SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 12, 30 August 1911, Page 5

SPORTING.

MARTON ACCEPTANCES

iTor Press Association.) Marton, August 29. The -following . aro the acceptances for the Marton races to be hold next week — Maiden Plate, 7 furlongs.—St. Bees, Boimio Boy, Lanark, Millbanks, Miharo, and The Diver 9.0, Miss Roberts, Carnation, Whakapona and Maori Maid 8.12, Kiugswell, Pikipaeapa, Crown and Pearl 8.11, Vesuvius, Marsuma, Minora, Esmoh, Lady Mildred and Florence Nightingale 8.9, Sir Knox, St. Petersburg and Grandee 7.12, Abercoed and Epworth 7.9, Topic, Lady Jean, Vega, Compliment, Labor Day and.Adare 7.7. First Handicap Hurdles, 11 miles. —Gaelic 11.7, Te Ru 11.3, Captain Bell 10.13, Euroco 10.2, Strathmoira 9.12, Stourton and Ambergris 9.6, Surmount 9.5, St. Wood, Sir Mauser, Onslow Park, Royal Patron, Official and Rawinia 9.0. Shorts Handicap, 5 furlongs.—Equitas 10.2, Naumai 9.5, St. Toney 8.12, Mendip, Mulga Bill and St. Bill 8.8, Kauroa 8.0, Morecambo 7.13, Blue Lake 7.12, Bronze 7.10, Toanga, and Rangiatua 7.9, : Kareroa 7.8, Julian and Seaweed 7.7, Tekahurangi 7.3, Ahuapai 7.0, Contralto 6.13. Hunt Cup, about 3 miles.—Flamingo and Oakley 12.13, Connecticut 12.12, Whimper 12.5, Jack (late Dauber) 12.3, Riro-Atu, Star Lass, Rua and Glenmore 11.10, Montague 11.7, Laatafos 11.3, Sylvia Maid, Maid Marion, Rangitane, Reckless, Coracrashan, Marangai and Canorus 11.0. Electric Handicap, 5 furlongs.— Taft 9.8, Master Sylvia 9.3, Varna | and Birklino 9.1, Mescal and Gold Battery 9.0, Altcar 8.7, Katua 8.3, Lady Fran 7.12, Seraphic and Patriotic 7.11, Axis 7.5, Peter Pan 7.4, Tuatahi 7.3, Overhead, Eva, and Praefectus 7.2, Moehau, Inveran, Sylvania and Erica 7.1, Tiree, Lanark, Adverse and Loopline 7.0.

Marton Handicap, 1J miles.—Ruaparaha 8.10, The Rover 8.8, Sir Frisco 8.7, Woodjiey 8.5, Smilax and Rill 7.12, Ji 7.11, John 7.10, Koran 7.9, Kilosteri 7.8, Projectile 7.7, Julian 7.6, Waipunui and Voetgang 7.5, Epsopi Lass 7.0, Mildura 6.10. First Hack Steeplechase, about 2} miles.—Wirral H‘.l3, Maidi 11.3, Connecticut 10.13, Whatashot 10.12, Grey Dawn 10.11, Whimper 10.8, Glenmore and Riro-Atu 10.0, Rebel 9.1 Q, St; Wood and Mitehau 9.7. Tutaenui Welter Handicap, 1 mile. —Shining Star and Shuja 9.13, Sandy Paul 9.12, Leolanter and Lass 9.8, Brilliancy 9.5, Sam Pan and Windage 8.13, Midian and Otahu 8.9, Zoraida and Dervish 8.7, Tuatahi 8.3, Awha 8.2, Embrocation 8.1, Grandee 8.0.

STRATFORD RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

The annual general meeting of members of the Stratford Racing Club was held last night, the President (Mr. A. W. Budge) occupying the ; chair. In opening proceedings the Chairman congratulated, the *Club;on its pfist’ successful, season, and for- • mally moved the adoption of the report arid balance-sheet, as in the hands of members.’ The report showed that the meeting held on January 2nd and 3rd had been a record one from many points of view. As showing the benefit of clearing and logging the Club’s land, and cropping and regrassing the same, a profit of £232 was made on the purchase and sale of stock during the season. In the assets, the value of the Club’s land had , been raised from £lO to £45 per acre, and the committee, fools confident that even at £45 per acre, the valuation is a conservative one. The other assets have all been well written 'deem and show_ an excess over liabilities of £5275. Owing to the inadequate accommodation for the stewards and officials and also the crowded condition of the grandstand at race meetings, V it was decided to effect considerable i improvements to meet this deficiency t before next race meeting. A contract has been lot for a new stewards’ stand of a handsome design, which will materially enhance the general appearance of the course property, and will give the stewards and staff iml proved and very much-needed accommodation. This building Is now practically Completed. The grandstand is also to bo extended eastwards to give 50 per cent, more accommodation, and a start has been made by the contractors on this work. The completed cost of these building additions will run into about £I2OO. The old building which was used for secretary’s office, jockey room, etc., has been moved out to the Pembroke Road and reconstructed at a cost of some £lB2. It is now let at 10s per week rent, and is returning good interest on the outlay. During the year the Club has secured a number of Stratford Extension sections adjacent to the western boundary of the course. These sections have been securely fenced off and steps are now being taken in the direction of planting trees, etc., M to preserve the pretty native bush on ~ them, thereby conferring a boon on the town for all time. The planting is also being carried out on other portions of the Club’s property witn a view to beautifying it, and also providing a good back-ground to the racing track. Many other lesser improvements, such as raising the level of two fillings on the course ? logging and clearing other portions of the property not yet dealt with, new fencing, etc., have been, and are being carried out, so that the year has been a particularly busy one. The Golf Club has been granted playing rights over the Racecourse for a period of five years, and playing greens, tecs, etc., have been laid down. A neat pavilion and club house has also been erected by the golfers near the sixfurlong post, and good use has been made of the links already this season. - Mr. W. H. H. Young seconded the motion, endorsing the Chairman’s remarks. (The motion was carried. There ’being no other nominations, Mr. A. W. Budge was declared reelected to the office of president; Mr. W. H. H. Young, vice-president; and Messrs. E. B. Stohr, H. M. Good, and W. P. Kirkwood members of Committee.

The Chairman referred to the recent Racing Conference and to the effort made to obtain the stipendiary steward system. They had been unsuccessful, but had hope for tiie near future that the Conference would sanction the appointment of such offiVfr cials. There had been misapprehen- ; sion as to the scope stipendiary stew-

ards would be allowed in same quarters, and, with Mr. Nolan, he had been able to disabuse this to some extent. He thought also, that some wno had opposed the movement in the past would come round. Mr. W. H. H. Young moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Country Clubs’ delegates, Messrs. Budge and Nolan. Mr. W. Morrison seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Budge suitably acknowledged on behalf of Mr. Nolan and himself. He also specially thanked the stewards and members of committee for thcii loyal and splendid support accorded him as President during the year. In referring to the improvements carried out of late, Mr. Budge paid a special tribute to Mr S. Pitt and the Farming Committee. The Club had been especially fortunate in the appointment of its caretaker. Mr. Young proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Budge for presenting trophies to the winning gentlemen riders. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood seconded the fortune in being able to retain the services of Mr. Budge as president, and eulogising his good work in all directions. On the President’s, motion a vote of thanks to the Metropolitan Chib for donating gentlemen riders’ fees was carried unanimously, Mr Young introduced tire question of including trotting races on the programme. Mr. Morison recommended that the matter bo left to the committee. Mr. J. B. Richards said the Farm Committee had devoted much, valuable time and work, from a monetary point of view, to the Club’s interest, and ho thought that though the officials as a whole laid been thanked, very special thanks were due to Mr S. Pitt, whose untiring efforts in farming the Club’s land and in suitably stocking it and disposing of the stock had meant a great deal to the Chib’s finance. The President said he had very much pleasure in seconding. Few knew how very much time and trouble Mr. Pitt had expended on the Club’s behalf. 7 j Mr. Young heartily supported the motion, which was carried by acclam- \ ation. | On Mr. Morison’s motion, seconded by Mr. D. J. Malone, a very hearty vote of thanks' was accorded the President for his services during the year. Mr. Budge, in acknowledging, said he had not looked for this, as he had merely done his duty. Ho thought, however, ho might say that even the most captious critic could not deny the Club’s sound financial' position, and he thought it would grow better y ear by year. He had done-his best in the Club’s interests, as ho thought every official should. He desired to thank them for tiie expression of appreciation. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood moved that it he a recommendation to the committoe to issue two ladies’ tickets with each member’s ticket. He thought such a course would popularise tho Club. Mr. E. Jackson seconded tho motion, as a stop in the right direction. Mr. Young doubted the advisability of taking this method of gaining popularity. He thought possibly a re-> duction in admission charges might bo a better way of popularising the Club. Mr. Morison was in favour of cheapening tho admission charge to the course to ladies especially. Tho motion was discussed by members. Mr. Kirkwood in replying remarking that while he was in sympathy with reducing admission rates to tho general public, his motion hardly went so far. In any case, it was only a recommendation to the committee, but ho hoped it would bo a strong one. The motion was carried, a aJTMHfrjj'ii Stanford mentioned the National Sporting League, and advocated its support by the Club. The Chairman said the committee would consider the matter, Sir George 'Clifford, President of tho Racing Conference, having communicated with tho Club on the question .He entirely sympathised with Mr. Stanford’s remarks regarding the value of the League, and thought it i/io bounden duty of all classes of sport to support it. Sport of all kinds was in serious danger of . interference, as matters were , at present. Mr. D. J. Malone advocated a race ball, as a popular social function in connection with they Club. He though t it might be a good idea to hold a ball on the night of the annual meeting. Mr. Kirkwood supported the idea, contending that Stratford now aspired to something more than a mere small country racing club, and might well extend its functions. Mr. Young mentioned that bails wore seldom a financial success, instancing one held lately which cost its club £250. Mr. Malone thought they could run a successful ball, without being too lavish, practically at a profit. lie would move that tho matter be a recommendation to the committee. —Carried. . Mr. Young moved that it bo a recommendation to the Committee that a special prize bo donated to the Stratford A. and P. Association. Mr, A. Stewart seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Kirkwood suggested that the prize bo for award in tho horse section. This was agreed to. Various votes of thanks were passed and the meeting closed. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr. A. W. Budge was re-elect-ed chairman.