WESTLAND RACING CLUB

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1932, Page 2

WESTLAND RACING CLUB

FRIDAY, APRIL 15. The Committee of the above Club met at the G’lub Room, Hamilton Street, at 8.10 p.m. Present—Messrs J. J. Mclntosh (President), C. •). -Sellers, J. Rrec/.e, J. Peak<-\ F. McGregor, H. T. Parry, A. Yarra.il, J. J. IMclntosh jr., and D. J. Evans. Apology was made for the absence of Messrs Williams and Houston.

■Correspondence was read from the New Zealand Racing Conference regard, ing various matters ot administration. The racing dates were fixed tor next season as follows:—Summer meeting. December 26 mid 27 ; Autumn meeting. April 19, 1933. General correspondence was received, and the Secretary directed to reply.

The Stipendiary Stewart at the last meeting reported very favourably on -lie condition of the appointments and the conduct of the meetings, in general rtmarks he said: "Meeting held in beautiful weather ; attendance good. All officials attended 'to their duties satisfactorily, and races were run -o time. There were no accidents and no incidents requiring investigation. Racing was clean and free from objectionable tactics. The .appointments on the course are very good.”—The report was received with gratificei.ion. FINANCIAL. The Treasurer reported that the receipts for the late meeting (including the full Government rebate on totalisnior ):urn over) was £I2OO ICY, lOd, and the expenses £1227 14s Bd. There was therefore a deficiency of £27 3s lOd on the meeting. With regard to the race ball, the receipts were £57 10s. and the- expense: £l2 10s 9d. leaving a surplus of £45. The Chairman said that in all tlv> .•ii’ciiiiistancei; the resides weic se'ti.~faetory. They could have done with hotter' fields at the race meeting, and that would have resulted in a better tD alisdtor turn over. It was not clear why the owners restricted their entries hero, as Ihe Club always did. its best, and the .stakes wore equal to othei centres, where large fields pi evaded. How“vev, the meeting passed off very pleasantly, .and they had high praise from the Stipendiary Official of the Racing Conference.

Regarding the all round success of the ball. Mr Mclntosh could not speak too highly. It had been splendidly organised by Mr Parry, and the willing work done bv the ladies’ committee resuhed in the patrons of 'the ball being pleased and delighted with the evening. The attendance was most gratifying and all seemed Ito enjoy themselves. They were indebted to Mr W. Jamieson for his practical help, and also to Mr Radford for assisting with the brilliant lighting. Others had assisted most willingly, and he desired on behalf of the Club to thank one and all who had helped. The Chairman’s remarks were endorsed generally by several members who said outside visitors were very complimentary in their remarks on the way the bal. was conducted and its outstanding sue cess. The opinion was expressed 'that next year the annual ball be held on the eve of the Easter race meeting, and this proposal found general favour. The Treasurer stated it would be necessary to arrange finance to complete the year, and pay off the balance on <the building costs. The matter was discussed and a proposal put forward, all present agreeing to fall in with the suggested arrangements. The Chairman remarked on the improved financial position of the Club. The debt had been reduced, and with all necessary expenditure practically finished for the present, the Club wni in a better position than it had been for some time. He was informed members’ subscriptions were being well paid up and owners’ fees were also coming in well. The Club .should show a reduced debit balance at the end of the year. There would also be further relief from the reduced rate of interest on the debenture debt, equal to about* £SO a year.

A vote of thanks was passed 'to the Chair and the meeting concluded at 9.20.