THE GORE RACING CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2372, 17 August 1899, Page 36

THE GORE RACING CLUB.

Mr T. Green, who presided at the annual meeting of this club, in moving the adoption of the report, congratulated members on the result of the past year's operations, which were highly satisfactory. The racing was as good as ever, and the result, financially speaking, better than ever. They began the year with a credit balance of £42 5s 2d, and finished up with a balance of £76 19s 2d, after paying off a mortgage of £350, and purchasing start"ing machines. They also made improvements to the course. The starting machines, which cost £56, proved highly satisfactory, and the starter now had great assistance. He could look better after his horses and jockeys than formerly. They had every reason to feel proud of their position. The committee had had a good deal of work during the year to keep things in order,, and one or two unpleasant incidente occurred ; but they endeavoured to do their duty, with the result that they came out right. When their course was fenced they would have less trouble with their trainers than they had had lately. They hoped to fence the course this year and pay off the balance of the mortgage (£100). They really could do that now, as they had £1200 worth of assets. As they got out of debt so would they get more support and be able to give better stakes. Their position was second to none outside of the metropolitan clubs, and he thought every one was satisfied. In reply to a question the chairman atMed that last year the outstanding accounts were £31 10s, which had al) been paid. He held a list showing accounts owing amounting to £37 10s, all of which were perfectly good. It was almost impossible to carry on a meeting and demand the fees before the weights were declared. He instanced the second day's summer meeting last year, when £90 was owing as soon as the weights were declared. Had they held back the weights until the fees wore paid, it might have meant a serious thing for that clay's sport. The committee must use judgment ; they could not have a hard and fast rule, when the object could be obtained by blocking non-payers before they raced elsewhere. Mr S. G. Inder ?aid that these 'things could and should be looked after immediately after the race meeting-. They should not be allowed to start at another meeting. He was glad to hear that the stakes were likely to be increased. Out of the £940 paid in stakes last year the owners paid £582 in nominations and acceptances, and the public paid very little for their sport. He contended that owners were not treated fairly, and the club should increase the stakes. The owners practically kept the meeting up, and paid more than half of what they received. The motion was then jMit and carried. The following officers were elected : — President, Mr T. Green ; vice-pre-idents, Messrs D. L. Poppelwell and A. J. Gibbs ; treasurer, Mr F. Wallis. Mr G. S. Tnder moved, Mr Kett seconded, and it was carried — " That it be a recommendation to the committee to increase the stakes for the forthcoming meetings." A suggestion was also made that there be a 10s totalisator.