NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16257, 6 July 1918, Page 10

NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING.

Tho annual meeting of the New Brighton Trotting Clnb was held laet night, Mr W. H. Denton presiding, . The annual report stated that owing to the curtaiimont of racing the club was deprived of two days' racing, the result being that the revenue had materially decreased, and in consequence the owners had had Lesi money distributed amongst th.em—a tion to be regretted. The meetings held had 'been in every way a enooeoe, and the publio had been supplied with racing of a very interesting character. The past Derby created a great amount of enthusiasm, and members could rest aesurod that this classic event was now well established, and had become extremely popular with both owners and tho general public. There were quite a number of essential improvements in prospect but so long as the existing state of things caused by the war were in existent ia was considered inadvisable to proceed witn any important works. The taxes paid o the Government during the pact year amounted to JE2213 15s Id. The nominations received for the various offices not being m excess of tho nuinbet required there would be no election. . The chairman, in moving the the report and balanoe-sheet, said that al though large improvements could not be embarked upon during tho present war-stress, •yet the Ground Committee had done a considerable amount of good work. He referred to the success of the clu'be Derby, and said that he hoped tho committee would keep it in view, and endeavour at some later date to increase the stakes. Mr A. M. Loasby seconded tho motwn, and commented favourably upon the position °f The chairman then annonnoed that the following officers were eleoted for the ensu ing year: —President, Mr A. M. Loasby; vice-president, Mx A. Duncan; treasurer, Mr G Pengelly; committee, Messrs W. E. Thompson, J. Westcrman, B. McKenna, W. J Hopkins, T. G. Fox, G. H. James, A. J. Hamper G, Scott, W. H. Denton, and F. Drewitt. ... -j Mr Loasby then took tho chair. He e«id th'at it seemed to him that the Government had made a mistake in curtailing racing. They had not reduced the totalisator turnover, but had reduced the amount of sport, and increased the- clubs' expenses. _ If the Government were wise, they would give them security against their present debts, and allow them to carry on, taking suoh a portion of the profit as would help them con- t siderably. Further, he thought that the cutting out of the race trains was a mistake, for by running them, and taking a tax from the passengers, the Government would be doing a good thing, lief erring to tho olub'a rules, he criticised the starting, handicapping, and waiting systems. As regtJds amateur races, he said that he thought them' neoeseary, but it was h-ardly faiT. m his opinion, to ask struggling suburban clubs to hold these when the wealthier clubs did not do so. He moved a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr Denton for his efforts in the past on behalf of the club, which was carried.

Mr G. E. Way was electcd auditor. Mr Carry referred to the poor chance that some people had of seeing the races from the present somewhat inadequate buildings, cn account of the crowd in front of them, aaid suggested that the present mound should be extended to the north, which would in any

case have to be done when the stand was extended. ±Ie moved that hie suggestion should constitute a recommendation to the incoming committee. This was carried. Mr L. B. Hart mode an appeal on behalf of the Lady Liverpool Fund's "Copper Trail," and moved that it be a recommendation to the coram mi tteo that a sum of money be eet aeide" for the purchase of war bonds to bo used as prizes in connexion with the scheme.

Mr G. Scott moved that the sum be £25.

It was resolved that the incoming committee be recommended to take this action. Mr Curry made reference to amateur raoes, which he described as "mostly processions," and said he would recommend to the incoming committee that amateur races be dropped from the programme. Mr McKenna opposed tho suggestion, but suggested that the slow amateur should be eliminated. Mr Denton supported Mr McKenna, as also did Mr F. Hickenbottom.

The ohatrman suggested that after such opinions had been aired, Mr Curry should leave it at that, and not press his motioa. Mr Hickenbottom suggested that the club's charges to trainees be reduced, but no action was taken.