TURF CLUB YEAR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18190, 11 September 1933, Page 9

TURF CLUB YEAR

SUPPORT NOT SUFFICIENT FEWER MEMBERS LATELY CHAIRMAN READS A LESSON “At present tho sport is being carried on by a few enthusiasts at an immense cost of worry and loss to themselves, and for what? To afford amusement to the public. This state of affairs cannot continue for ever, and unless you members take sufficient interest and induce Hie public to take more interest, racing iu Poverty Bay must surely stop.” Speaking to-day at Hie annual meeting of the Poverty Bay Turf Club. Dir. J. W. Nolan, president ot the club, issued this warning to his fellowmembers. The meeting was not largely attended, this fact giving additional point to tin* comments of Mr. Nolan, who incidentally intimated to those present* that it wais not his intention to accept nomination for any post, in the club for the future, having completed 54 years of official connection with the club.

Reviewing the condition of the clubs affairs, Mr. Nolan stated that it was a matter for regret that the balance-sheet was not of a more satisfactory nature, but that when the special circumstances under which the club had operated lor the past. 14 months were taken into consideration, the position was revealed us not altogether unsatisfactory.

The period covered by the balancesheet., lie said, was some 14 Inonths, instead of the nsfinl 12 months. This arose from the fact that the Gisborne Racing Club was taken over by the Poverty Bay Turf Club at, a very awkward time, as its racing dates had been fixed prior to the amalgamation aifd had to be taken as they stood, which brought the racing right up to the end of the racing year, July 31, two months beyond the usual annual balanco dates, which it was thought better to extend so as to cover all operations for the racing year. There were many expenses arising in the year’s working which were not recurring, and which under the usual accounting would have been charged up against this year’s working. These items would all go to credit, though shown in this balance-sheet as debits.

“On the whole the racing during the year was fair, that is as to the number of horses, but the support of the public was very disappointing, though the totalisator tickets were lowered, as were also the admission lees, continued Mr. Nolan. “This is no doubt attributable to the times through which we are now' passing, and which have every appearance of fast disappearing. THE SHORTAGE OF MEMBERS “There is, however, one factor which is distinctly disappointing, that is the membership. It was thought that the fact of amalgamation of the two clubs would increase the membership. As a matter of fact, it apparently has had tho opposite effect. There are now fewer members than before the amalgamation. It is up to you members, and the Gisborne public generally, to see that this is rectified. Whv there is a shortage ot members one cannot understand. It cannot be on the score of expense, because attendance as a member is very much less expensive and more satisfactory than ordinary payment for admission.

“The sport of racing is in itself a very considerable industry in 'the district, and on the occasions of race meetings brings a very large influx of visitors, not many of whom go away without leaving some money behind them. As it is at present, the sport is being endeavored to be carried on by a few enthusiasts at an immense amount of worry and loss to themselves. And for what? To afford amusement for the public. Well, this state of things cannot go on for ever, and unless you members take sufficient interest and induce the public to take more interest, racing in Poverty Bay must very soon surely stop. It is a pity, because you have a course and appointments second only to the four centres in the Dominion, and which should ho supported; otherwise a very large industry in breeding and racing will cease to exist in Poverty Bay. “Unfortunately we have found it so far impossible to comply fully with the rules of racing, particularly as to the amount of stakes, without the assistance of the president of the Conference, which lie and his executive, being aware of the isolation of our district and of tho difficulties with which we have to contend in conducting racing here, have very kindly extended to us, and we tender to the president, secretary and the Conference, executive, our sincere thanks therefor.

“And now I. want to tell you that 1 am not offering myself for reappointment in any official capacity on the club. I have been for 54 years on the executive, during which time the club has gone through many worse financial ami other trials than now are before it, and T have no doubt whatever that, in a. very short, time it will be in the front, row as one of the most financial and prosperous clubs in New Zealand. Particularly is this so if the Government lias the courage to pass the legislation which the various lacing clubs and the general public are clamoring for. Under the circumstances I think it is quite time that. I gave place to some younger and mole energetic man.” The motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet, was seconded by Air. D. ,T. Barry, who expressed surprise to hear that the number of members had declined since the amalgamation. Mr. Barry commented that Mr. Nolan’s tenure of office must he nearly a, record for New Zealand, lie personally had been closely in touch with Mr. Nolan for the greater part of his 54 years of office in the club, and he recollected some of the viscissitudes suffered by the club in the past. He also recognised tho state of perfection to which the club’s property had been brought under Mr. Nolan’s superintendence. If Mr. Nolan had made up his mind to retire, Air. Barry continued, he would suggest that the office of patron be conferred on the retiring president as a mark of gratitude and appreciation. (Applause.) For the offico of president, Air. J. W. Nolan proposed Air. George M. Reynolds, the motion being seconded by Mr. H. E. Bright and carried unanimously.

Further appointments were made as follows: —Vice-president, Air. F. AV. Nolan; committee, Messrs P. C. Loiscl, S. D. Nathan, F. Tolcrton, and AV. G. Sherratt. Air. Barry proposed formally that the retiring president and vice-president, Messrs. J. AV. Nolan and R. Sherratt, be appointed patron and life member respectively. He added to the proposal a suggestion that Air. TL Shorratt bo appointed to the grounds committee. The motion was carried unanimously by acclamation. On the suggestion of Air. Barry, it was agreed that a list of members of the club be provided for reference during a campaign for new members.

ATr. J. W. Nolan commented that the only way to increase the public interest was to secure additional members. Air. G-. B. Oman extended congratulations to Air. G. AY. Reynolds on his appointment as president in succession to Mr. J. AV. Nolan, and wished him every success in the post. Mr. Reynolds returned thanks. In acknowledging his appointment as patron, Air. J. AV. Nolan remarked that the club was in a position to make real and solid progress, and lie suggested that when the finances became easier, every effort should be made to establish reserves, against possible needs of the future. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.