WAIRIO JOCKEY CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 23949, 16 October 1939, Page 10

WAIRIO JOCKEY CLUB

CREDIT OF £136 ON YEAR’S WORKING

DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS SUGGESTED “Since our members last met together the British Empire, in the defence of minor nations in Europe, has become involved in the second big war during the past quarter of a century, and the question of carrying racing on in the Dominion has been debated from both sides. I am only voicing my private opinion in stating that this club should carry on as usual,” states the annual report of the president of the Waino Jockey Club, Mr Thomas Todd. “As trustees of semi-public funds racing club committees have a clearcut duty to perform in times like the present,” the report continues. By holding its annual race meeting at the usual time the committee will not only provide a healthy day of recreation for the residents of the district, but will also provide employment in the district, assist owners and trainers to keep their establishments going, and help the Government to collect taxation that would otherwise be missed if the meeting were not held. Last season we paid over £7OO in taxation on the day’s racing, and as the rate has since been considerably increased it is safe to assume that the amount will be larger this season. I am strongly ot the opinion that our annual race meeting should be held, and that the whole of the net profits of the fixture should be given to war or patriotic funds. SOUND POSITION “It was unfortunate for the club that bad weather was experienced in Invercargill and its surrounding districts on the day of the annual races, for though it was fine but dull at Wairio this seriously affected the attendance and the decrease in the gate receipts, about £34, was reflected in about the same proportion as the revenue from the totalizator and sales of race cards. The meeting, however, provided a good afternoon’s sport, and resulted m a profit of £136/3/1, compared with £245/6/10 the previous year. The club now has fixed deposits and cash balances totalling £653/10/10 and, further depreciation has been provided for, assets valued at £1133/0/10, and no liabilities. “After heavy expenditure the previous year it was not necessary to spend much on repairs and maintenance last season, but during the current year it will be necessary to renovate and strengthen the outside stand. Including three life members the club s membership increased from 122 m 1937-38 to 155 last season, the highest peak reached during the past 20 years. Mr A. J. Brown, having sold 40 members’ tickets, wins the challenge trophy for the 1938-39 season. Since our last annual meeting, the death has occurred of Mr M. O’Brien, a member and official for many years. To his relations we extend the sympathy of the memThe following have been nominated for the vacancies on the executive: President, Mr Thomas Todd (reelected) ; vice-president, Mr Frank Boyle (re-elected); committee (three required,, Messrs G. W. Gardner, D. McLean and M. O’Brien (re-elected); hon. treasurer, Mr J. A. Steans (reelected) ; stewards, Messrs R. Bates, J. Blackwell, John O’Brien, M. J. Egan, G. W. Gardner, J. Hogan, T. Todd.