Westland Racing Club’s Annual Meeting

Grey River Argus, 16 September 1948, Page 2

Westland Racing Club’s Annual Meeting

At the annual meeting of the Westland Racing Club on Tuesday evening, the following officers were elected: —Patron, Mr W. J. Radford (reelected); president, Mr M. H. Houston (re-elected); vice-president, Messrs F. McGregor, H. Butiand, R. Whiley and G. Admason; committee, Messrs C. Schroder, W. Stopfdrlh, M. B. James, A. Hill, E. W. Heenan, D. P. O’Sullivan, T. M. Staines, H. Kortegast, H. Wells, D. J. Hyndman, E. Rankin; auditor, Mr W. J. Gutberlet; judges, Messrs J. J. Breeze and L. F. Hogg; surgeons, Drs T. W. Childs, D. H. McLean, Jean McLean, D. D. Lyness, W. O’Reilly, and G. E. Smart; nandicappers, Messrs J. J. O’Donnell (galloping) and A. R. Neilson (trotting);judicial committee, Messrs Stopiortn, B. James, D. Frielander, E. W. Hee-, nan and the president; cierk of scales, Mr E. Rankin; birdcage steward, Mi l>. Neilsen; assistant steward, Mr R. whiley; gate steward, Mr W. A. Jamieson; totalisator steward, Mr E. r. stoop; additional track stewards, Messrs T. Hanrahan, W. Stoptorth and M. James were appointed a special committee to import on the club’s properties. 'the Canterbury Automobile Association wrote asKing it the club intended to accept an oiler made in regard co camping equipment and the letter was re.terrcd to .the next meeting. The Owners’ and Breeders' Association, Hastings, submitted a new proposal for receiving ' nominations, declaring weights and receiving acceptances. The letter was received, the system being deemed not suitable to Hokitika. Mr T. M. Staines reported that a guua ueai or work haa been carried out to the track. The main portions had been disced, harrowed and resown while 90 chains ot drains nad been recut and cleaned. Eight horses had been in constant training on the track. Mr T. Hanrahan said he had oeen worKing on the course for the past week, and it was in excellent order. Mr Staines said the track would be in nrst-class order for the Christmas meeting. A good deal of painting was required, and it was hoped to have this work carried out by voluntary labour, as soon as the work could be planned. Mr W. H. Stoptorth reported that the Public Works Department intended to take a small portion of the top boundary of the club’s property for the extension of the aerodrome.

Racing days approved for Westland Club were: Monday, January 3, Saturday, February 19, and Monday February 21. A contribution of £5 5s towards the. presentation fund for Mr J. Walsh, leading South Island trainer was approved. The President’s report stated that the net income from racing was £Bl 19s 3d as against £63 last year. Only for donations, the club could not continue without substantial relief in taxation. Until such time as relief was granted to racing clubs there was little prospect of clubs with necessarily limited totalisator investments, making profits sufficient to enable them to do any substantial improvements to their courses or amenities. The amount which the club paid in taxes during the year was £4,440 on a gross totalisator turn-over of £44,673. The club membership stood at 156. An effort would have to be made to increase this number. Thanks were due to those holding sports gatherings to assist the club, the Cricket Club for conducting the annual ball, and. to those who voluntarily assisted to maintain the club propeties in good condition. The Municipal Band had been most helpful. The committee later met and, discussed the coming meeting, and work to be carried out on the course. The course committee was instructed to consider’ the request of a neighbour to have trees cut .back as they were keeping the sun from the property. It was agreed that big trees along the main entrance and near the totalisator were becoming a nuisance and the committee is to decide what action will be taken.