Opunake Racing Club.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 126, 17 September 1895, Page 2

Opunake Racing Club.

The annual general meeting of the above club was held on Saturday evening at Kennedy's Hotel, when there was a good muster of members.

Mr E. Shove, vice-president, occupied the chair. The minute - r the previous meeting were read :i.i ' confirmed. The Treasurer submitted the balancesheet.

The Course Committee then submitted their report in connection with making arrangements with Mr O'Connor, at Opua. They had instructed Mr Bnshe Bailey to write to the Public Trustee to ascertain if he would sanction a lease of the course from Mr O'Connor to the club, such lease lo contain a proviso protecting the value of the club's improvements. The Trustee had replied that he could not, acting in accordance with the Act, comply with the request. At this stage Mr O'Connor put in a letter, which he said had been received from* the Trustee a couple of hours previously, and asked that it be read. Mr Bushe Bailey rose to explain the letter, and stated that, acting under instructions from Mr O'Connor, he had written to the Public Trustee, and had received the letter put in by Mr O'Conuor in reply. The Hon. Secretary, Mr G. W. Bogers, rose to a point of order, and wished the chairman's ruling as to whether this letter could be received or discussed until the Course Committee's report had been dealt with. Mr O'Connor interrupted, making some personal and offeusive remarks to Mr Bogers. Mr Bogers stated his intention of retiring, as he declined to remain and be insulted in such a manner, and uuless Mr O'Connor apologised he would resign. Mr O'Connor declined to apologise, whereupon Mr Bogers left the meeting. Mr Brennan was then requested to act as secretary of the meeting, but declined. Mr Bailey was asked if it was under instructions from the Course Committee that the letter to the Trustee was written, to which the one put in by Mr O'Connor was a reply. Mr Bailey replied in the negative.

Mr Brennan said it was stated that he was acting under instructions from Mr O'Connor. Mr O'Connor denied that he had given any instructions. Mr Wagstaff asked if Mr Bailey had written spontaneously, or was he instructed to write. Mr Bailey said he wrote under instructions, but did not disclose who gave him the instructions. Mr Brennan said that as the Course Committee had not instructed him he thought it would be necessary to know who had given the instructions, and also that a copy of the letter to the Trustee should be produced before the letter in reply could be considered by the club. A desultory discussion then ensued, and finally the chairman vacated the chair, as the hon. sec. had retired and Mr O'Connor still persisted iu refusing to apologise for the offensive remarks. Subsequently the members of the Course Committee met, and having discussed the position the members were again called together, and Mr W. D. Scott was called on to explain the position. He said they had taken the matter into consideration, and had discussed the matter with Mr O'Connor, who had, in the heat of the moment, given expression to the remarks complained of, reflecting on the secretary. Mr O'Connor was sorry he had used them, and he had no doubt he would express his regret at having done so. Mr O'Connor said he would apologise to the club, but not to Mr Rogers personally, as he considered Mr Rogers had insulted him by treating himself and the letter he handed in with contempt, and that Mr Rogers had just as much right to apologise to him. Mr Rogers explained that he did not address Mr O'Connor at all; he was merely asking the chairman for a ruling. Mr D. McGregor thought they should take a vote as to whether Mr Rogers or Mr O'Connor should apologise. Mr J. Lambia said there was no question of Mr Rogers apologising, as he did nob address Mr O'Connor ; he was only addressiug the chairman. Mr H. Wagstaff then moved, and

Mr A. O'Donnell seconded, That Mr O'Connor apologise to Mr Rogers or leave the room. The motion was carried unanimously, whereupon Mr O'Connor retired. Mr Rogers thanked the club for the confidence reposed in him. It was then resolved to adjourn the meeting, till next Saturday evening.

RECEIPTS. Jan. 1st, 1895. To balance 204 19 3 Members' subs. 25 0 0 Fees, betting licenses, &c . 7 10 0 Donations— T. Knowles, Esq. ... 2 2 0 Messrs Ward and Co. 1 1 0 Nominations and acceptances 73 10 0 Commission totalisator 121 18 6 Privileges 80 0 0 Interest on fixed deposit Total J 11 5 0 6527 5 9 EXPENDITURE. By stakes... 235 0 0 Labor on course and attendance at races ... 36 19 0 Advertising an! printing 17 10 9 Eeut ... 20 0 0 Government tax 21 19 2 Band 10 0 0 Bonus, starter and handicapper, 189-1 4 4 0 Fee, baudicapper, 1895 5 0 0 Expenses conference ... 1 13 4 Interest 2 14 10 Sundries 23 9 4 Gratuity, J. Caddy 10 0 0 Balance Total i 138 15 4 6527 5 9 ASSETS. To balance 138 15 4 Members' subs outstanding 5 0 0 Unpaid nominations ... Total s 18 10 0 6162 5 4 N LIABILITIES Xil •