WORST SEASON OVER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20102, 23 November 1939, Page 8

WORST SEASON OVER

GISBORNE SPORTS CLUB LOSSES ON GATHERINGS NEW YEAR'S PROSPECTS A large and enthusiastic attendance of members was present at the second annual meeting of the Gisborne Sports Club, held last evening, when the chairman, Mr. E. Sharpies, in iiis annual report, stated that the past season had been probably the worst the club could expect. On account of weather conditions • lie club could conduct only 11 out of 20 of its weekly fixtures, which showed a loss of £44 9s 7d. The motorcycle championships, held on Easter Saturday, were also abandoned on account of wet weather, resulting in a further promotion loss of £59 Is 7d. One major meeting was held, on Boxing Day. the profit, including sports, booths, and dance, amounting to £27 12s sd.

The club also co-operated with the Waikohu Sports Club by supplying officials, athletes and facilities for dog racing. Officials and competitors also attended the Frasertown sports. The accounts for the year, after taking into account the heavy losses already stated, showed a small excess of income over expenditure of £lO 7s 7d. rentals of equipment, membership subscriptions, and competitions more than equalising the losses incurred on the sports promotion side. Championship Winners

The winners of the different championship events for the year were reviewed. E. Lloyd and E. White shared honours for the men’s sprint championship. and T. Trengrove won the men’s distance events. Miss Whitehead won the lady sprint distances, and D. Gooch secured the senior cycle championship. In the dog racing Mr. B. Davis’ White Peak was the champion.

Great satisfaction was expressed with the co-operation arranged with the Greyhound Racing Club. The incoming season did not look particularly bright. Several competitors had left the district, and younger members did not seem to be coming along. From present indications it was evident that there would be a shortage of runners and cyclists for the coming year. The dog racing section, together with the dogs available for the Greyhound Racing Club, should produce fine fields this season, however. The motor-cycle interests showed a decided dropping off in membership. There was also the fact that the Childers road hedge had been drastically lopped, providing the possibility of smaller gate takings.

On behalf of the executive, the chairman thanked all officials and competitors for their loyal support, and to the donors of trophies and the press a vote of things was extended.

1 The balance sheet showed that the assets exceeded the liabilities by £ll 0s 7d.

Fourteen members who had left the district were struck off the strength, and Messrs. W. McKeague, T. Trengrove, H. Alien, F. Cox and R. Thompson were elected to the foundation membership of the club. The subscription rate for the year was fixed at 2s Od for seniors and Is for junior members. Officers Elected The election of officers resulted: — Management executive, Messrs. C. L Davy, E. Morrow, T. Smale, W. McKeaguc, K. O’Connell, R. Scott, V. Davy, R. Cudd, and M. Leigh, jiin.; delegates to management committee, runners, Messrs T. Trengrove and F. Cox, cyclists, Messrs R. Thomson and H. Allen; secretary, Mr. M. R. Fry: treasurer, Mr. R. Humphreys; assistant secretary, Mr. V. Davy; auditor, Mr. E. Sharpies. To ascertain whether the club I should actively function this year with weekly meetings, the Boxing Day fixture and the motor-cycle championships allotted, it was resolved that the success of such meetings would be dependent on the number of competitors available To test the feeling of athletes in this matter, a meeting of all runners, cyclists and motorcyclists was fixed for next Monday night. The representatives of the Gisborne Greyhound Racing and Coursing Club who were present ofl'ered to ascertain the views and number of dogs available for races conducted under their affiliation with the N.C.A. The meeting of the management committee was set down to follow the Monday night meeting.