WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1926, Page 1

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th. The annual meeting of the Westland Racing Club was held at tho Club Room, Hamilton Street at 8.40 p.m. Present: Mr W. E. Williams (President), Hon H. L. Michel (Patron), Messrs R. Whiley, J. Peake, J. Morris, C. J. Sellers, W. Jeffries, M. Houston, A. Jamieson, AY. A. Jamieson, W. A. Thompson, H. A. Thompson, H. Rutland, F. McGregor, J. Stafford, A. AY. Yarrall, R. Lynn, W. Newman, H. T. Parry, J. Breeze, Field and D. J. Evans. Apologies were made for the absence of Dr Tcichelmann, Afessrs R. Adamson, C. J. Nightingale, J. J. Mclntosh, C. Neville. The minutes of the previous,meeting were road and confirmed. The report and balance sheet were read. The balance sheet showed receipts £4,596 Os Od, and expenditure (inclm ! ing balance carried forward £1444 lls lid) £6297 4s lOd. The debit balance for the year was £I7OO 18s lOd. On the profit and loss account a debit balance of £250 6s lid was disclosed. The assets were set clown at £5050, and the liabilities at £5035 18s lOd. ANNUAL REPORT. FOR THE "YEAR. ENDED 31st AUGUST, 1926. Gentlemen, —Your Executive has the honor to report iti respect to the past year's operations of the Club. Two meetings—three days in all—were held as usual, and good sport was provided. Various circumstances, including particularly fife weather and the large Exhibition at Dunedin, operated adversely to the financial interests of the Club. The totalizator showed a marked falling off, and the drop seriously affected the income. Tne totnlisator figures for the past four years were:— 1922- £27318 1923- £27019 1921-25 £20819 1925-20 £22709 The fall was substantial and is the lowest for the past eight years. Sonic decline had been expected, however, and there bad been a reduction in stakes in anticipation of tile possible contingency, but unfortunately the reduction was greater than expected, with the result that on the year’s turn over there was a debit balance of £250 0s lid.

During the year there was received from tho Government a refund in respect to totnlisator duty, amounting to £250. Tho improvements expenditure against that sum, however, absorbed £305 10s, including some accounts carried over from the previous year. The improvements carried out included widening the course along tho straight, completing the stands, and the cost, of material, etc. The widening is so far advanced that next season it will be possible to take larger fields at 61, 7 and 8 furlong posts. Later it is intended to provide for larger fields at the 5) furlong posts. Some borough sections adjacent to tho course have been puyehnsod also to improve the entrance to the grounds and providing additional parking ground for motor vehicles. During the year the efficient upkeep of the buildings, etc., has been attended to, and everything is in first 1 class order, lhe racing track has been well top dressed v.-ith sand and limed. The sanding of the track will assist greatly with tho improvement in the turfing, and irom present indications 1 he track will he m the best condition it ever has been on racing days. The amount paid for taxation by the Club in the year has been: — £ s. d. Totnlisator tax ... 561 14 6 Dividend tax ... 1022 10 0 Stakes tax ...» ... H 5 0 0 Amusement tax .. 104 12 11 Debenture tax ... 22 19 11 Tax on privileges 31 2 8 £IS64 0 0 The Treasury therefore derived an income of £621 0s Sd lor each day s racing from the Club. Although the year resulted in a deficit, the gross liabilities were reduced somewhat, as the sundry accounts owing were discharged practically in lull, and there are not any amounts owing of any consequence to traders. AA ith regard to the liquidation of the general debt, it is proposed this year to reduce the bank overdraft permanently by £l5O. and if favoured with good weather at Christmas, also to make some reduction in the debenture account. To that end it is not proposed to make any substantial increase in stakes. The amount given last year was £2,300, which, though not as large as tho four previous seasons, was £SOO greater than the stakes offered eight years ago. There is good reason to believe that the coming year will be an easier one financially for the Club, ft is believed the Christmas meeting will he supported better by the owners, and with, larger fields a good surplus should be assured. The Club lias a very well appointed property, and the conditions for conducting meetings are so satisfactory. that there is not any call for extra expenditure. The expense this year will he .subnormal, and it the meeting is well advertised outside there is reason to believe many will be attracted to the district for a holiday. The railway trip at excursion rates is now so reasonable, and the time occupied so short, that East Coast people with the time to spare could be induced to make their holiday visit at Face time if aware of the fixtures and the facilities and actual cost for transport. It is proposed to do something m that direction to make the meeting more widelv known among the public in Canterbury at least, and it is believed the response will be satisfactory all round. The work of tho Club was conducted pleasantly during the year, and the usual heipers came forward readily as ever to assist in many ways, all ol which were most helpful and the Executive was most grateful for -wlmt has been done in such a fine spirit for so long. The caretaker is to be commended for his good work. His interest in the property of the Club is unabated, and bis care and attention to his charge could not be excelled. It is to be hoped the expectations for a good season will be realised. A stroke of fortune in that respect would encourage the Club to do more for the owners who provide the sport and the public who patronise it. For their help thanks must be expresed. and with a continuance of the same support under fair weather conditions the Club will be able to justify its existence more and more by its greater ability to cater for the sport which finds such favour with the people as a whole. The Chairman in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet,

expressed pleasure at the good attendance present and tlie interest manifested in the Chib’s affairs. He took great pleasure in again welcoming Air AA r . A Thompson (tlie Father of tho Club) to another of their annual meetings, and was glad to see him so well and hearty. They all deplored the bereavement he (Mr Thompson) and family had experienced during the year, and in regard to which all sympathy had been expressed. In regard to tlie Club’s position the figures did not disclose a successful year financially. Other attractions and the small fields were the prime contributors to the position, but the public had enjoyed good racing and pleasant meetings. Air AVilliams proceeded to refer to the finances in detail. and hoped the new season would be better financially and help to wipe out tlie deficit. Club’s were greatly hampered by tho high taxation, and it was a matter for regret that relief had not been experienced. Tlie Finn Aficliel seconded the motion. and dealing with the finances referred to the very fine property the Club bad. Tt bad cost many thousands of pounds to bring it to its ) present position, and was an asset tho town could be proud of. There was a stringency at the moment, but there was no doubt under careful management that would ho removed, and tho position would bo brighter. AVith regard to the taxation, it had to be admitted the Government was hard pressed for revenue, and it would not be easy to secure relief in regard to gaming taxation which was so easily collected. Air Jeffries considered the financial position serious but not beyond their means of recovery. There were extraordinary circumstances last season. Those would not prevail this year, as nil local expenditure would be subnormal there should be a recovery. He referred to the annoyance caused to stand patrons by young children racing about the stands on race days, and suggested steps should be taken to abate what was a nuisance and an annoyance. He referred also to the introduction of the 10s totnlisator which lie considered would lie helpful to the Club.

Afr AV. A. Thompson expressed thanks lo the Chairman for the welcome extended. He was sorry the Club at the moment was not ill an easier financial position. He recalled financial difficulties in past years and hoped to see the C’luh do better next season. He favoured the introduction of the 10s totnlisator, and thought it would help the Club. ATr Evans referred to the financial aspect and looked forward to a better year this year, as bettor support from owners <Was expected, and outside events would not clash as seriously. Referring to the 10s totnlisator he pointed to financial difficulties and to the experience elsewhere, both with large and small Clubs. He considered there would be a fall in the turnover. particularly when small fields prevailed as wits the case last year. The report and balance sheet was adopted. AL- Jeffries moved that it bo n recommendation to the incoming Committee to adopt the 10s totnlisator for the Christmas meeting on trial. Air Jamieson seconded the motion. A general discussion ensued, several of those present participating, and generally urging tho change for a trial. It was urged that there was a general desire for the introduction, and it would be well to meet the wants of the public. In case any loss in revenue. it was indicated the position could be met in a special wav, and if not a success then tho £1 totalisator could bo reverted to. The general opinion held was that the change over would not mean any serious loss of revenue, rather in the other direction. an improvement could be expected. Against that view the oxperiemo in other places was quoted. On tho motion being put it was carried by a substantial majority. The following new members were elected:—Alessrs Field, li. Newman. A. J. AYillinot and AY. Peek. Messrs Jeffries, Houston, the Chairman and others spoke in reference to steps to be taken to reduce the Club’s debit balance. On the motion of the Hon Michel, seconded by Mr Jeffries, the former ■Committee was re-elected as follows: Messrs Williams, Sellers, Butlaiul. Thompon, Mclntosh, McGregor, Houston, A'arral I, Neville. Adamson and Evans. At the close of the business tlie Chairman proposed the health of Mr AA'. A. Thompson, who replied. The toast of the Secretary was given by Mr McGregor. .Air Evans replying. COA!AHTTEE A 1 FETING. The Committee then sat. Air AA . 1.. Williams was re-elected Chairman. Upon the appointment of officials being called on. Mr F. AfcGregor tendered bis resignation as .ludge, and asked to be relieved from the duties. Tho resignation was accepted with regret. Officers were then appointed as follows : Patrons Hon H. L. Aficliel. IM.L.C., T. E. Y .Seddon. Esq. ALP.; President. Mr AA'. E. AA'illianis; lion Judge. Air R. AA'hiley: [lon. Deputy-Judge, Air H. T. Parry: Stewards, Alessrs AA 7 . E. Williams (Chairman). F. AfcGregor (Depute C. S. Neville, C. J. P. Sellers. R. Adamson. 11. A. Thompson. H. Rutland, .1. J. AfcTntosh, Al. TT. Houston, A. AA r . Yarrall and D.'.T. Evans: Secretary and Treasurer, Air D. J. Evans; Hon Surgeons, Drs E. Tcioholmnnn. J. Baird, IT. M. Buchanan and C. L. Aland]; Starter. Air R. E. Hatch; Handicapper, Mr I. Noble i Beef ton) ; Time-keepers Alessrs J; J. Mclntosh. M. H.Houston and J. Noble; Gate Steward, Air W. A. Jamieson. Judicial Committee, Alessrs Williams, Mclntosh, AlcGregor. Houston and Neville: Clerk of Course. Mr F. Fane; Hon Clerk of Scales, ATr A. W. Yarrall: Hon Deputy Clerk of Scales, Air C. J. P. Sellers; Bird Cage Steward. ATr J. J. Breeze; Totalisator Steward, Air .T. Peake. The stakes for the meeting were fixed at £1650. with a silver cup. £2O, total £1670. Correspondence was received and dealt with, and the draft programme ordered to be sent to the District Committee for approval. The meeting concluded at 10.30 p.m.