WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20th. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the above Club was held at Mclntosh’s Club room, Hamilton Street, at 8.30. Present:—Mr AV. E. Williams (President), Messrs W. A. Thompson, R. Lynn, J. Peake, C. Neville, F. McGregor, H. Rutland, T. W. Bruce, R. Whiley, J. J. .Mclntosh, J. Stafford, A. W. Yar* rail, W. Hall, W. Jamieson, AV. A. Jamieson, M. Houston, C. J. Sellers, J. J. Breeze, H. T. Parry, D. J. Evans, Drs Teichelmann and Mandl. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED, 31st AUGUST, 1927. Gcnti’emen,—On behalf of tho Executive I have the honour to report in regard to the past year’s operations of the Club. Reference at the outset must be made to the very great loss to the Club and community generally in the death of Mr H. A. Thompson, one of our most active and useful members. He was most reliable in the discharge of his onerous duties, and the keen interest lie took in the sport enabled him to do invaluable work. His loss is very much felt, for he was ready and willing in all circumstances to do what was required, and one so dependable and enthusiastic will be hard indeed to replace. It can be well understood that his loss in his own home must bo verygreat, and occasion was taken at the time of liis demise to express the sympathy of the members and to extend to the bereaved all possible condolence in the loss of one so loved and so revered. Turning to the fortunes of the Club it is pleasing to record that for the financial year just closed, a profit ot £B"> is revealed. For the previous five seasons, 'losses had been incurred, and it van only lie hoped that the tide has now turned and better fortune is in store. The previous year there had been a marked falling off in the totalisntor, a drop of over £4,100, from £26,849 i - £22,709. The year just closed showed some recovery, the turn-over for the year being £23,767, an increased £IOSB. During the last ten years £261,564 were put through tho totalisator so that the annual average has been £26,156. The highest turn-over in tho period has been £35,472 in 1920-21, and the lowest £16,314 in 1917-18, when only one meeting was held. During the yeai the ten shilling totalisator was opened, and gave much satisfaction to patrons. Tho rebate on totalisator duty, £250, was received, and the amount spent in useful improvements in connection therewith was some £258. Tho widening of the straight has now been completed and after the autumn meeting it is proposed to move the outside fence hack and take in the new ground, which has been turfed and drained. Tho Committee will lie invited to visit the ground to determine the final removal of tho fence in front of the stand and by tbe judge’s box. AVhen carried out the improvement should give the course a more imposing appearance still, and the straight should prove to he one of the best and most commodious available with country oi'ubs.

The accommodation for parking motor ears has been improved outside tincourse, it being deemed safer to stall tbe cars clear of pedestrian traffic as much as possible. 'The free admission of cars to the grounds should now be checked, and. in addition to members’ cars, only a. limited number of visitors’ cars should be permitted inside the grounds. A special ticket should be issued for admission of members’ cars and for visitors’ cars. A section of the public area round the totalisator house has been tarsealed and the work carried out effectively. This might he extended as funds and opportunity permit. Further tree planting has taken place for which the Club must be grateful, and a pleasing forest area will appear in time at tho rear of the course as a notable setting and background to the racecourse. Air H. A. Stapleton has continued his interest in the gardening operations, and it is hoped to afford him more assistance in the work of ornamentation in the future. Mr 'l'. E. Y. Seddon has been interested and enthusiastic also in the work of ornanien-

tntiou. The Club’s property generally is in excellent order. The caretaker has done very faithful work during the year and the tracks have had all the necessary attention. They are very much improved, tho sanding of the grass track promising first class results. All the buildings arc in good order, and no expenditure of any moment is in sight. The race-course is particularly wel.’ served with all requirements, and the condition of the running tracks and the conveniences afforded by the appointments for all branches of the sport, leave very little to be desired. It is hoped that hotter patronage will he forthcoming from owners this season. There was disappointment with the fields last year, and with the efforts of the Club to eater for owners and the desire to provide good sport for the public, an increase all round of patronage would to most acceptable. At tho same time it is realised that the times are more difficult and expenses high, and we must be grateful to those who patronise us year after year, and assist as they have done, for the Club has many loyal patrons and supporters.

The Club’s officials have ail worked well, and many well-wishers assist th n Club both directly and indirectly in a very cheerful manner year after year. It is a very encouraging spirit and it is much appreciated. It remains only to hope for a slice of good fortune in the coming year. With improved fields and fair weather tho Chib should he assured of success. Tt has nil tho facilities for a very successful meeting in a good course so well appointed and equipped, and with a. happy combination of good fortune tho season might assist to make light- of the financial burden pressing on the Club and help to meet tho annual obligations without stress or inconvenience, thus ensuring

an all-round successful season. TREASURER'S STATEMENT. The receipts for the year totalled £4,667 15s Od. The debit balance for, the year was £1,615 12s 9d, as against j £1,70 ISs lOd, the previous year. The I total expenditure for the year v- j £4,582 8s lid and the profit and loss acocunt for the year thus showed a credit bai'ance for the period of £BS 6s Id The Club’s liabilities stood at £4991 12s and the assets at £5891 4s. The Government taxation for tbe year was £1,946 3s Sd, of which dividends and owners provided £llßs 12s, toing a- chargo of £760 11s Sd against tite Club funds. j

A TEN YEARS’ REVIEW. From figures compiled affecting transactions of the Club for the past ten years, the following interesting particulars were gleaned : £ Totalisator investments 261,564 Government taxation, 23% ... 6,536 Dividend tax 9,502 Net return to Club from Totalisator 15,900 Amount paid in stakes by j Club 23,659 Owners’ Stakes Tax -j. ... 1.294 Entrance fees received 5,553 Members’ subscriptions 1,004 Gates and rights ... ... ... . 10.52 7 General taxation paid 25' Amusement tax 569 Sundry payment? 2.985

Wages payments ... 2,681 1 Improvements & maintenance 2,801 Interest- payments 3,026 General expenses 4,114 —Received. The Chairman, speaking to the reception of the report, extended a welcome to the members present, specially mentioning Air AA T . A. Thompson. He regretted the absence of the Hon. 11. L Atiehel through indisposition, and asked the Secretary to convey the regrets of the meeting. Air AVilliams proceeded to refer to the demise of the late AH H. A. Thompson who had been so much associated with tho Club, and on whom they relied so greatly at their meetings. The Chairman moved that Airs Thompson be elected a life honorary member of the Club. Agreed to. Tbe Chairman referred also to the death of the Hon. R. F. Bollard whom they had met here when on an official visit. As a mark of respect to the late Air Thompson and Air Bollard, the members of the Club present stood In silence. Air Williams, discussing tho affairs of the Club, was glad to see some little improvement which they would hope would be permanent. He spoke also of tbe excellent condition of the racecourse and tbe painstaking attention devoted by the caretaker. Air Parry seconded the adoption of the report and balance shoot, which was supported by AhSellers, who remarked on tho fact that, several Clubs were reducing their stakes owing to financial stringency. He proceeded to refer to the good work done by tho President and Secretary in the general management of the Club. The motion was carried. Air Evans gave some interesting figures of the Club’s operations over the- past ten years, and referred generally to tho fortunes of the Club. He submitted a proposal with regard to the Christmas meeting that to ensure better fields the number of races lie cut down to seven, or an alternative suggestion that a local race be substituted as an eighth event. Tins matter was discussed at some l’ength. Air Neville did not favour the novice event, and Air Houston agreed with the seven events proposal. Air Whiley thought the hurdle race might he omitted in view of the poor support. Alessrs Hall and Rutland favoured tho hurdles and the adoption of seven events. Tliis was also supported by Messrs AV. A. •lainicsoii and Stafford, and on the motion of .Mr Alelnotsh was eventually adopted. A further suggestion by „.ir Evans to race on Easter Thursday instead of Easter AA’ednesday to enable Canterbury supporters to cross over after the Easter C.71.C. meeting, and so strengthen the fields, was also discussed, and referred to the Committee for further consideration. ELECTON OF COAI.M ITTEE. The following Committee was elected : Messrs AViiliams. Sellers, Rutland AVhiley, Alclntosh, AfcGregor, Houston, Yarrall. Neville, Adamson and Evans. GENERAL. The matter of parking motor cars was referred to, and it was resolved as special provisions had been made outside the course, to prohibit the admission of public and private cars to the course, other than members’ cars and official visitors, so as to ensure greater

safety to pedestrian traffic. A motion was carried approving the proposals of the Gaining Act Amendment and thanking the Prime Alinister for the facilities given for the consideration of the bill this session. At the close of the general business. .Mr Williams proposed the health of Air AV. A. Thompson who had been a member of the Club for sixty years, and who was present with them that evening halo and hearty. The toast was suitably honored, and Air Thompson made a feeling reply, thanking them for their references to his family. He wished the Club all possible success in the future. The health of the President and Secretary were honoured also, both gentlemen replying. COAIAIITTEE Al FETING. The Committee sat subsequently when -Jr AV. E. AVilliams was re-elected Chairman. Officials were appointed as follows: Patrons.—Hon. 11. L. Atiehel, At.L.C., T. E. A’. Seddon, Esq., ALP. President.—Air AV. E. AVilViairis.

Hon. Judge.—Hr R. Whilcy. Hon. Deputy-Judge.—Hr H. T. Parry. Stewards.—Messrs W. E. Williams (Chairman), F. McGregor (Deputy Chairman), C. S. Neville, C. J. P. Sellers, R. Adamson, R. Whiley, 11. Rutland, J. J. Mclntosh, M. If. Houston, A. 4V. Yarrall, and D. J. Evans. Secretary and Treasurer.—Mr 1). J. Evans. Hon. Surgeons.—Drs. E. Tciclielmann, J. Baird, 11. M. Buchanan, and O. L. Mandl. Starter.—Mr R. Hatch. Handieapper.—Mr J. Noble (Recfton) Timekeepers.—Messrs J. J. Mclntosh. M. H. Houston, and J. Noble. Gate Steward.—Air 44’. A. Jamieson. Judicial Committee.—-Messrs 44’i1linms. Mclntosh, McGregor. Houston and 4VhiiV?v. Ci’erk of Course.—Mr F. Fane. Hon. Clerk of Scales.—Mr A. 44'. Yarrall. Hon. Deputy Clerk of Scales.—Mr C‘. J. P. Sellers. Bird Cage Steward.—Air J. J. Breeze. Totalisator Steward.—4fr J. Peake. The programme for the Christmas j race meeting was revised in terms of the recommendation front the annual meeting, being reduced to seven events and ordered to be submitted to the District Committee for approval in due course. In view of tho daylight saving proposal probably being in force for Christmas, the matter of starting times was referred to the Secretary to adjust as thought advisable. The stakes will total £1,500. It was decided to communicate with Afessrs Lynch with regard to operating the totalisator with 10s and £1 windows. A quantity of correspondence was dealt witli and the banking arrangements were approved and agreed to.