DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 1704, 19 July 1884, Page 19

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

The annual meeting of the D. J.C. was held at the Royal Exchange Hotel on Monday evening. About 30 members were present, the President (Mr J. Hazlett) occupying the chair.

THE ANNUAL BEPORT.

The report and balaoce-Bheet, which were published on Saturday last, were taken as read

The Chairman moved the adoption of the report, which he thought, was very satisfactory. Dr Couqhtbey seconded -the motion. One matter which he thought should be taken into consideration was the great difficulty and expense which this Club was put to as compared with other clubs, especially in respeot of forming a ground, and that part ef . the report which stated that the course was how in magnificent order, he was glad to think simply expressed the fact. The ground was formed upon what had been -virtually a morass; and not only the running-track but the traiuing-track also, had during the last few years . been got into a better and better state. He hoped before long that the centre of the ground would be utilised for athletio sports, and thought it extremely probable that some' proposal to that end would be brought before the Club durinf the forthcoming year. The public of Dunedin would in the future, he was sure, recognise the advantage of having so large a space of open ground in such close proximity to the city. The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously.

eOHMJMENTABT.

Mr Jno. Coos proposed a Tote of thanks to the president, vice-president, and retiring committee for their services during the past year. " This was earned unanimously. The Pebsidbnt, in acknowledging the vote, said he was sure that each member of the Club had been actuated by the desire to do all in his power to forward the interests of racing, and their efforts had beetf successful. The racing had been excellent, and it was noteworthy that there had not been even ,one protest brought before them.

ELECTION OF OFFIOK-BKARSB3.

Mr Hazlett proposed Mr H. Bastings aa president for the ensuing year. Mr GouBLEr seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Mkenan moved and JVfr S. G-. Smith seconded— •• That the Hon. G. M'Lean be elected vice-president." — Carried unanimously. The following gentlemen .were elected "the Committee for the ensuing year : — Messrs James Hazlett, H. Driver, W. H. Taggart, G. Dowse, J. Stephenson, F. Meenan, H. Gourley, L. Maclean, John Cook, J. Fleming, and Dr Coughtrey. Messrs J. A. Park and W. H, Qui«k were elected auditors. t ' , THEOHAEQB FOR' MEMBERSHIP. "" ,Mr M. Fagan thought, with refettm'ce.to tho

charge of five guinoas for membership, that it was rather excessive. The system of charging three guineas for members' tickets and five guineas for family tickets would, in ' his opinion, if given a trial, - be found to be an advantage. Tbere was a class of young people growing ap in our midst, who, if given an opportftjiity of joining the Club for .three guinAOß, would gladly do so, and theso were tho' members the Club should bo desirous of getting. •' The Hon. G. M'Lean said tho matter had been discussed two or three times in Committee. As to the matter of a three guinea charge, it was true that was the amount fixed by tho rules, but some time ago the Club was languishing, and it waß neceseary to offer some inducement to bring ineinbera in. Then the amount was made five guineas, and members were to be granted family tickets. Thia year, for instance, the ■members had had 10 days' racing for five guineas, and two ladies' tickets each besides, and the spring meeting was still to come, with two days more. The Committee did not want to follow the example of Christchurch, seeing that the latter had a free course instead of having to pay £1120 a year interest. The Christchurch people had five-guinea members' ticketß, and", other three-guinea subscribers' tickets— the holders of the latter not being entitled to vote as members. It was a matter worth consideration, but he thought it as well to leave it as it was for the present, It ,had been ventilated ; members would have time to mako up their minds, and notice could be given of it for next annual meeting. t > Dr Coughtrey thought the suggestion was well worthy the consideration of the incoming Committee. Me Faqan said he was content to let the matter drop after what he oonsidered was a favourable expression of opinion. The meeting then closed.