FIFTY YEARS' RACING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 196, 20 August 1931, Page 4

FIFTY YEARS' RACING

JUBILEE AT TAKAPUNA REVIEW OE PAST SEASON ihe jubilee of the Takapuna Jockey Club was celebrated at the annual meeting on Monday, when the president, the Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., presided over a very large attendance, which included in addition to members several men who have been closely associated with racing during the 50 years’ history of the dun. A cordial welcome to these visitors was given by the president. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the president said that in view of the serious drop in the totalisator revenue of almost every racing and trotting club in New Zealand, amounting in many instances to 40 to 50 per cent., the club was fortunate in having a falling off of only I7J per cent. The five shillings totalisator had proved to be successful from every standpoint and its introduction was much appreciated by patrons. It undoubtedly met the existing economic conditions and had come to stay. The overburdening Government taxation imposed upon clubs had been substantially increased during the year, in spite of a heavy reduction in totalisator returns. The taxation paid by the club for the season, less £250 refunded, amounted to £12,952, which was £3852 more than was paid in stakes for the four days' racing. With very few exceptions clubs were being so impoverished year by year that a number would soon be compelled to close down. Reduction in Stake Money The result of the excessive taxation would be a serious reduction in totalisator revenue, instead of an increase. For the year 1930-31 the revenue from the various taxes paid by racing clubs, notwithstanding the increased rates imposed by the Government, showed a very substantial drop. With the approval of the president of the Racing Conference the club made a substantial reduction in stake-monoy last season, but notw’ltnstanding this and the fact that each day’s racing was run under favourable weather and other satisfactory conditions, the four days' racing resulted in a loss of over £l5OO. However unwilling they might be the members of the committee would find it imperative to make another substantial reduction in stakes for the 1931-32 season. An application had been made to the Racing Conference for a permit for an additional day’s racing in October, bur. it was doubtful whether a permit would be available this year. The president then gave an interesting sketch of the development of the club commencing with the public meeting in 1881, at which its formation was decided upon. The first race meeting was held in December, 1881, on a five furlongs course forming part of the present racecourse area. At that time the sea at high tide covered about two-thirds of the area now encompassed by the present racing track and also covered the largest portion of the saddling paddock and birdcage. Memento for President People of to-day could not realise the difficulties which the cfuD had overcome and the vast improvements which had been made. An area over the greater part of which the sea flowed and ebbed and which was covered with high mangroves, had been converted into a splendid course. The president made special reference to Mr James Mays, who had served as a committeeman for 49 years, and Mr W. J. Ralph, whose term of office extended over 36 years. Mr Ralph seconded the motion for the adoption of the report and balancesheet, which was carried. Mr Alison was warmly congratulated

on attaining his fiftieth year as committeeman and president of the club md it was decided that in honour of the occasion he should be presented with a suitable memento of his valued services. The three retiring members of the committee. Dr A. J. Friedlander and Messrs Lisle Alderton and R. T. Michaels, were re-elected unopposed. Votes of thanks were passed to the committee and officials of the club.