WESTLAND TROTTING CLUB.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1927, Page 2

WESTLAND TROTTING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING

Tbe annual meeting was held m the Club rooms last evening, Mr F. McGregor presiding over a good attendance of members. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. ANNUAL REPORT.

Gentlemen,—l have pleasure in submitting herewith for your approval the annua! report anil statement of receipts and expenditure for the year ending 30th September, 1927. At the last annual meeting the members present elected the following genUemen as the executive for the year, viz:—Messrs F. McGregor, J. J. Breeze, Junr., R. Adamson, J. .]. Mclntosh, M. Houston, W. E. Richards, C. J. P. Sellers, A. W. Yarrnll, H. A. Thompson, R. Whiley, and J. Stafford, and as usual these members took the keenest interest in the conduct of the club’s business.

It is with sincere regret however that I have to record the great loss suffered by the Club through the death of one of its most prominent members, tbe late Mr H. A. Thompson, who always took the keenest interest in the affairs of the Club and was held in the highest esteem by the whole community. It is also regretted that the Club has lost the services of Mr Robert Adamson on the Committee, through his recent removal to Christchurch. It is pleasing to announce that the operations of the Club lor the past season have been very successful. The year commenced with a hank overdraft of £BOO and outstanding accounts amounting to £125 which have now been all liquidated, and the bank overdraft reduced to £772. The annual race-meeting was held on

the Hokitika racecourse on Monday, 3rd January, 1027, and was a great success. Record nominations and acceptances were received, the fields Were all large, and the various events were well contested. ' The gate receipts amounting to £224 were a record for the Club and the sum of £6853 was passed through the totalisator, which must be considered quite satisfactory. The Government taxation is however a heavy drain on the finances of Clubs, and in this connection tbe sum of C 047 14s 2d was paid by way of taxes, less a rebate of 1' per cent which amounted to £BS. The 10s totalisator was again in use at the meeting and proved to be popular with the Club’s patrons. Mr A. 0. Mabee attended in the capacity of Stipendiary Steward and reported very favourably on the conduct of tbe meeting. The luncheon

and refreshment rooms were again conducted by lady helpers under the management of Mrs O. Fowler and the Club greatly appreciated their kind assistance. Mr D. J. Evans represented the Club at the Annual Conference held in Wellington in July last and we are much indebted to him in this connection.

Tbe trotting track is in first class order and reflects the greatest credit on the work of the caretaker. Tlie Club is very fortunate in having the use of the Westland Racing Club’s splendid course and appointments and recently your committee made satisfactory arrangements with the Racing Club for the continuance of this very valuable concession. The Club’s next race-meeting is to take place on Tuesday, 3rd January, 1928, and a programme of events will be drawn up for tbe occasion. In conclusion I desire to thank tlie W estland Licensed Victuallers’ Association foi tlieir donation of a Silver Cup to the winner of the Westland Trotting Club Handicap, also Messrs J. Noble and 11. Rutland, who officiated as Handieapper and Starter respectively, and all others who lent tlieir assistance in the successful conduct of the Club’s affairs. The balance sheet showed the receipts amounted to £1545 8s 9d (including nomination and acceptances £249 10s, totalisator 926 19s 6d, gates £283 16s, privileges £lO7 17s 3d) and expenditure £lslß Is 4d (including stakes £7OO, Government taxes £-547 14s 2d). Tlie Chairman referred to the satisfactory results of the last season, congratulating members on the improved outlook, with every prospect of continued success in the coming year. He moved the reception and adoption of the balance sheet.-—Seconded by Mr Stafford and carried. Tlie Secretary was authorised to arrange with the Railway Department for suitable train arrangements for the annual meeting, which was set down for Tuesday Jan. 3rd. the programme and stakes being the same as last year. Messrs C. S. Neville and E. IV. Heenan were elected to tbe Committee in place of Messrs H. A. Thompson and R. Adamson. Tlie meeting then terminated.

COMMITTEE MEETING. The Committee then met, Mr F. McGregor presiding. Officers were elected as follows: President—Mr F. McGregor. Vice-President —Mr R. Wliiley. Judge—Mr F. McGregor. Deputy-Judge—Mr It. Wliiley. Time-keepers—Messrs J. Noble, J. J. Breeze and J. Stafford. Handicapper—Mr J. Noble. Starter—Mr H. Butland. Committee—Messrs F. McGregor, J. ,T. Breeze jun., J. J. Mclntosh, M. H. Houston, W. E. Richards, C. J. P. Sellers, A. W. Yarrall, E. W. Heenan, R. Wliiley, J. Stafford and C. S. Neville. Clerk of Course —Nil- F. Fane. Clerk of Scales —Mr O. J. P. Sellers. Hon Surgeons—Drs Teichelmann, Baird and Mandl. Gate Steward—Mr W. A. Jamieson.

Stewards—The Committee. Judicial Committee —Messrs W. E. Williams, D. J. Evans, F. McGregor, R. Wliiley and J. J. Mclntosh. It- was announced that the Westland Licensed Victuallers had donated another silver cup to be presented to the winner of the Westland Handicap. Admission to the course was arranged to be the same as last year, and usual arrangements were made far the carrying on of the meeting. The meeting then terminated.