SOUND POSITION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32308, 3 September 1943, Page 5

SOUND POSITION

OHINEMURI JOCKEY CLUB REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT That the finances of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club are to-day in a very sound condition was disclosed by the piesident, Mr P. E. Brenan, at the annual meeting of the club on Tuesday evening when he reported that during the past year the overdraft had been cleared and the club now had a small credit balance of £263. The annual report read as under:— “Both meetings, held on October 3, 1942, and March 20, 1943, were oneday fixtures as against a two-day spring meeting in 1941 and a one-day autumn meeting in 1942. Both meetings were well patronised both by the public and owners and a comparable balance of profit was shown in each case. The totalisator investments of £54,822 for the March meeting were easily a* one-day record for the club.

“On account of their own courses not being available the Thames Jockey Club and the Bay of Plenty Racing Club were granted permission to race at Paeroa and both clubs have expressed their appreciation of the assistance thus rendered.

“Members will note that the bank overdraft has 'been cleared and there is now a small credit balance. The property has been fully maintained in all respects. No major works were carried out during the year. Membership of Club

“Probably due to the restricted numbers of races available to owners, the numbers of horses being accepted for in almost all classes of races have •become embarrassingly large and have necessitated more division races than desirable. Though your committee has given consideration to the matter in conference with other clubs and representatives of owners, it has not been able to arrive at any completely satisfactory solution of the problem and is at present adopting the division of races where the starters 1 exceed the safety number. “The membership of the club now stands at 300, including 21 new members admitted during the year.

“The club suffered the loss by death during the year of Messrs 'F. Butcher, P. Grace (a past President), H. W. Pennell, A. .Steedman ' and W. J. Towers (also a past president) and the sincere sympathy of members is extended to their relatives.

“For the offices of president and vice-president respectively, Messrs P. E. Brenan and H. Dent are the only nominees and at the annual meeting will be duly declared elected. For the four vacancies on committee created by the retirement of Messrs T. A. Barrett, D. Courtney, G. P. Lamb and W. Neil, Messrs G. A. Avery, T. A. Barrett, D. Courtney, F. T. V. Johnson, G. P. Lamb, C. W. Winder and. V. Young have been nominated and an election to fill the vacancies will be necessary.

“Mr W. Neil, owing to advancing years, has decided to retire and consequently does not seek re-election.

“Your committee desire to place to record the forty-two years’ service rendered to the club by Mr Neil.”