SPORTS GATHER

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 3, 25 October 1924, Page 5

SPORTS GATHER

STRATFORD ATHLETIC CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tbe annual meeting of the Stratford Athletic Club was held in Carman's tea rooms, Stratford, last night. The Mayor (Mr J. W. McMahan) presided, over a good attendance. The Mayor expressed pleasure at seeing a large attendance. The Club had come through tire, first year creditably. The balance-sheet showed a credit. The meeting had, perhaps, not been a success, but that was largely due to the bad weather.

The following now members were elected: Messrs J. Hampsou and J. Cormick.

ANNUAL REPORT .AND BAL-ANCE-SHEET.

Mr 1). J. Malone, chairman of the Executive, then read the annual report, which was as follows: The year was marked by a wholesome revival of athletics in the district, and thanks are due to those citizens who took the initial stops in the formation of the club. The fact that we have 157 members in our first year is proof of the interest being taken by the general public. Unfortunately, the day appointed for the first meeting was wet, and it was decided to postpone the meeting for a week. This caused considerable loss. On the day of the sports the ground was in excellent order. The conduct ol the meeting generally and the absence of delay in getting off the various events was favorably commented on by the visitors. During tbe meeting the ground was officially opened by the Mayor (Mr J. W, McMillanC The thanks of the Club are due to those who donated trophies and u>the various local associations which assisted in the preparation of the ground. In speaking to the report, Mr Malone said that last year was the first year for nine or ten years that they had had an athletic gathering, and although at the time there was some doubt as to the probable success of the gathering, he was pleased to say the result had been entirely satisfactory. The financial result had. perhaps not been as good as 't might have been, but there were other things than big profits to be considered. The 1 a 1 ions events had had been provided. Me thought that been good, and a splendid variety the Club was to be' congratulated on the result, and he felt sure that future functions would prove even more successful. As usual, in such aji undertaking, the result to a great extent depended upon the prizes offered. Had their prizes been less they would, perhaps, have shown a greater profit, but on the other hand, had they been niggardly in the respect they would not have had the splendid competition which they had had.

Mr Tv ret' then read the balancesheet. Receipts.—By. subscriptions aim donations £47 13s, training fees 12s 6d, nomination fees £35 3s, gate takings £B3 2s 6d, sweet stall £25 8a Id, sale of programmes £0 12s 6d, receipts at office on sports day £lo Is 6d, donations; Scottish Society £1 10s, W. Kelly (Relay) £3 3s—-£4 13s; total, £2lB 6s Id. Expenditure.—Printing £32 10s, petty cash £7, permit for amateurs 11s, registration fees £2 14s, rent of ground £ll 12s 10d, Band £lO less grant £5, marquees (hire) £3 Is lOd, timber for dancing floor £1 12s, handicapper £2 2s Gd, amusement tax £7 16s 2d, gatekeepers £2 10s, Piper £1 10s, refunds gate money to competitors £5 10s, prize money (including doiicitflons* Is special and 5s paid out of petty cash) £B9 14s, sweet stall goods £l9 3s Id bank charges £1 2s. balance in bank as at 30-7-24, £24 16s Sd. Mr Malone said that the large amount for subscriptions and donations was due to the work of those who had canvassed the town for members. Had it not been for their success, the Club would not have been able to show a credit, and the thanks of all were due to those who had given up so much time to the work. He expressed thanks for the way in which the Club had been treated by the Borough Council and the Racing Club, who had provided a man to roll the ground, and also various others who ,had rendered such valuable assistance. Mr Malone also expressed appreciation of the valuable assistance he had received from the members of the executive, and spoke of the harmonious relations which had existed. He moved the adoption of the report and balancesheet.

Mr E. H. Young, in seconding, said that he was gratified by the fact that athletic gatherings had again come into their own in Stratford, and it was satisfactory to know that the town had a good strong sports club. In the sports ground they had a valuable asset, which would be of immense benefit to the younger generation and to sports generally. He hoped last year’s gathering would be the forerunner of many others which would be even more successful.

The Mayor, speaking in support, said the Club should be grateful to Mr Malone and his committee for the splendid way in which they had carried on. Mr Malone had referred to the harmony that, had existed, and without that they could not have attained the success which had been registered. He hoped Mr Malone would again consent to act in the position he had so ably held during the past. year. The report and balance-sheet were then adopted unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The eleetoin of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr R. Masters. M.P. President, Mr J. W. McMillan. Vice-Presidents: Messrs D. J. Malone, L. J. Furrie, S. Macalister, C. H, Johnson, C, Jackson.

Conxmittee; Messrs A. A. Thompson,. E. H. Young, C, Gray, A. S. Peters, T. Kirkwood. B. Saunders, J. Hampson, L. "T; VAylward. W. A. Brown. ‘i>-

Secretary, Mr R. R. Tyrer. Treasurer, Mr E. H. Young.

Hon.. Auditor, Mr P. Skoglund

In speaking of the services 0 f the secretary, Mr R. R. Tyrer, Mr Malone said he had spared no effort on behalf Of the Club and had placed bis office and staff at the disposal of the executive. A vote, of thanks to Mr Tyrer, proposed by Mr Malone, and seconded by the Mayor, was carried by acclamation. GENERAL. The schedule of rules drawn up by the Committee was then laid on the table, and adopted. The date of the sports meeting was then discussed, the President remarking that it was desirable that the Committee he given an indication of opinion on the matter. Mr C. Jackson moved that the matter of date be left in the hands of the executive. Mr Foley was of opinion that some conclusion as to the date should he arrived at at that meeting. They would have to apply to the Centre for dates, and as the latter were allotted In the order of priority of affliction the sooner application was made the better. • He therefore moved an amendment that the date of the meeting be as near as possible to that of last year. The amendment was carried.

There was some discussion as to the part the Scottish Society would take, Mr Malone expressing the hope that the Club would a.t the next sports meeting receive support from the Scottish Society as was the case last year. Mr S. Macaliser said that he, thought there was no doubt but that the Scottish Society would render assistance. As a matter of fact, some time ago they had considered the provision of a Scottish section at the sports, and had discussed taking a portion of the financial risk. Whether the members would still be of the same opinion now he di(j ; not know, but he thought it was certain that the Society would co-operate.

Mr W. McDonald s- id that he was of opinion that the Pcottisfi Society would co-operate. Ihey could go further than last year The little attraction that was put on by the Scottish Society was certainly an attraction, and had kept the crowd amused during 1 dry cycle races. (Laughter.) Mr Kerr spoke in support.

Mr C. C. Johnston suggested that small evening meetings might be held from time to time as was done in New Plymouth, Mr Malone supported the idea. Mr T. Kirkwood said that at the faceting of the’ Centre the possibility of a visit from overseas athletes had been discussed. If that eventuated. they would be faced with the possibility of an extra meeting. The Mayor said, a resolution would not be necessary, as the committee would keep the suggestion in view. ' Votes of thanks to the Chair and J to the Press concluded the*meeting. , , .