WAIPA RACING CLUB.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 28, 21 July 1911, Page 3

WAIPA RACING CLUB.

A meeting of the above Club was held at Jackson’s Hotel on Tuesday evening, at which about thirty members were present. Mr H. Weal occupied the chair, and in a brief speech stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of considering iiT the Club would be wound upland, if so, what would be done with the balance of the funds. It was estimated that the balance was about £65, and, if the Club were wound up, the meeting would have to decide how to dispose of this sum. Much discussion followed as to the possibility of a permit being granted to the Club at a later date.

The secretary (Mr W. G. Abbott) wrote apologising for his unavoidable absence. 'He referred to the probability of a permit being given either to the Waipa Racing Club or the Waikato Hunt Club. He did not entertain hopes for either, and suggested that the funds be voted to the Young Men’s Institute for the purpose of assisting to build a gymnasium. After some further discussion it was decided to wind up the affairs of the Club for the present. The proposals for the disposal of the funds were then considered. Dr Reekie did not favour the proposal to assist the i A oung Men’s Institute. the young men to a wheelbarrow, who, when pushed along, showed some life, but were unable to move for themselves. He proposed that the balance of the funds be given to the Te Awamutu Polo Club, at tne same time referring to the advisability of assisting sport pertaining to horses. Mr J. Burke said he agreed with Dr Reekie on the grounds that the money had come from sport and should go. to assist sport. He would like to see the money go to a hunt club, with the probability under fresh legislation of getting a permit for racing. He considered it would be wise to hold the money over pending the decision of other defunct clubs. Mr von Stunner stated that the money. might as well be held by the Waipa Racing Club as a neighbouring Hunt Club. Mr F. Quinn moved as an amendment that the money be held in trust by two trustees to be appointed at the meeting, and that a meeting of members of the late Waipa Racing Club be held within twelve months, dispose of same when called by the appointed trustees, or at the request of seven members of the Club. Much discussion followed as to who the trustees would recognise, and who would be eligible to vote at a subsequent meeting. Dr. Reekie suggested that if no permit was granted within 12 months, the money go to the Polo Club, but this suggestion was not favoured. Mr Weal said he would like to see the money of the club with the money of neighbouring clubs, voted to the Hunt Club at Cambridge. He referred to the size of that club, and stated—should the question of extra permits be considered—the Waikato Hunt Club would get first chance. He proposed as a further amendment that two delegates be appointed to meet the Ohaupo, Pirongia, and neighbouring clubs to arrange for placing the money in favour of the Waikato Hunt Club on condition that other defunct racing clubs amalgamate.

Mr Jones favoured holding the money over, and suggested that the money may as well go to Te Kuiti. where they had a permit as to Cambridge where the position was uncertain.

A great deal of discussion followed as to the stand taken by the Pirongia Racing Club.

Mr Bockett stated that in view of the many local institutions needing funds he would never favour any proposal to send the money- out of Te Awamutu. Mr Stewart referred to the sporting and generous character of racing men. With Mr Bockett he did not favour sending the money out of the town, and referred to the tendency of Te Awamutu to stand in her Own to the advantage of other centres. There were too many worthy local institutions which would benefit by financial assistance, and as the money could be put to immediate use, he did not favour a proposal to lee it stand idle. He personally was keen on the Young Men’s Institute, which was, in some quarters, thought to be defunct, but he hoped at an early date to show that that institution was very much alive. He referred to the public school grounds, which' were soiely in need of improvement, the public library, the Co.onation memorial, the sports ground at the Puniu

Domain —all of which were public institutions and worthy of consideration before sending the money out of the town. At the request of a member he more fully explained the Coronation memorial. In conclusion he proposed that the money be vot. Ito one or more local public in.-.titu-tions.

Mr Spinley stated that the credit balance was the resujt of much uphill work, and considered that, in the event of the Club being re-organised, much difficulty would be experienced in getting £6O together again. Mr Stewart promptly gave a promise that should occasion arise he would undertake to collect l A the amount. He stated that the money had been ra sed locally, and if expended, should be spent locally. The chairman considered the balance had not come from local support. A show of hands was then taken, which resulted :

lhat money be voted to local

institutions —8 for, 19 against. In favor of Cambridge Hunt Club - —7 for, 20 against. That money be held by trusties -—2 O for, 0 against. The chairman therefore declared that Mr Quin’s amendment (to hold the funds for 12 months) carried. Messrs J. Middlebrook and W. N. von Stunner were duly appointed trustees. A hearty vote of thanks was passed in favour of Mr W. G. Abbott (secretary) and to Win. Taylor Esq., of Greenlnli, who had for so many years placed a portion of his estate at the disposal of the Club on which a course had been formed.

The meeting was duly closed after the usual vote to the chair, and to Mr Jackson for the use of his room.