WELLINGTON RACING CLUB

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2890, 30 September 1916, Page 12

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR The annual meeting of the Wellington .Racing Club was "held' yesterday, Mr. J. 13. Harcourt, president, presiding. There was a fair attendance of members considering that the hour of the meeting had been altered from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet (which has been published), the president said that the balance-sheet was exceedingly gratifying to those members of the club who tako an interest in its welfare. Ho stated that. he. wished t odraw attention to some of the most important advances in he rovenue account. Since 191u4 the amount paid n stakes "'-ad ncreased from £22,094 to £25,900, Government tax from £7707 3s. od. to £17,431 4b. Salaries showed a small increase of oiily £164. Maintenance had gone up from £1886 2s. 2d. to £3501 ss. lOd. Other items in the account remained. t very much the same until the items in connection with racing conferencefl, stipendiary stewards, etc., were reached. These showed an increase from £215 lis. 6d. to £723 3s. lid. The last item on that side 'of the account was, that of amounts written off, which amounted to £10,665 12s. 2d., as compared with £9315 13s. pi 1914. On the credit side of the revenue account the totalisator receipts had gone up from £28,720 17s. 6d. to £45,076 14s. Bd. Gate money had increased from £4679 7s. Bd. to £5259 12s. 4d. Railway showed only a small increase, viz., £3765 65., as compared with £3687 15s. The other items in this account were practically the same as in 1914. The general result was that in the space of two years the revenue of the club was £63,201, as compared with £46,239 in 1914. v Amount Spent on the Course. Since the course had been acquired in 1905, a sum of over £50,000 had been spent on it, those who came forward and guaranteed £39,000 liad been relieved of their liability, and on July 21 the club had a credit balance at its bankers of over £4000. "How different is the present position of the club from what it was on. the old course, when the stewards had to undertake a personal liability to tho bank, and eaoh one gave a note on demand for £100 to cover any overdraft that might be required/' said the president. Continuing, iio said the future of the club is hrmly established, but very heavy expenditure will be necessary to provide for. the new buildings which were contemplated before the war broke out. AVhen these buildings are completed the accommodation and conveniences of the ■Wellington Club will not be surpassed by any club in New Zealand. It is not anticipated that any difficulty will be experienced in financing considering tho strong position ofi the club. Tlis progress is extremely satisfactory, and I trust that each year will see the club progress until the Wellington Racing Club holds the premier position in New Zealand." Tho buildings and grounds had throughout theyear been largely occupied by the military authorities as hospital and training grounds, and tho buildings were at the present time once moro in occupation as a hospital. It was more than probable that so long as the war lasts tlie property would be required for military purposes. Suggested Alteration in Colours. A suggestion liad heen made -that it would be'a great convenience to the general public if a change were made in the present system regarding colours worn by jockeys. At present each owner registered his own particular colours, provided they do not clash with colours already registered, and the consequence is that it is found that an enormous .number of combinations are used, and in these days of straight courses is very difficult for a person to pick out any horse he may have an interest in. Tlie idea is that the various racing clubs should provide sets of colours for tho use of owners. For instance, the horses numbered 1, 2, and 3 on the race card would be red, white, and blue respectively, and so on, different colours for the. higher numbers. People would soon get to know tho colours attached to each, number and it would be very much easier to pick up the places occupied by tho horses in a race. Tho suggestion had not boon considered by the stewards, hut possibly it would cause some comment- .which might thrott a new light on the subject and meantime tho proposal seemed feasible. Certainly, said the, president, a great saving in cost to owners would be effected, although it must be realised 'that an owner having raced in a particular set of colours for years would object to adopt this system. <

Should Racing be I "Certain sections of the'public," said .the president, "have expressed an opinion that during this disastrous ivar racing sliould be suppressed. I am sui-q that'those who hold this view overlook the fact that large numbers of men would be tlyown "ut of employment, and that sincc the war started the snm of £350,000 has been paid' in taxation by the various racing clubs, which, if racing ceased, would have to be raised by other means. In addition there is the large amount received by the railways for passengers, carriage of horses, etc. The cln'os have also made very large donations towards the patriotic funds, and winners have also contributed most handsomely out of their winnings, one prominent owner having distributed over £15,000." Appreciation of Services. In conclusion, Mr. Harcourt said that he had to express appreciation of the services rendered by the staff, and he had to especially acknowledge how much tile club had been indebted to tbo energy and attention to the interest displayed by the secretary,- Mr. A. li. Whytn. (Hear, liear.) The speaker also referred to the handicapping of Mr. H. Coyle, and said that it had been most satisfactory, and had met with general approval. Mr. 0. P. Skerrott , seconded tlia motion, which was carried unaimously. Officers Elccted. Th'o following officers have been elected:—President, Mr. J. 13. Harcourt; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. H: Scfton BToorhouse, C. P. Skerrctt, K.C.; stewards. Dr. 11. A. H. Gilmer, Messrs. ,T. W. Abbott, 0. W. Ohilman, .T. G. Duncan, W. G. Johnston, Eric L. Biddiford, C. W. Tringhani, alid 0. S. W,"ckins; auditors, Messrs. E. Bucholz anti A. S. MacShanc.