PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Opunake Times, 5 August 1947, Page 4

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

OPUNAKE RACING CLUB PERMIT COVETED The following report submitted by the president of the Opunake Racing Club was read at the Annual Meeting: The year has been a successful one in the finances of the Club. After providing depreciation of £340 there is a profit of £845 for the This brings the total of capital to £3,562 after provision is made for mortgage of £2OOO. Liquid assets, including live stock amount to £2,977. Finances would permit repayment of the mortgage and meet normal expenditure. This may entail securing financial assistance when repairs and additions can be gone on with, as that time is indefinite, a saving in interest payments would be made in the meantime. The /Annual, Race Meeting, held on March 15th., at Hawera, was a great success, the totalisator turnover of £40,022 and the gate takings were the highest in the history of the Club. The net profit from the meeting was £1,169-4-4. We have been granted Saturday, ' r arch 13th., 1948, for the conduct of opr Annual Race Meeting, subject to such meeting being held on our own racecourse. Endeavours to procure materials for repairs and additions to appointments have been refused, the incoming Committee will have to deal with the condition attached to the permit in some way that will be satisfactory to the authorities

The question of securing a suitable site near Opunake Town for a racecourse has been investigated, the owner of the most desirable property declining to sell, therefore your Committee are unable to make any recommendation at present. The Farm Committee are to be congratulated on the results obtained under adverse climatic conditions in late summer and autumn. The net profit of £272 is an excellent return. The near future may prove a critical time in the history of the Club; our inability to put appointments in order to- enable the racing permit to be used on our racecourse, has already caused a neighbouring Club to covet our permit. Evidently hoping that our days of racing are numbered and unbeknown to- us, they made representations to the Racing Commission with a view to securing recommendation that our permit should be granted to them. We look to the authorities controlling racing to preserve for the residents of this outlying area the day of sport that was so well supported prior to the days of shortages, petrol, etc. The incoming Committee will be faced with forming a policy that will enable the Club to continue until materials are available to make repairs and additions. In the meantime buildings are rapidly deteriorating; each year’s delay entails greater use of materials and expense. Under present conditions we are helpless in stopping the rot and decay. In conclusion 1 extend sincere thanks to fellow officers and Committee Members who have all worked so hard in furthering the interests.of the Club.