WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1931, Page 5

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

FRIDAY. APRIL 17. A general meeting of members and supporter* of the Club was held at the Uiub Room, Hamilton Street, at 8 o'clock to consider the future of the C'luo Pillowing the late disastrous fire, 'liiere was a large and representative aitendance. imludmg the following:— Mr \Y. F. Williams (in the Chair), Dr. Teiehclmami, Messrs A. Jamieson. Ai. Houston. F. McGregor, H. Rutland. 11. Jones, R. Adamson, T. W. Bruce, A. F. Benjamin, J. Peake, I). J. Evans, A. W. Yarrall. H. Newman. T. Lynch, C”. J. P. Sellers, J. J. Freeze, H. Koi'tegast, A. Xancekivell, R. Ford. T. sutart, J. Johnson, R. Kingham, G. Powell. AY. Jeffries. H. Lewis, H. T. Parry, J. J. Mclntosh, .J. L. Fowler, J. Alelntosh, J. A. Murdoeh.

Apology was made for the absence of Mr \Y. Keller while the names of other gentlemen were mentioned as willing to assist the Club though not able to he present Before the business of the meeting was taken in hand, tile Chairman said ho desired to refer to the death of Dr. Hopkins and the loss the town had experienced. Dr. Hopkins liad been here only about a year, blit in that short time he had gained the esteem and affection of the people He had been associated with the Club, and they would all regret the demise of one so useful. He moved that the sympathy of the Club members with the family he recorded. Dr. Teichelmann seconded the motion which was carried in silence, the gathering stand-

in opening the business of the evening. Air Williams expressed pleasure at the good attendance present. They were there on an unfortunate occasion to review the position of the Club following tile late fire. The Club’s total debts were £3,500, against which there were assets in insurance principal, buildings plant etc to the value of £2100; and the Club had to face the cost of erecting another stand and appointments which would cost at least £2OOO. The position was such that they should hasten slowly he thought, and put up with less convenience at the race meetings. It would be a loss to the prestige of the town if the Club were to cease operations, and he thought they should strive to keep going and maintain the reputation the Club bad enjoyed always. There had been a suggestion of racing elsewhere, and the Secretary had been in communication with tli authorities, and could explain the position. Tn connection with the regrettable occurrence. Mr Williams went on to say t-bat the Club had received nothing but kindness from outside sportsmen. All the Coast Clubs had telegraphed and offered to help in every Way possible. Mr Coates ol the Ote.v mouth Club bad been very helpful, find they were indebted to him for advice and offers of practical support. Other gentlemen had sent messages of sympathy from verious parts of the Dominion, and it appeared the Club had many warm friends outside the district.

A letter was read from Mr A. Grogan. Greymcmth, stating if it was intended as reported to race at Omoto. and the Club conducted its own booth, he would he prepared to supply free all cordials and aerated waters. Received with a cordial expression of thanks.

Mr Evans (Secretary) reported on the stops taken to secure a substitute meeting, 'The desire was to run at Riecarton about Saturday, May 30th.. running a special train from the Coast for the occasion. The Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs had approved of the transfer of the racing permit, and the Racing Conference was agreeable to the change, both subject to the racing authorities at Christchurch agreeing to the meeting being held there. At the outset the suggestion was not altogether acceptable to Christchurch, but a message received that day was to the effect that the application to race would be considered at a meeting of the Racecourse Trustees on Wednesday next. There wore two vacant Saturdays in May available for racing without clashing with any South Island meeting, the Saturday before and the Saturday after the Ashburton meeting. The latter Cluli was being consulted as to the most convenient date, and the decision won Id probably rest, the commendable date to the. racing authorities. Owners and trainers had been consulted also, and every help promised. There hud been much willing assistant-,, from outside friends in approaching rim organisations for tho change of meeting. An art union was suggested, I jut permission for tjhis was not considered obtainable excepting for a small sum. ft seemed that to ensure the future of the Club a measure of outside help resulting front a benefit meeting was necessary. It was suggested al.so to raise money on debentures specially secured on the gate money receipts. the principal mentioned being €1.500 at 6 per cent, interest. orinci) nl repayable in ten years. The financial factor was the chi-I' matter for consideration, but lie thought in the interests of the town every effort should he made to re-e-lablidi the Club on the Hokitika raccoon rse. A general di-aiesiou took place on the matters brought forward. Tnfor limit ion was given as to the indebted of the Club and the pro-

posals for handling ill., money from the fire insurance. totalled £'1.114 9s 6d. The merits of raising th« money hv delimiter‘S was eorsulereil and £259

subscribed in the room. Later, several of those present- stated, that while* not able to subscribe the amount of the* proposed debenture of £25, they were prepared to make a donation to the building fund. Under this heading £75 was offered by those in the room. It was suggested a list should be open, ed to receive subscriptions of this nature, which will be a direct contribution to the Club funds.

Air Parry moved that providing permission is granted to race at Riccarton, the meeting lie held there as proposed on a convenient date in May. This was seconded by Arr Mclntosh, and supported by Messrs R. Adamson 1 . Houston. Breeze, AVhiley and others and carried. It was further resolved to thank all those who- had offered assistance, and specially thank the Coast Clubs for their several offers of prompt assistance. Air Williams said the way allhad rallied to the Club’s help was very gratifying and encouraging.

The financial aspect was discussed further in the later proceedings, when several additional offers of practical help were made. Mr Xancekivell made the proposal that the Club should conduct the publican’s booth at the Christ, mas meeting, when ho thought the brewers and others would supply the stock, and he would conduct the booths for the Club’s benefit free of charge, and a handsome return was assured. Mr Mclntosh thought the offer a splendid one. and he would be prepared to assist Mr Xancekivell to carry it through to the greatest success, Other offers in connection with the booth proposal were made by Messrs Ford, Koi'tegast, Fowler and Breeae, and received with applause. Air Murdoch was a ready- witty advocate for all possible support financially for the Club’s benefit, and gave an excellent lead in regal'd to the help to be accorded the Club.

The meeting wa>s generally of an enthusiastic character. The Chairman said the proceedings were most encouraging, and they could look forward to the re-establishment of the Club. The subscription list would be opened over the next few days, and they could meet again after the 22nd. in-st, to learn the fate of the application to race at Riccavton and to ascertain what were the financial results of the appeal. When that information was before them, the matter and the amount of the debentures to be issued could be gone into. The Chairman thanked those present for their interest and enthusiasm, which would he an incentive to the Committee to keep the flag flying and have matters m order at the racecourse for the Christ, mas meeting. ,

The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.