GREYMOUTH J.C.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1927, Page 4

GREYMOUTH J.C.

ANNUAL MEETING

GREYAIOUTH, Oct. 1. The annual meeting of tlie Greymouth Jockey Club was held yesterday. Those present were: Messrs 'I. E. Coates < president), AY. R. Kettle*. Kim Williams, 11. Moore, J. I). A\ inglinm. G. R. Harker, J. Grogan. E. i Riley, A. Behan, H. F. Doogan, A. S. ■Ajifmstro.ng. A. E. Reynolds. .1. Brown, and P. Tlioipy. The annual report presented by the president staled that* the receipts showed an increase over last year's but in consequence to urgent repairs tn tbc stand and buildings the result of the year’s work showed a slight loss. He mentioned wit'll regret the death of one of the oldest members of the eluh in the person of Air Adam 'Blair. The annual balance sheet showed n loss on the year’s work of £So 7s Gc: The president stilted that he was sorry to say that the report and balv nee sheet were not favourable. The dub bad boon looking forward to :n----proving its financial position for tlie past t.vo or three years, but he regretted that the outlook was anything but bright, and unless the position improved lie was afraid that the club would cease to function. A acinus suggestions had boon thrown out in ilie past with a view to improving the eluh’s affairs, but, at present. be could not see any way ol effecting an improvement. Tbe course needed improvements which would cost £5003 or £OOOO, but it was impossible to have these carried out. ‘lhe Government rebate of £250 had -not brought any great, relief. The Government was repeatedly making promises to relieve the existing hardships on racing Hubs, and continually shelving those promisos since 1919. Ihe stakes had been increased considerably, but it nniSt be remembered that the cost of keeping racehorses had also increased, and unless good stakes were forthcoming the club could not expect good horses to compete at its meetings. the question of including trotting events on* the programme had been suggested but the course was unsuitable for the trotting sport. Air Kettle said he did not think the Hub was by any means insolvent, and |*o felt sure that they would pull through. The increased slakes, unfortunately had not been nreonipanmd bv increased totalizator receipts. He suggested that a committee be set up to go into the financial position oi the club. Mr Doogan said that be was sorry to see the president in such a pes-I-mistie mood. The club was only having tlie same experience as other clubs throughout, the Dominion, which were passing through had times, lie was satisfied that the Oreymouth Club was quite sound. He opposed the policy of a reduction in the stakes by a metropolitan club. He advised members to look on the bright -side and keep on fighting. He was certain that the Hub would soon turn tbe corner. 'tbe report and balance sheet was adopted.

The president announced that as only the required number of nominations for official positions were received be would declare tlie former officers re-elected. Air Grogan moved that Mr Contes be re-dec ted president. Tbe motion was seconded by Afr AVingliam and carried unanimously. It was resolved to set up a committee to report on tbe financial position of the club. Air Doogan moved that the president wire the Prime Minister, asking him to have tlie Gaming Bill placed before Parliament at as early a date as possible. The motion was seconded by Air Kettle and carried. It was also decided to request the secretary of tbe Racing Conference to 'communicate with other clubs asking them to send similar requests to the Prime Minister.