SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1926, Page 4

SPORTING.

HAWERA TROTTING CLUB. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Hawera Trotting Club is as follows: The meeting this year, which is now established as a two-day fixture, was quite the most successful in the history of the club, and now ranks as one of the most important, outside the metropolitan centres, in tho Dominion. The policy of maintaining stakes at a high level has been justified, and is reflected by the record entries received this year, the fields being large, and the trotting of a most interesting character, whilst the attendance of the public was also well maintained. The profit and loss account shows a net profit on the year’s working of £524. The capital assets of the club are invested in sound securities. It is with great regret- that we have to record the deaths during the year of the following members:. Messrs. D. J. Goodwin, W. M. Winks and R. Wylie. Your committee have also, with great regret, to record the death of Mr. F. W. Edwards, handicapper, whose services in that capacity were highly beneficial to the club and much appreciated by owners and the public. In June last the resignation of Mr. V. B. Stratton was received, on account of his continued ill-health, and was accepted with much regret. Mr. Stratton has proved himself a most capable and popular secretary during his term of office, and it will be the wish of all members that the rest from business affairs will result in his early recovery. Together with the Egmont Racing Club we called for applications to fill the vacancy, and have appointed Mr. E. P. Cox, who has acted for the elub on several occasions and who is well known to members. ’ We wish to thank the Egmont Racing Club for the use of its fine course and appointments, and the paid and honorary staffs for their services during the year. Nominations for the offices of president, viee-president, hon. treasurer and committee not being in excess of the vacancies to be filled, no election will be necessary. Nominations: President, Mr. B. McCarthy; vice-president, Mr. E. A. Washer; hon. treasurer, Mr. T. J. Salmon; committee, Messrs C. Arden, W. J. Bradford, M. Barraclough, J. S. Barrow, J. N. Crocker, B. C. Gibson, A. J. Hopcroft, H. L. Kasper, E. A. Nixon, G. 11. Ryan, J. S. T. Short; stewards — the following twelve nominations have been received for the eleven stewards required, and an election will be held at the annual general meeting: Messrs. C. Arden, W. J. Bradford, J. S. Barrow, J. N. Crocker, B. C. Gibson, A. J. Hopcroft, A. C. Johnstone, J. Malone, J. E. McCarty, J. W. Paterson, G. H. Ryan, J. S. f. Short.

OPUNAKE RACING CLUB. The annual report of the Opunake Racing Club states:— A rebate of £250 on totalisator revenue was received from the Government, and whilst, of course, any allowances will be welcomed, more liberal conditions would enhance the value of this concession. During the year improvements to the value of £330 15s 8d were eai’ried out as follows: Installation of electric light and water power, new ticket offices, and additional sanitary conveniences. The committee are pleased to announce that they have reduced mortgages by £9OO, thus further stabilising the position of the club. The lease of the racecourse property to Mr. L. Palfrey expired on June 30, and the course committee have accepted a tender for the grazing rights for on?, year, from Mr. A. H. Stevenson.. The committee regret to report the death during the year of Mr. W. Slattery, a valued member of the club. Messrs. A. Good, J. M. Hickey senr., and G. Barr-Brown have been elected unopposed to the respective positions of president, viee-president aud treasurer. The retiring stewards and committee (Messrs. E. _S. Forsyth, J. Young, J. P. Burton, F. Julian, H. Young, A. H. Stevenson, D. Harrup, A. F. Neilson and S. J. Richards) have been nominated, and there being no further nominations, are declared elected. NEW PLYMOUTH TRACK NOTES. The going on the local track was fairly sticky after the recent rain yesterday morning, and all the work was done on the trial grass. Bay Dighton and Vivo worked freely, both looking well. Te Monanui and Mint Leaf took 1.39 for seven furlongs, the former pleasing most. Royal Mint and Merry Je’st worked separately, the latter putting a lot of dash into her work. Quilfire and Resinous went six furlongs, th© last five taking 1.10. Tawehi jumped four hurdles iu good style. Mendip pleased in a dash down the straight. Lucernal worked usefully. No local horses will be competing at the Paparanga meeting on Saturday, and it is unlikely that the contingent for the Egmont Wanganui Hunt meeting at Hawera will be a strong one,