WESTLAND RACING CLUB.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1920, Page 2

WESTLAND RACING CLUB.

COMMITTEE MEETING.

DECEMBER 3rd

The Committee met at the Club rooms at 8.45 o’clock. * Present: Messrs W. E. Williams (chair), Yarrall, McIntosh, Wkiley, Houston, Thompson, Keller, McGregor, Sellers, Peake and Evans.

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

Sir George Clifford wrote acknowledging the Club’s thinks for his id*/ tion regarding the income tax question, also approving the Club’s (summer programme with the exemption of events for apprentice jockeys only.—Received. The N.Z. Racing Conference notified that Mr C. Piper, Christchurch, would he the Stipendiary Steward at the Club’s Christmas meeting.—Received,

The Hon Minister of Internal Affairs acknowledged the Club’s application for an additional totalisator permit, and the request had been* referred to the Royal Commission - for report.—Received. •

The Sports Protection League wrote in regard to the appropriation of totalisator fractions by the Government, and suggested a course of action.—Received and agreed to.

From New Zealand Trotting Association with refrence to stakes for trotting races at racing club meetings.—Received. It was stated Mr Kitchingham ( (a member of the Association) had been consulted, and a satisfactory understanding reached. Correspondence was received in respect to the revision of totalisator permtis, and the Secretary was instructed to watch the position. A handsome silver cup as the trophy to go to the winner of the Westland Handicap, Tazzi design, was selected. It was stated that the Licensed Victuallers would make .a contribution to the cost of the trophy. The cup is 9in. in width, and stands on an oak base. It was considered a very striking tr/iphy.

A'contribution of £3 3s to the Colvin Memorial at Westport, was agreed to. It was resolved to dispose of the Club’s privileges on the racecourse on Saturday next, Messrs Houston and Co to be the auctioneers, and the sale to take place at the Princess Theatre at 8 p.m. It was decided to sell by auction. No 1 and No 2 publican’s booths, and a sweets and fruit stall. Dr Bruce Baird was elected as honorary surgeon to the Club. The nominations for the forthcoming race meeting were received and laid bn table. There are 206 entries, an increase of 19 on last year, and 60 horses engaged, an increase of 9 horses. The entries (which are published in this issue) were considered highly satisfactory. It will be noticed that there are 23 entries for the Cup, while the largest entry is for a welter race, which has drawn 25 horses. There are ten hurdle horses entered, all of which are expected at the meetings, and the two hurdle events should be well contacted. The events generally have filled well, and there is a good even class of horse, so that a very interesting and enjoyable gathering is anticipated. It was reported that the course and appointments were in excellent order for the race meeting. It was resolved to ask the ladies under Miss Jones to again take charge of the refreshment booths. :

The alteration in the charge of admission, now to be a uniform rate of 5s was explained, and it was stated the dividing fences had.been removed, and the grounds were now in all. one giving greater facilities about the lawn and in the vicinity of the totalisator house. The arrangements were approved generally. Various matters in connection with the conduct of the race meeting weire discussed and the meeting concluded at 10 p.m., adjourning to the 17th inst. when acceptances for the- Christmas race meeting close at 10 p.m.

AUTUMN PROGRAMME. At the Club committee meeting last evening the following programme was agreed to for the Easter meeting of the Club which falls to be held on Easter Wednesday, March 30th 1920: Trial Handicap of 6|. furlongs, 60 soys. ' , . , Railway Handicap of of furlongs, 70 80VS. . . Express Handicap Trot (saddle) 1 mile, (2 min 35 secs), of 80 sovs. Autumn Handicap of If'miles, 140 sovs. President’s of 5 furlongs, 80 sovs, ’ Dominion Handicap Trot, (harness) of If miles, 100 sovs. ; High Weight Handicap, (minimum Bst.) of 7 furlongs, 100 sovs. Electric Handicap of 5f furlongs, 70 sovs. . * The stakes total £7OO, which is an increase of £IOO over last year’s autumn programme. * - . It was resolved to submit the foregoing for approval to the racing and trotting authorities, and have the programme circulated during Christmas week for the information of visiting owners. . ,