DUNEDIN COURSING CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2691, 11 October 1905, Page 58

DUNEDIN COURSING CLUB.

The aimual meeting of the Dunedin Coursing Club was held la,st evening m the Stock Exchange Building's. The president (Mr S. S. Myers) occupied the chair, and there waa an attendance of about 4.0 persons.

The following annual report was taken as read : —

" The membership shows an increase on previous years, and still promises to maintain its level for the incoming one, with every indication of a substantial increase. Present moaibers should encourage their friends to join us, as thers is accommodation for a still larger number jmd increased membership will be beneficial to all. Tliree coursing meetings were held ihL? year, and, all things considered, they v/cwe a bnlliant success, and attracted kurge attendances. "The June meeting, held during Winter Show week, was of an experimental nature, but proved to be a bonanza to ttie club, so much, so that our next June meeting will probably eclipse any other meeting of ita kind held in the coloiiy — that is, for large nominations and public attendance. Tha balance sheet attached shows a small debit balance. Your committee started with a debt of £ 50, &o that it is a matter of congrattilatac-n tharfc they can show such a result. The committee would impress upon members the desirability of securing their season tickets early and of inducing others to purchase ihem~, tuad bo create an enthusiasm and active interest, which will be for the best interests of tha Dur'edin Coursing Club. Season tickets can be purchased for 10s 6di and for the many privileges obtained no one should fail to become a member. The committee wishes to place on record, its appreciation of the energy and zeal shown on the club's behalf by Mr Henderson (custodian of Forbury Park), Mr J. Collins (ban. treasurer), Mr A. Cursey (hon. jatdge), Mr Alexander Aitken (hon. slipper), Mr R. Crawshaw (secretary), a-nd the Times, Star, and. Budget, aoid ethers who so ably assisted at our meetings at Forbury Paark. The new committee will be asked to adopt some of the following excellent suggestions, and the present committee feels confident if this is done the Dua» edin Coursing dub will etill have the- confidence of owners and the general public. Booknaikers: All applications to be allowed to befc at the draw to be made in writing to the secretary, tho committee holding the right to refuser any application it may think fit. Election of president, vice-presidents, secretary, and all voting at annuaa meeting to be conducted por ballot box; scrutineers to bs appointed. To offer a recognised coursing judge a monetary inducement to officiate a.t tlie_club's conising events. Draw and call-over to be conducted in a hall. -Only bookmakers who have bpen accepted by the club's committea to ba allowed to bet at tbe draw and call-over. The club does not hold itself responsible for any boo-kruakar or betting - transaction whatever. All prize money to be divided on a uniform scale. No staies to be allowed where fho entrance fee amounts to less than £2. Enclosed coursdng, when properly conducted, ia one of the most fascinating and exciting sports possible to witness, unattended without tha slightest 'danger to human life, and when a Prumpton Coursing Club attends to the propefl tiaining of its haies 90 per cent, escape uninjured' and are none the worse for their couisa with tlia ever-eager greyhounSs." The Chairman, in moving tiie adoption ck£ ths report aiid balance she«t, said it was sa.tisfactory to be able to place before members a balance sheet showing a decrease of liabilities of £82 Ss Id since last year, besides ii few schillings ->n the right side of the ledger. He had no d'oubi that, with the assistance of fino weat'Jier, when coursing events wese iua, they might expect even a more sticcessfui season this yeaa.-. There was a number oi gooct doEfa in the district, and owners were becoming more numerous. As a sport, it was one of the most exciting that could be carried oufc at slight expense. There were some who saacfl it was a cruel sport — that the hare had not a chance, but it was only those who attendodi nwetings and saw foir themselves who coul^ speak intelligently upon that matter. He did not know how Noah managed to keep the dog from coursing the hare in the aik but if botb were put on shore he was sure nothing coulrß prevent a courso. He regretted, press of business wottld prevent his again taking office 1 , but bo would still have an interest in. some dega. The motion having been formally secondecT, the report and balance sheet were adopted without discussion.

The Chairman explained that the rules provided for the election of the president and vice-presidents at rtke first meeting of tha General Committee. The following were then elected a committee for the ensuing year: — Local members— Messra A. Gawne, J. Collins, P. Aitken, J. Fuller, jun., J. Sheehy, P. Mitchell, P. Carter, W. B. Millier, G-. Haydonn E Greenslade, A. Aitken, A. Cursey, G. Davis* and P Sibley; country members— Messrs J. Kennedy (Omakau), F. G- Harrox (Eougi* Ridge), "E. Penma.ii (Kaitangata), E-. E. Kidd (Winton) and J. Mitchell (Invercaa-gill). JSTo further business being brought forward, the meeting closed with, a vcte of thanks t* the chair.