WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1924, Page 1

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

The Committee of the above Club met last evening. Present—Alessrs Williams (chair), Houston, Ale Gregor, Thompson, Sellers, AkJntosh, Peake, and Evans. The Treasurer submitted a statement of receipts and expenses in connection with the meeting held on the 2(jth. tilt, showing receipts £1392 3s Oil and expenditure £1458, 11s Id, leaving a deficit of £OO 7s l()d. Thu statement was received and adopted. It was felt that in the circumstances of the postponement owing to the weather and the railway strike affecting both the attendance and the difficulty of horse transport, that the loss was unavoidable. It was mentioned that the taxation payable to the Government for the meeting was as follows:—Totalisator tax, JDI-175 Ids (id; general tax on gate receipts and sale of rights, £7 2s 7d; dividend tax. £2f32 3s; stakes tax £37 Ids; amusement tax £lB Is; total £-170 Ills Id for the day's racing.

It was reported that the Band in view of the non-finaueial success of the meeting did not propose to charge for their services. It was resolved to acknowledge the spontaneous action with a letter of thanks.

It was stated also that the Stipendiary Steward for the trotting events (Air Gorton) had indicated no charge would he made in respect to his official duties. It was decided to send Air Gorton a letter of thanks.

A request for reduction in the price for privileges was not entertained. The Sports Protection League notified a proposed deputation to the Government next month in relation to taxation, railway charges, and increased permits. The matter of a Club representative was referred to the .Serrotarv.

The (Tiairinaii stated that the Secretary of the Bal ing Conference (All-Sel-lers) who had been present at the Chili's late meeting, desired him (the Chairman) t> convey thanks for the courtesies anil hospitality extended. Mr Sellers had enjoyed the meeting greatly and congratulated the Club on its appointments and the smoothness with which the meeting went off. Air Evans reported in respect to the recent conference at ltcefton regarding dates for the summer and autumn race meetings. The Club was not specially affected, as it was not proposed to disturb its Christmas and Easter dates, hut a proposal had been mentioned by Air Sellers to the representatives of the Westland and Kuinara (Tubs to pool their Easter permits so that in alternate years eaeli Club would have a two days’ meeting. Air Sellers lioinled out such an arrangement had a good deal to commend it from the owners’ point of view, as also nlfeeting the (Tnh and the town where the meeting was hold. The matter, however, was one for the Clubs themselves to determine. and Air-Gilbert, on behalf of Kuinara. and Air Evans on behalf of Westland, had promised to bring the matter forward at the first opportunity.

After discussion it was resolved to favourably consider the matter fur two season’s trial if the Kuinara Club was agreeable, subject to arrangements being made to mutual satisfaction. Hi Hu? event of Kitmarn favouring the proposal a joint coiil’erenre will he proposed to agree lo the arrangements to tarry mil- the pooling a- suggested for •i two year’s trial. The members ol the Cominitiee of the Westland Trotting Club met subsequently. when Mr Houston reported attending the Conference al Beelton in regard to recasting racing and trotting dates to avoid extending unduly the period, al Christinas and New A'ear. The suggestion in regard to the Westland Trotting (Tub was that its meeting hitherto held in early New 5 ear, following the Greymniith meetings, might he put forward lo October, and held on either the Wednesday before or the Wednesday after the Grr.vmniith Labor Day trotting meeting. The members discussed ihe mailer at considerable length, the disposition being to retain the usual January fixture which on the whole had been satisfactory to the Club. It was felt, however, smile effort should he made to fall into line with the proposal to bring about a change at ( In Limas ami New A'ear which might he of sain - advantage, not- only to the (Tubs as a whole, hut also to the district. It was agreed however that the Wednesday suggested before the Greyinuutli meeting would not ho at till satisfactory. An alternative proposition was therelore finally agreed to that if Satiird iv October 2.5 th. could he obtained, the (Tub would he agreeable to accept that date in lieu of Saturday. January 3rd. on which date its meeting would fall in H dinary course. The Greyinonth Trotting meeting could then !>:• held on Monday (Labor Day A and Tuesday. October 27th. ami 28th. immediately following the trotting meeting at Hokitika It was explained there would he suitable train services for all passenger and horse transport on Hie Saturday.

It was decided to notify ihe Crey--1111?i:111 Trotting Club of the loregoing decision, and also to acquaint Air St--lers and the Secretary of the New /calami Trotting Association. It was stated that the matter of rearranging the circuit to suit othoi Chibs, was a question for individual action by the (Tubs, and that it was not thought any further general conference would lie necessary, except in regard to inter-Club discussions to mutual!v arrange any details.