CANTERBURY J.C.

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24906, 20 June 1946, Page 3

CANTERBURY J.C.

RACING

FINANCIAL position SOUND DIFFICULTY in building-up NEEDED RESERVES “The financial position of the club is mite sound, but under the present high rate of taxation we are unable to acMimulate the cash reserve that will be necessary to carry out certain muchnZeded improvements at the racecourse." ca’d the chairman (Mr A. S Elworthy), ir his annual address to members of the Canterbury Jockey Club yesterday afternoon, when he reported that the club had had a satisfactory -year "The reduction «f 6d in the national security and social security taxes will afford some relief, and r t i S to be hoped that further concesdon« will be forthcoming in the not too distant future." Mr Elworthy added. Members had again paid the committee ■nd stewards and the honorary treasurer (Mr A T Donnelly) the compliment returning them unopposed for a further term of office, said Mr Elworthy He was sure their confidence was not misplaced. and would be appreciated by those who had given a good deal of their time •ns energy in the club’s interests. rf had been possible, in connexion with the annual meeting, to conduct a ballot for the election of members, several vacancies having occurred recently. The committee had decided to give preference to returned servicemen, and included in the ballot paper the names of some 30 candidates As there were 17 vacancies only some of those elected would have to await further vacancies before taking up active membership of the club. The reason for putting up more candidates than vacancies was so that those vacancies could be filled immediately they occurred, without having to conduct a separate ballot. A word of praise was due to the club's executive officers, officials, and members of the permanent and race day staffs, who had continued to serve the club with complete satisfaction, as was evidenced by the smooth running of the race meetings at Riccarton, Mr J H. Selby, for manv years clerk of the course, and a familiar figure to thousands of racegoers, had decided that advancing years made it necessary for him to hand in his resignation. Mr Selby gave splendid service for a period of..many years,, and would be missed from his place in the birdcage His successor would be Mr J. M. Shaw, who should prove a worthy substitute Sincere sympathy was extended to the relatives of members who died during the year. Confirmation of Mr L. T M d’Auvergne’s death in action in Crete in 1941 was received with deep regret. Altogether four members of the club died in the service of their country during the war. Many others served at home and overseas, and most of them had now returned to civilian life, which was a matter for deep satisfaction. In conclusion. Mr Elworthy offered his personal thanks to the members of the committee and stewards, and the honorary treasurer for their co-operation and assistance. The thanks of the club were due to the newspapers for their unbiased reports and the publicity given to the sport, and to all others who in any way assisted in the club’s activities during the year. The report was adopted without discussion. Sir Joseph Ward thanked the committee for the privileges extended to servicemen’ in uniform during the war.

"Interest” of Members. Referring to the attendance of 11 members, Mr W. B. Owen said he was surprised at the lack of interest shown by members in the club’s meeting. Could the chairman give any explanation for the lack of interest in a club of such size and importance? -»

‘T am glad to say that it proves that members are satisfied," replied Mr Elworthy. "If they were not satisfied, they would come along.”

By reducing the size of the seats in the members’ stand, seating accommodation for an additional 140 members had been provided, said Mr Elworthy.. He hoped that the boxes would always be occupied At a subsequent meeting of the committee. Mr Elworthy was re-elected chairman.