WAIRARAPA RACING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 370, 26 August 1897, Page 8

WAIRARAPA RACING CLUB.

The following is the annual report of the committee of the Wairarapa Racing Club : —“ In> submitting the seventh annual report and balance* sheet your stewards are again able to show that the club is in a healthy condition. The returns from all privileges have kept up to the average,, notwithstanding the bad weather experienced at both the Summer and Autumn Meetings. A comparison between last and this year’s revenue is hardly compatible, as last year the totalisator was not obtainable for the Easter Meeting. The liabilities are £75 higher this year than last, but this is accounted for by the large expenditure on improvements, as the stewards considei’ed it to the advantage of the club to complete these at once. And they beg to report that during the year the following improvements have been made :—-A new entrance for the public formed, metalled, and fenced. A collector’s box erected at the main entlance. Earthenware pipes laid across the course where desired. A tool-house for the custodian has been erected. The grandstand balcony flooring has been renewed. The old plough training track has been laid down in grass, and the course proper re-sown in grass. A new mile start has been fenced, levelled, and laid down in grass. The river bank protection along the whole length of the river boundary is now finished. About 700 trees have been planted, the trees being planted free of cost to the club,, the members very generously doing the work themselves. This makes about 2000 trees in all planted by members. Your stewards consider that, having completed all what they now think, necessary for the present welfare of the club, the funds of the club ought to be devoted during the* coming year towards paying off the liabilities, which can easily be done this year; after which the club will be in a position to largely increase stakes, or to enlarge the grandstand, erect new offices, or erect a tea pavilion. It will be interesting to members to know that the sum of £2,016 7s 9d has been spent on the course during the last five years, viz., from--1893 to 1897, in permanent improvements. This includes enlarging the grandstand, erecting a people’s stand, secretary’s office, etc. The river bank cost £503, and the new training track £450. These amounts do not include work done by the custodian. During the coming year the rental of the course will be lowered by £7, under the terms of the new lease with the trustees. The interest on the loan from Mr Matthews has been reduced by him — without solicitation — from seven to six per cent., for which we consider a vote of thanks out to be passed to him. The Summer Meeting realised a profit of £263 19s, and the Autumn Meeting a profit of £B6 16s 9d. The privileges were sold by auction in place of tender, and realised £79 more than last years The thanks of the club are also due to Mr H. S. Izard for having done —free of charge —several legal works for the club. You will be asked, a& usual, to appoint two vice-presidents, a judgej starter, clerk of the scales, clerk of the course, treasurer, six stewards, and two auditors. Alsoto fix the amount to be given in stakes, and the number of days of meeting. The retiring stewards are Messrs. W. Bock, F. Pearce, C. R. Bidwill, W. O. Williams, H. S. Izard, and Q. Donald, who are all eligible for re-election.”