RANGITIKEI RACING CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 195, 21 August 1935, Page 5

RANGITIKEI RACING CLUB

THE ANNUAL MEETING. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. There was a record attendance of SO members at the annual general meeting of the llangitikei Racing Club, held in Bulls on Monday evening, an I proceedings were enthusiastic throughout. Of 119 members entitled to register their votes, no less than 115 did so. The contest for the position of presi dent, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. J. F. McKelvie, was a very interesting one, the late president’s son, Mr Rex McKelvie, winning the scat by live votes. ’Ten nominations for five seats on the committee resulted in two retiring members, Messrs. Ken. McK. Duncan and A. W. Amon, topping the list, the others elected being Messrs. Q. O. Wilson, J. J. Mansell and B. J. Frecklington, all descendants of men who have taken leading parts in tire management of the club's affairs in past years. As the number of nominations for vice-presidents did not exceed the number of vacancies the following were duly elected: Messrs. J. H. Perrett, K. \V. Dairymp'e, J, E. Walker and F. O. Bailey. Mr. G. 11. Archer was re-elected lion, treasurer, and Air. J. B. Sicely auditor. A special general meeting preceded the annual meeting, the object being to consider a notice of motion: “That the payment of an entrance fee for members, as provided for in Rule 6, be suspended for one year as from August 19, 1935.” This was carried. Mr. J. H. Perrett presided, an 1 expressed pleasure at the interest shown by the very large attendance at the annual meeting He read apologies tor non-attendance from Messrs C. G. Hammond, A. Way, E. W. Smart, F. E. Hart, W. A. Doughty, C. L. Anderson, C. E. Vile, J. McDonald, H. W. Lampp and Jas. Bull. Messrs. R. Mackay and E. A. Caldow were appointed scrutineers for the election. Before commencing the business of the meeting the chairman referred to the losses which the club had sustained during the past season by the deaths of prominent members, and the following resolutions were passed, all standing as a mark of respect:— “That this annual meeting of members of the Rangkikei Racing Club places on record its very high appreciation of the eminent services rendered to the club by the late president, Mr. J. F. McKelvie. Air. McKelvie became a member in 1891; vice-presi-dent and life member in 1913; and president in 1917. During this long period of service he did everything in his power to forward the interests of the club, and his passing is deep’y regretted. ” “That the annual meeting of members places on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the club by the late Air. J. 11. Whisker. Air. ’Whisker became a member in 1905; a steward in 1909; and vice-president in 1935. During his long service as chairman of the Farm Committee he always did his best to promote the best interests of the club, and we deeply regret his passing.’’

“Sympathy is expressed with the relatives of the late Air. W. Carter and the late Airs. T. F. Richardson.’’ •Speaking to the resolution Air. Perrett said that Air. Carter had been a strong member of the club, and had raced horsesi Airs. Richardson was also a member for some years, and her late husband had done goud work on the committee. 33

The chairman presented the report and balance-sheet for the year,«waich was adopted. The report read: la presenting the annual statement of accounts your committee have pleasure in congratulating members on the improved position as disclosed in the baiance-sheet. After allowing the sum of £192 19 a Id for depreciation the balance-sheet shows a prout of £270 is 3d. The overdraft has been reuuccd by £333. Caieiul administration is necessary in the future if this improvement is to be maintained. The lai m shows a prolit of £243 7s oil, an increase of £33 10s 3d. This is a splendid result, ».nd our hearty manks aie due to the Fann Committee, Aicssrs. J. Thicker and D. W. Wilson. We deeply regret having to record the death of uur late piesident Air. J. h. McKelvie, who had teen a member of the cluu for 44 years, a steward for 39 years; and had capably lilled the positions oi timekeeper and judge. He was made a vice-president and life member in 1913, and president in 1917 a splendid record of service to the club. Also one of our esteemed vicepresident, tire late Air. J. 11. Whisker, who had been a member for 30 years, a steward for 26 years; and who was made a vice-presiuent last year. AL though he had been in bad health, the greater portion of this time he rendered very valuable service as chairman of tiie Course and Farm Committee, in winch he took a very keen interest-

We have also to record the deaths of Mr. W. Carter and Airs. T. F. Richardson. Air. Carter was a good supporter of the club, and Airs. Richardson one of our oldest settlers, and widow of our late esteemed vice-presi-dent, Air. T. F. Richardson. We deeply iegret the passing of the valued members. Our hearty thanks -are again due to Mr. y. K. 11 ummond for his good work *»s honorary clerk of scales; to Air. Alan Seymour, honorary veterinary practitioner, and to the Marton Division of St. John Ambulance for their assistance on race days. In seconding the adoption of the above, Mr. IL J. AirManaway expressed the hope tl.at the club would sco its way clear to increase stakes this season. Horseowners he said weie struggling along at present and could not hope to make racing pay. He knew that from sad experience. Stakes of £5O and £6O after deductions for second and third left the winning owner with practically nothing The chairman spoke of taxation c.f racing and ihe following resolution was carried: “That this annual meeting of members of the Rangitikci Racing Club enters an emphatic protest against the excessive taxation imposed by the Government on the sport of racing; this being an intolerable burden on racing clubs and patrons of the, sport and urges the executive of the New Zealand Racing Conference to take stops to press for an early reduction. ” Hon. Life, Memlwrs.—The following were elected honorary life members of

the club: Airs. F. J. Mandell, Aliss Vera Hcott, and Alessrs. J. B. Johnstone, AV. A. Doughty and John Ellery. Gold badges were presented tc Messrs. I’. O. Bailey, J. TI. Perrett and John Ellery, and badges will be forwarded to other life members who were not present al. the meeting. A olcs of thanks were accorded to Air S. R. Hammond, honorary clerk of scales; Mr. Allen Seymour, honorary veterinary practitioner; the Farm and Course Committee (Messrs. J. Tricker, D. AV. Wilson, F. (). Bailey, .1. E. Walker and A. AV. Amon); the ofticials of the club; and the caretaker. The chairman said that the farm had proved a valuable adjunct to racing, and the course and surroundings were a. credit, to the caretaker. Air. A. E. Neale who had also neon very successful in caring for stock on the farm. The chairman congratulated Air. Rex AlcKelvie on his election to president of the club, and wished him succesr in his high office. In returning thanks Mr. AlcKelvie paid a high tribute to Mr. Perrett’s work as chairman of committees. A social followed, songs being ron dered by Alessrs. E. A. Caldow and T. G. Graham; recitations by Mr. J. E. Walker; and Mr. AV. A. Sutherland tn livened proceedings with the bagpipes. Air. C. IT Edwards acted as accompanist Stories and racing reminiscences filled in a very enjoyable evening, and at the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mcssts. Gto. Luoni and AV. Dustin for the assistance with the supper, both briefly replying.