FOXTON RACING CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1311, 15 October 1914, Page 2

FOXTON RACING CLUB.

. ANNUAL, MEETING. The annual general meeting of members of the Foxton Racing Club was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday night. There were over 30 members present, the President (Mr J. R. Whyte) occupying the chair. In opening the meeting, the chairman referred to the great * crisis in Europe, and said that it had been suggested that race meetings should be abandoned in the meantime, but it was pointed out that if this were done it would throw a large number out of employment. He was glad that wiser counsels had prevailed, and the meetings held as usual, and subsequent events proved that this was the best policy. He was glad to see that the Foxton Club had donated £SO to the Empire Defence Fund. After the confirmation oi the minutes, the annual report and balance-sheet was considered. In moving the adoption of same, the President congratulated members on the result of the year’s work. The balance-sheet disclosed a very satisfactory position, indeed, there being increases from nearly all sources. Personally he would like to see a further increase in the stakes this year, the stakes of the Foxton Cup increased to £3OO, and £2OO allowed for the big race on the second day. During the ten years that he had occupied the position of secretary the stakes bad been increased from £390 to ,£1,500, but during the last ten years they had only increased from £1,500 to £1,712, He then moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the motion being seconded and carried without discussion.

Prior to the election of officers, Dr Mandl suggested that the number of stewards, which at present was seven, should be increased to nine or ten. It had been found in the past that seven was not enough on race days. Foxton at present had fewer stewards than any other club in the district. If necessary, the nine or ten stewards elected could select from their number an executive committee of say, five, who, with the honorary officials, could conduct the business of the Club during the year, and have the assistance of the other stewards on race days. After some little discussion, it was decided that the number of stewards be increased from seven to nine, but the suggestion ns to an executive committee was not adopted. ■' The following officers were elected for the current year;—Patron, Mr John Stevens; president, Mr J. R. Whyte; vice-presidents, Messrs, O. Robinson, C. E. Robinson, F. E. Jenks, and W. E. Barber; treasurer, Mr F. E. Jenks ; clerk of scales, Mr J. Burr; surgeon, Dr Mandl; clerk of course, Mr C. Peterson ; auditor, Mr F. Symes ; timekeeper, Mr E. E. Smith; stewards and committee, Messrs Dr Mandl, J. R. Hynes, George Coley, H, G. Hammond, F. SEaston, C. Hunt, J. Burr, L. Freeman, and R. Bryant. The following new members were elected: Messrs A. H. Wilson, F. D. Whibley, G. Grammar, S. Jackson, Willoughby, R. Easton, H. Richmond, and A. E. Admore. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the retiring officers, and a vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.