WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1929, Page 3

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

COMMITTEE MEETING. The Committee oi' the Club met ;it 8.35 o’clock last evening. Present: — Messrs W. E. Williams (chair),' It. TVhilcy, A. TV. Yarrall, H. Adamson, F. McGregor, H. Butlaiid, C. J. P. Sellers, J. J. Mclntosh, ,J. Peake, and i). J. Evans. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. FINANCIAL. The Treasurer reported on the recent meeting which disclosed a profit of £IBO. In addition the Club was entitled to a rebate of £155, and it was proposed when the amount wan available to reduce the capital debt by £350, and secure a reduction in the interest rates. The payments on the restoration so far had been about £3OO in wages and £250 in material and supplies. Some oif the officials and several of the employees at the recent meeting had offered to forego payment for their services. While thanking them for their kind offers it was resolved as the irjeeting was a finaaicial ,success to make the usual payments for services given. PICCANINNY CASE. The Chairman reported regardin'* the death of. the mare Piccaninny under regrettable circumstances. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mr E. TV. Spencer, the owner, in bis loss. It Was stated portions oif the stomach had been sent to Christchurch for an analyst’s report, and when the report came to hand further action would be taken as thought necessary, thfo matter being referred to the Chairman and Secretary. Votes of appreciation were passed t'» Dr Baird and air C. S. Neville for. their help in connection with tlio postmortem, and the former for his (full , report on the pathological aspect of! the case. ! It was stated the Racecourse Inspector (Mr Black) bad taken several ' statements in connection with the death of the horse, and these would ; be used when .a report was to hand from Christchurch.

CORRESPONDENCE. From Mrs Kettle. Greymouth, thanking the Club for sympathy expressed in the death of her husband. —Received. From President, N.Z. Racing Conference, thanking the Club for invitation to Christmas race meeting and conveying good wishes. —Received. From G. Reed, Riccarton, thanking the Club for appointment as starter. —Received. The Secretary said Mr Reed desired to act in an honorary rapacity. From J. A. Murdoch, letter of appreciation of the Club’s efforts to maintain the sport locally and enclosing chequo for .to ss.—Received with thanks From J. F. Morris, Marton, applying for position of starter if vacant. — Received. From G. N. McLean, conveying thanks for assistance rendered by the officers at the recent race meeting, and expressing the opinion that to •assist the club, trotting events should be included in the summer programme. —Received.

GENERAL. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the Caretaker (0. Fowler) and holiday leave on (full pay was granted. The following new members were elected,"' Miss J. O’Connor, Messrs Mb Berry, W. R. Adamson. C. B. Preston, 0. A. Wood. and Captain Bald. The Chairman spoke of the great help Mr Rutland had been in placing the starting machine in order, and the valuable help given the starter (Mr Reed). A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Rutland for his assistance. Mr Id. Lynch, Totalisator proprietor, who was present by invitation, asked improved lighting be provided for the autumn meeting in the totalisator buliding. Referred to the Chairman and Secretary to ascertain the cost of installing gas if or lighting and heatirig purposes also in the kitchen. Mrs Newman, Messrs W. Newman, H. Newman, H. Lynch, and .t. <l. McIntosh offered to donate seats to the Club for use on the lawn. Offer accepted with thanks, the Secretary to arrange for a uniform type of seat. Mr While.v suggested raising the judge’s box and. providing an improved set of numbers. Referred to Messrs McGregor, Rutland and Evans to confer with the judges and take action. ST IP END IAR V STEWARD’S REPORT. A copy of the Stipendiary Steward’s report on the recent meeting was presented. inter alia, it was reported that “ the meeting was run by an enthusiastic and progressive body oi stewards, who are to lie complimented on having rebuilt grandstands, jockeys and stewards rooms since the recent fire in spite of considerable financial difficulty.”' NEXT SEASON’S RACING RATES. The Secretary reported regarding racing dates for next season,, and suggested they he fixed as follows: — Summer meeting of one day on Boxing Day with enhanced stakes and eight races for the day, no event to ho less in value than .Cloo. Autmnn meeting of twb days on Easter Wednesday and Thursday, to include two trotting races each day. The proposal was discussed from

several points of view and finally on tlio motion of Mr Uutlaud. se> omlco ',y Mr Ynrrnll was approval, the application to fie made accordingly. EASTKK PEOO RAMM E. The programme for the meeting on April 4th next, was approved, eight events (including two trotting races') being agreed to; stakes C 635. It " :,s decided to eliminate the hurdle race and substitute a welter race; also to include a high weight race. The principal handicaps will remain at the same value. The meeting concluded at 10 p.m.