FOXTON RACING CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2370, 20 December 1921, Page 3

FOXTON RACING CLUB.

STAKES REDUCTION . ENDORSED.

A special general meeting of members of the above club, convened by requisition, was held last night, Mr W. E. Barber (vice-presi-dent) in the unavoidable absence of (lie President, occupied the chair. There was a large attendance. The Chairman read the requisition convening the meeting, and invited the signatories to express their views. He expressed pleasure at seeing such a good attendance, which indicated a genuine interest in the welfare of the Club. Mr Burr explained that the meeting had been convened in accordance with the rules, to afford members an opportunity of expressing their views for or against the reduction of stakes for this year’s meeting. He was a steward and member of tfie Programme Committee, and objected that the Finance Committee had reduced the stakes from that originally agreed upon without his knowledge. In his opinion, the reduction in stakes would curtail nominations and attendance, and was not in the best interests of the Club. He also objected to curtailing advertising when other economies could be made. Several other of the signatories to the petition expressed their views for and against the reduction of stakes.

Mr Jewell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, went fully into the reasons which actuated the Committee in making the reduction. He said Mr Burr was present at every meeting of Committee, and had not made any objection. Had the Committee not' been unanimous it would have been impossible to rescind the resolution fixing the original stakes. The reduction had met with the approval of the District Committee and N.Z. Racing Conference. He read correspondence to this effect. In making the reduction the fullest consideration had been given to the present finan-

dal stringency, and the falling off n totalisafor investments. He inqanced the losses incurred by sev-

eral country clubs, and said it would )c a foolish policy to land the Club nio financial difficulties by shutting

their eyes to the present state of things. No business man would take such risks. In the allocation of stakes the Committee had offered greater inducements to the “battlers” by increasing the' stakes for second and third horses. This, in his opinion, would increase the nominations. Tl must not be forgot-

ten that it was hack events which gave the greatest revenue. He paid a tribute to the stewards, who had

the welfare of: the Club at heart, and fell sure that members would endorse their action.

On the motion of Mr Follas, seconded by Mr Henderson, a motion was- passed expressing confidence in the policy adopted by the stewards.

Mr Whibley asked whether such

motion would mean a vote of noconfidence in Dir Burr for his action in enlightening members as a result of the meeting.

The Chairman said that Mr Burr

had acted within his rights in convening the meeting, and no reflection was cast upon him. ■Mr Whibley said a good deal had

been said about the saving that would be effected by cutting down the stakes, but there were other

items upon which savings could he effected. He was not opposed to a reduction of stakes, but what about stewards’ luncheons, assistance to secretary, and other items?

Mr Whibley then moved that Mr Burr was in order in convening a special meeting by which a large amount of information was vouchsafed to members which would not otherwise have conic under their notice. —Seconded by Mr Admore, and carried.

A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.