STAKES INCREASED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26582, 3 October 1947, Page 6

STAKES INCREASED

Special to the Daliy Times OAMARU. Oct 1. A programme of events similar to that for last January has been adopted by the Oamaru Jockey Club for its New Year meeting on -January 2, but with increased stakes totalling £2160, compared with £1935 for the previous meeting. The stakes in all races have been increased, including the. President’s Handicap, which has been brought up to £550. The nomination and acceptance fees will remain the same, and a proposal to exclude aged horses starting off scratch from the two trotting events was defeated. Annual Meeting Dr A. Smith Morton was in the chair at the annual meeting of the club, which was attended by 15 members. Commenting on the club’s activities. Dr Smith Morton said they had had another successful and profitable year, with the full number of days of racing. Considerable improvements had been effected to the course, which was in good order, anu plans for further improvements would no doubt be put into effect by the incoming committee. Questions to be considered by the committee included the installation of an electric totalisator and the running of divisions, particularly in the trotting events. The reiring members of the committee, Messrs E. H. Aubrey, A. J. Foster, B. Gardiner. W. G. Williams.' R. D. Cameron. C. H. Smith and Dr E. E. Butler were re-elected without opposition. Mr W. A. McCombie was reappointed auditor, and seven new members were elected. Various suggestions were brought forward for consideration by the committee, including one that some effort be made to establish a good steeplechase course at the racecourse. Committee Meeting . At a subsequent meeting of the committee, the following office-bearers, officials and committees were re-elected:— President, Dr A. Smith Morton; vice-pre-sident, Mr E. H. Aubrey; honorary treasurer, Mr J H. Main; Grounds Committee —Messrs C. H. Smith, B. Gardiner. W. G. Williams and Dr Smith Morton; honorary surgeons, Drs R. G. S. Orbell, R S J. Fitzgerald, A. Smith Morton, E. E. Butler and A. M. Aitken; honorary timekeepers, Messrs F. H. Benson and J. L O'Connor; starter, Mr P. D. McNab; clerk of scales, Mr W. R. Allan; handicappers—racing, Mr C. E. Hassell, trotting. Mr G A. Neilson; judge, Mr A. O. Wellwood; assistant judge. Mr J. L. Lewis; announcer, Mr J. Stevens; veterinary surgeon, Mr W. Pierson; Programme Committee—Messrs C. H. Smith, W. G. Williams, S. Lee, E. E. Steele, E. H. Aubrey W. A. Gardiner and Drs Butler and Smith Morton; Privileges Committee —Messrs A ,T. Foster and S. Lee' Judicial Committee— Messrs J. H. Main. E. E. Steele and Dr Smith Morton: Printing Committee, Dr Butler; Executive—Messrs J. H. Main and S. Lee and Drs Butler and Smith Morton: totalisator steward. Dr Butler. The Grounds Committee was congratulated on the appearance of the racecourse.

OAMARU NEW YEAR MEETING