WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1931, Page 2

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th

The annual general meeting of the Westland Racing Club was held at 8.30 p.m. Present; Mr W. E. Williams ' '{President), Messrs F. McGregor, H. ■Rutland, H. Newman, A. W. Yarrall, R. Adamson, H. Jones, T. Lynch, J. J. Breeze, W. Hall, J. Stafford, C. J. Sellers; H. T. Parry, 11. Wlnley, T. Stuart, J. Peake, J. J. Mclntosh, A. E. Benjamin, W. Wilson, A. Jamieson and D. J. Evans. Apologies were made for the absence of Messrs C. S. Neville, W. A. Jamieson, •J. L. Fowler and W. A. Thompson and the Chairman expressed his regret that illness prevented the latter’s attendance. The minutes of the last annual mectt ing were confirmed. EXECUTIVE REPORT, 1930-31. Gentlemen, —I have the (honor to present the annual report for the past season. Members will be aware of the unfortunate fire at the racecourse Jn April last, which destroyed the grandstand and main appointments on the eve of the Easter meeting. The autumn meeting on the local course had to he abandoned, and after negotiating un.succeafifully to hold a race meeting at •Ricc&rton for the benefit of the Club, a combined meeting of two days with the Greymoaith Jockey Club' was held at Qmbto in June. Unfortunately the finanoial result was not very large, this Club’s share of the surplus being £3O 10s 3d. The Club is indebted to the Greymouth Club and officials for the ready assistance given and the effort to secure the greatest success. The financials:'statement herewith presents, a more healthy appearance than heretofore due to the recovery of fire insurance principal on buildings destroyed, but . unfortunately there remains the contingent liability for the erection of the. new stand and appointments. The insurances covered less than; half of the value of the buildings destroyed, so that the Club has to face the-extra liability. The total receipts fro^i.'all sources for the year Were £44f)3 9s : 7dj and the out-goings £3527,25: 4d, leaving -a nominal credit baiarice of £936 7s 3d. This sum was used rin the, paying off of the bank overdraft under the old guarantee, and a. reduction;in the Treasurer’s advance ofCahout, 2S per; cent., leaving a bank credit of £282. -The greatest sympathy was expressed with the Club in the fire loss. Donations have-.been forthcoming to assist

with the. cost of restoration, with furwj ther:: moneys f still* ;te „oomev Jm«w-».'The benefit ball, 'last week met with remarkable support, tlie ladies working most wholeheartedly, while Mr Parry was a very • able organiser. An estimated surplus of about £OO is expected j'rom the benefit, which is mojst credj stable to all’ concerned, and will be very .acceptable to the Club, At the samp tithe A desire is being expressed 1o make the }>all an annual event, anjfi it is suggested it should be held on the 'eve. of the Club’s Easter week fixture. " The Christmas meeting proved a financial success and was a pleasant i gathering, the profit on the two day’s ; racing being about £2OO. The refund f, > on totalisator ..duty for the year was £216, and was a welcome addition to the revenue, A plea has been made on be'half. of the Country Clubs to make the refund a minimum of £250, and this is under the consideration of the Government! Also on behalf of the Country Clubs, representatiosn have been made to the Economy Parliai mentary Committee now sitting to give relief! in taxation to racing, as under present conditions the heavy impost is reducing totalisator investments, a net the return to the Government is folding inyconsequence.. To maintain the public Tevpue from this source and to assist the Clubs it is essential to give relief in regard to totalisator , taxation. The Country Clubs generally are feeling the pinch of falling revenue and unless relief is forthcoming: some of the Clubs most distant from the centres, will not be able to function meantime.

A commencement has been made with the restoration of the appointments. The refreshment room has been put in order, and the site for the new stand cleared. The new building though slightly smaller will have larger seating capacity due to a differ, ent design being adopted. This main building- will be largely of concrete with non-inflammable partitions, and will be fire proof. A new ambulance ro will be erected as an annexe to the soft drinks stand, and a new and larger judge’s box will be erected. The estimated coft of the works is £1,400, and the building has been left with every confidence to Mir D. Stevens :n who has acted in a similar capacity so satisfactorily before for the Club. As regards the finances f?r the scheme it will l>e necessary to"--rnake overdraft arrangements with, our bankers on the same 'lines as previously. The balance of the cost will be provid:d by cash in bank, donations promised, receipts from the ball, members’ subscriptions paid in advance, and miscellaneous receipts, which with the

overdraft to he arranged will provide an estimated sum of £1,300, and the profits from the summer meeting should cover the balance of the rebuilding costs. "With the public interest displayed in the Club’s fortunes it is thought that there will he very liberal patronage at the local meet, ings, and with that supprrt the financial obligations now being incurred

should be well met by revenue to accrue.

It is realised of course that the general conditions prevailing will bring about some stringency in the main channels for revenue at race meetings. This will have to be met by internal economies in the conduct of the meetings apd some reduction, in stakes. Also, all the plant required will not be procured at this juncture. It will be possible to secure the loan of the more costly items necessary, while Mr Yarrall has kindly offered to provide a set of numbered saddle cloths and Air H. T. Parry will provide a set of numbers for the Judge’s box. Furnishings will be curtailed also at present, and these economies will help over the period.

On the whole the Club cap face the new situation with the sati faction of knowing the public support will he widespread. Thanks to the conduct of tile local race meetings a prestige has been established which will be something of a tangible asset at this juncture, and it is hoped the future will have better days in store for the Club. 54

As heretofore the officials have beep most attention to their duties and loyal in their services. This harmony has helped the Club greatly and assured for the future, will be a helpful element in the realisation of those better times hoped for, The Club’s Caretaker gave very faithful service and had the track and appointments always in first class order. Mr Fowler continues in charge of the Club’s property which is an assurance everything will be in the best order possible when the Club resumes racing in December next, The Club has been granted a two days* meeting opening on Saturday, 'December 28th. Both days arq public holidays which should be a factor in adding to the expee'.ed success of the gathering, The' balance sheet was read also that of the combined meeting at Greymouth which resulted in a net profit to each of the Clubs of £3O. The balance sheet of the Race ball showed receipts £97 0s 3d, expenses £6 18s 6d, leaving a profit of £9O Is 9d.—Received.

The Chairman said they were all glad to see Mr Evans able to be present that night, ,and improving so well and he hoped that the improvement would be maintained. Mr Williams then referred to the position of the Club, stating if it had pot been for the disastrous fire which destroyed their grandstand the Club would have been in a very sound position. Even with the present trouble and the depression they were not as badly off as other Clubs unfortunately were. The 'Club had for some time been reducing their expenditure, but Mr ■Evans had outlined that they -would still be able to further curtail their expenditure. The result of the ball was a very .satisfactory one, and the return therefrom was quite a windfall. 'He could only thank Mr Parry and the ladies for the splendid work they had done. He had pleasurc-dn proposing-the adoption of the report and balance' sheet. Mr Evans said in connection with an article referred to by the Chairman that the Racing and Trotting Associations had made very strong representations to the Government, and replies received from Hon. Forbes and Mr H, E. Holland stated that these representations would be considered by the Economic Committee.

Mr W, Hall seconded the motion Which was agreed to, The Chairman read a letter from the Metropolitan Club inviting attendance at a meeting of delegates of West Coast Clubs on October 2nd, to deal with the question of the internal management of meetings.

The Chairman expressed his pleasure at the. attendance of Mr R. Adamson and also the thanks of members at the generous donations made by Messrs Yarrall and Parry. Mr Mclntosh nominated Mr William Woods (Okarito) as a member. Mr Albert Stevens and Mr W. H. Sherman were also nom'nated as members. Mr Mclntosh -suggested as there was no licensing poll to be held this year that the Secretary should write to the Licensed Victuallers’ Association inviting a substantial donation which he felt sure would be favourably considered. Mr W. 'Hall seconded the proposal which he heartily endorsed. The motion was agreed to.

Mr McGregor apologised for the absence of Mr A. Nancekivell. He also stated Mr E. McDonnell of Greymouth had donated a case of whisky for the booth at next meeting. Offer received with thanks.

Mr W. Hall suggested a charge be made to owners and trainers and the right be given for training on the course proper. Referred to the incoming ■Committee.

The Chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed to the success of the ball. Seconded by Mr Stafford and carried. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE. The following were nominated: — (Messrs W. E. Williams, D. J. Evans, ;A. Wl. Yarrall, J. J. Breeze, R. Adamson. M. H. Houston. J, J. Mclntosh, F. -McGregor, H. T. Parry, R. Whiley, C. J. Sellers. Messrs Parry, Mclntosh and Evans were appo'ntrd as delegates to the Conference of West Coast Clubs. In answer to 'Mr Hall, the Secretary stated the erection of the new grandstand had been placed in the hands of Mr 'Stevenson, who bad always given the Club every satisfaction in the past, and had placed the Club under many obligations, by his attention and consideration.

The meet ine concluded at 9.30 p.m with a vote of thanks to the Chairman