N.Z Country Racing Clubs

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1922, Page 1

N.Z Country Racing Clubs

hi regard to flic proposal to establish the headquarters of the Country Clubs’ Association at Wellington, an informal meeting of the executive was held subsequent to tiie annual meeting of the association last week. It is intended to hold an executive meeting at Wellington about January next, when it is hoped Mr Albert Tlruee (president) «;i!l he able to preside. Proposals for the new constitution of tlie association w.ill be put forward, and all country clubs circularised and invited to attend llie annual meeting at Wellington in July next to consider the scheme. It is recognised that the country dubs owe a great deal to the Racing Conference for the constitutional linos Oil which the Rules of Racing have been drawn, hut there is a feeling that the country clubs have not sufficient voice in the general management and the direction of their sport. Additional expense is being added to the running of country clubs by the various stipendiary officials being appointed, and the tendency is to increase the paid officials. In the remote country districts the increased costs press heavily, and at the same time tend to kill the voluntary service spirit among stewards, who have lor years done yeoman service in maintaining the sport. There is the fooling also that some of the stipendiary officials take rather much power into their hands, and seek to exceed their advisory status in such a way as to curtail the enthusiasm of the honorary official.

A proposal was mooted at the late annual meeting to arrange for a subcommittee of the association for each Lsland, hut this was not generally airproved, and the desire was to enlarge the present system by securing greater support from the existing clubs to the annual meeting. There are in all some ninety country chilis, about one-third of , which give direct support to the association. Under the new scheme, it is hoped to increase materially the roll strength of the association, and make it"a more influential wing of the Racing Conference, with which it is intended to work in close co-operation. Under the new scheme it will he proposed to appoint a president represen- » tative of one Island, and a vice-presi- ' (lent of the other Island with an execu-, five of four, two representatives 01, each Island. The suggestion will he' made to make Wellington tlie headquarters, with a resident secretary. Executive meetings will In' held as required. with one at least in each year about January. At the January meeting it is proposed that any business remaining over from the annual meeting of delegates in July should he cleared oil', and the preliminary business for the next annual meeting consider«d. For each annual meeting an agenda paper will he prepared and circulated among the country clubs. Facilities will he afforded to bring forward other matters which may arise under tlie head of general business, and in this wav full and free discussion will lie afforded for all matters clubs have to liriHg forward. As the association will thus he a live and active body, it will curry more influence, and will commend itself to tin* attention of the clubs interested in the advancement of the sport in the country districts.