THE TAHUNA PARK CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 36

THE TAHUNA PARK CLUB.

The annual meeting was held on Monday night f when Mr Myers, the capable and trusted president, was able- to refer to a shoal of facts in support of his assertion that the committee had Bone their best to foster sport. The programmes have been improved, little by little, in two ways—increasing stakes and reducing limits in handicaps. True, what -has been done in these directions still leaves the Tahuna Club in the rear of the powerful clubs of Christchurch : but, rightly viewing the position, we should be thankful for what haa been accomplished, and, while ready for further advance, it is npt right to grumble too much, nor to make comparisons which are only permissible- as between clubs that start on equal, terms. Trotting in Christchurch was established on its present basis long before the new ideas took root in_ Dunedin; and, besides, up there there is the stimulus of competition. We all know why the elephant climbed the tree. He had to do so, otherwise the tiger would have. bitten his hinder parts. So with the trotting clubs of Chrißtchurch. Lancaster" Park had to shove ahead because the Canterbury Trotting Club was making a. bold bid for patronage, and the C.T.C. was forced into activity by the competition, of the L.P., and both these bodies held in respect the management at New Brighton, which in turn felt impelled to waken up. Here, in Dunedin, there has not been this rushing up of things in the trotting world, and we didn't want it. All the same, it is a good thing in some respects, and the Tahuna folk would have to be worried a bit if they grew too sluggish. With Mr Myers at the helm, however, tlus is not a danger. He has the go-ahead ideas, and is- well supported by other good men, and the club will continue to prosper. We must not Jorget^however, that the-fact of Christchurch having taken such strides makes it very difficult for a neighbouring district to keep up to it. We ought.noc to expect too much. What we have a right to look forward to is the further introduction of class trotting, and I am glnd to see Mr Ritchie's friendly criticism addreasod to this important point. The meeting is reported in another column. To. that report I would add a few lines as to the subsequent meeting of the committee: — The following officers were appointed for the year : — Judge, H. Gourley; treasurer, J. N. Brown ; nlerk of scales, J. M. Wilson ; clerk of course. If. J. Gourley; starter, F. J. Townsend ; timekeeper, E. Hogg ; handicapper, Geo. Dowse; surgeon, X>r. Closs; secretary, H. L. James ; stewards, the Committee. Programme Committee — Messrs Townsend, M'Ghie, Brown, Gourley, and J. M'Donald. It .was decided that the May meeting \he held on Friday and Saturday, May 2b and 27, and: a- programme of eight events each day, with steflces amounting to £520, was adopted, this lieing- £30 in excess of the amount given last year. It was resolved that Messrs Mason and Roberts be appointed to work the totalizators for ensuing 12 months, and that at the May meeting £1 and 10s machines be used ; also that bookmakers, tote bettors, or their clerks be not admitted to the grounds at the May meeting. A letter was received from the South Island Trotting Absocialion, stating that they have decided thai the appeal lodged by W. M'Kewen in the Cowboy-St. George alleged cross at last meeting cannot lie, as it is a question of fact, and that the Tahuna Club's decision re, mains good. It was decided that Messrs Myers and Walker be reappointed the club's delegates to Trotting Association, and a vote <jf thanks was passed to them for their past services.