FOXTON RACING CLUB

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2460, 29 July 1922, Page 2

FOXTON RACING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. There was a record attendance of members (88) of the above club at the annual meeting, held in the Town Hall supper-room last night. Mr W. E. Barber, vice-president, occupied the chair and apologised for the unavoidable absence of the president (Mr J. R. Whyte) on account of the serious indisposition of Mrs Whyte. A vote of sympathy was carried and ordered to be conveyed to the president. Votes of sympathy were passed to the relatives of three deceased members, namely Messrs Stubbing, Reeve, and Thos. Henderson. The motion was earned in silence, all members standing. Several apologies were read from absent members,.

REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The chairman, in moving the adop'tion of the report and balancesheet, expressed pleasure at seeing such a large attendance which was evidence of the keen intei’est evinced in the club’s welfare. He congratulated members on the splendid financial position of the club, despite the trying financial period through which the country had been passing. He said the taxation on country racing clubs was very pressing and the conference was endeavouring to get relief from the Government in this connection. The local club’s quota to taxation in this c.nmection, for it< two days’ meeting, wa> upwards of £2,000. He referred to the improvements which bad been carried out to the course during the year and further contemplated improvements to be

carried out. The executive proposed to introduce the 10/- totalisator nt future meetings. The executive bad given careful consideration to all matters that came before it and [heir object was to retain the club’s reputation of providing what was looked upon as a picnic gathering. Mr Bryant, in seconding, endorsed the chairman’s remarks. To complete the year with funds in hands and no liabilities, was something to bo proud of and reflected credit upon the committee and the clflcient secretary.

Mr Jewell, who is a member of the country club’s executive, dealt with the subject. of taxation as it effected country clubs and owners

and referred to the steps being taken by the conference to get remissions in this connection. The

Govt rnment’s action in the matter was not yet known. He endorsed the club's policy in reducing the slakes last year which had not prejudiced the success of the meeting and was a w : se and safe policy. He doubted whet Iter there were six country clubs in New Zealand which could show such a sound financial position as the local club, which reflected credit upon the management. .Messrs Burr and Whibley asked for items of expenditure which were supplied and recommended more economy in general expenses. The chairman said the Committee, of which Mr Burr was a member, had been economising right through. The Committee would accept the recommendation re further curtailing expenditure. The report tint! balance-sheet, as published, was unanimously adopted.

A letter of thanks was read from I lie Football Club for free use of the racecourse for football purposes. — Received. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers was then proceeded with. It was decided that the appointment of handicapper, judge, starter and clerk of scales be left to the Committee. Officers:—Patron, Francis Robinson Esq; President, .T. R. Whyte Esq; vice-presidents, Messrs W. E. Barber, 0. R. and C. E. Robinson and G. C. Coley,; Surgeon, Dr. E. M. Wyllie; clerk of course, Mr Geo. Coley junr: auditor, Mr Ogilvie.

There were ten nominations for the three vacancies on the committee but three withdrew, viz. Messrs A. P. Easton. .J. W. Bowe and R. Rangiheuea, leaving seven to go to the ballot. The voting was as follows : —H. G. Hammond 65, H. Coley 58, Tv. Bryant 53, R. Ileppner 21, F. D. Whiblev 21. A. E. Admore 16, A. N. Smith 9. Messrs Hammond, H. Coley, and R. Bryant were declared duly elected. LIFE MEMBER. On the motion of the Chairman, Dr. Mandl was unanimous]}’ elected a life member of the club. The chairman and Messrs Bryant and Jewell referred to the good work done by Dr. Mandl in fostering the interests of the club during his residence in Foxton. The motion was carried with an outburst of applause. ALTERATION TO RULES. An alteration to rule 15, was agreed to as an amendment to Mr Smith's notice of motion. The rule now reads: “The affairs of the club shall be administered by a President, four vice-presidents and nine members of Committee, from and by whom a Treasurer shall be appointed. The President and vicepresidents shall be entitled to attend and vote at all meetings of Committee.”

An amendment to rule 21, to provide for the recording of votes by absent members in connection with the election of officers, was moved by Mr Coley and carried.

Several notices of motion by Mr Burr to amend certain rules were lost and the rest withdrawn. Votes of thanks were accorded the committee.

On the motion of Mr Simmonds a bonus of five guineas was passed to

the secretary, Mr L. R. Freeman, as an appreciation of the manner in which he had carried out his duties. The usual vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.