GERALDINE R.C.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19802, 18 May 1934, Page 4

GERALDINE R.C.

TWO LIFE MEMBERS ELECTED. A meeting of the Committee of the Geraldine Racing Club, held on Tuesday evening, was attended by the President (Mr J. C. South' and Messrs C. Stock, D. E. Lewis, F. E. South, J. Reid, A. South. A. G. Macdonald, D. Macdonald, G. Fletcher, J. C. Bisdee and L. J. Grant. Apologies were received from Messrs T. H. Langford and W. Quirk. Tribute to Committeemen. In a letter to the secretary (Mr J. Kennedy) Mr W. Quirk mentioned that he was not well enough to be present, and asked that ne be apologised for. After 38 years on the committee he felt that the time had come to take a rest, and he thanked members for the support given him during his long term of office. He assured the incoming committee that he would continue to take an interest in the Club and that he would remain a member. “As I told you, no Iron Crosses or decorations of any sort for me, while still connected with the Club,” added Mr Quirk. Mr D. E. Lewis, another member of long standing, wrote requesting that his nomination for the committee at the forthcoming annual meeting should be withdrawn. He had decided not to stand for any office this year. There were a number of younger members who were well able to take an active part in the management of the Club. The president, who referred to the long services Messrs Quirk and Lewis had given to the club, paid a tribute to their good qualities, and expressed regret that the club was losing them from the committee. He hoped that they would accept nomination at a future date. Mr D. Macdonald, who endorsed the president’s remarks, proposed that Messrs Quirk and Lewis be elected life members. The motion was seconded by the president and carried unanimously, Messrs L. J. Grant and A. G. Macdonald also paying a tribute to Messrs Quirk and Lewis. Date of Race Meeting. The Ashburton Racing Club advised that it proposed to race u Saturday, September 15. The president remarked that the Geraldine Club’s meeting had been proposed for September 20 and 22, but, as this was considered too early in the season to race, it had been decided to apply to the Canterbury District Committee for permission to race on September 27 and 29, and also to communicate asking the Ashburton Club if it would be willing to hold its meeting on September 22. On the motion of Messrs Grant and A. G. Macdonald the committee decided to apply for September 27 and 29 for the 1934 meeting. Patrol Stewards. The secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference advised that he had been directed by the Executive committee to notify all clubs that they were recommended to appoint patrol stewards to watch the races from different parts of the course, and report the result of their observations to the Judicial Committee and Stipendiary Steward after each race. Patrol stewards could not adjudicate on any matter upon which they may have tendered evidence, and foe this reason, none of the members of the judicial committee should be appointed. On the motion of Messrs Grant and D. Macdonald, it was deemed that the recommendation be adopted. General. The resignations of Messrs G. I. Plimmer and T. Wilson, who are leaving the district, and G. H. Grigg were accepted with regret.

On the motion of Messrs Grant and Fletcher, the secretary was authorised to attend the conference, to be held at Wellington on July 6th.

Circular letters were received from the New Zealand Racing Conference m regard to an amendment to the law of Libel Amendment Act, 1910. giving privilege in respect of the publication of the proceedings of inquiries at race meetings, and notifying a refund of one-fifth of the 5 per cent totalisator duty from April Ist, 1934 to March 31st, 1935.

The New Zealand Racing Conference advised that it had been brought to the notice of the Executive Committee that of late some clubs had been taking nominations on the understanding that in the event of the horse not accepting no fees would be payable, and that in some cases acceptance fees were not claimed unless the horse actually started. The Executive Committee viewed both practices with grave concern, not only as being contrary to the intention of the Rules of Racing, but also as tending to work a grave injustice to those owners who entered in good faith, paying all the prescribed fees, without any knowledge of the privilege extended to others.

The secretary (Mr J. Kennedy) read a statement of receipts and expenditure which will be presented at the forthcoming annual meeting.