, Mr. IT. 0. Nolan; stewards, Messrs. M. J. Lynch, W. C. Ring and G. A. Wyn-y.-ii'd. Six nominations were received for the five seals on the committee, and the ballot icsul'cd in the return of all tho retiring committeemen, as follows: Dr. A. McGregor Grant, and Messrs. .J. M. Carpenter, ii. W. Dnder, M. M. Louissou and N. Alfred Nathan.