MANAWATU RACECOURSE TRUSTEES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2971, 5 December 1925, Page 2

MANAWATU RACECOURSE TRUSTEES.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Manawatu Racecourse Trustees was held in the Racing Club office on Thursday' afternoon, presided over by the Chairman (John Kebbell, Esq.) Also present were Trustees F. Robinson and A. Fraser, and Messrs J. R. Whyte (President Foxton Racing Club), W. E. Barber. R. Bryant, W. T. Jewell, P. J, Jack, W. Trueman, D. Christie, M. I!. Bergin and J. K. Hornblow. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report was read as follows: The trustees have the honour to report that tlie credit balance at the hank is £25 lfis Od from which must !*e deducted !)/() for advertising etc, leaving a net credit balance of £25 (is 3d, the balance-sheet and Post Office Savings Bank book’ lie on the table and are oj>en for inspection. We are pleased to be able to again compliment the Foxton Racing Club (the lessee's of the Course) upon their continued course of progressive action. We understand that plans have been drawn and approved of for alterations to steward’s stand and that tenders will be called for immediately after the January meeting. This will make the building thoroughly up-to-date.

The stables at the course have been repaired and are to be given a coat of paint shortly, all the other appointments are in a good state of repair. The Committee we are glad to learn have planted more trees and intend to continue with the good work. This is going to be a valuable investment in years to come.

Pegs have been put in for a straight six furlongs start, and trees etc. have already been removed. As the ground will take some time to settle down, the work will not be completed until next year. The tracks have been kept in good order and horses that have been trained therein have been successful in winning a number of important races. The committee have again granted the Defence Department the use of the course and buildings for artillery training Camps, and favourable terms have been arranged. It is the intention of the Committee to proceed with the making of a permanent road leading to the members enclosure. This has been necessitated to a considerable extent by the heavy military traffic. We congratulate the club on the highly successful race meeting held in January last, when the totalisator turnover showed a considerable increase on the previous year, and we are pleased to know that the Club has again been recommended for an additional permit. We note the Committee has completed the painting of the cottage and the stables in Whyte street, which are now in first class order. We regret to learn that the club has lost by death the following members: Messrs. A. Keith, A. ileasman, B. Ling, L. Pigott, W. J. Xeylon and A. King.

In speaking to the report Mr. W. E. Barber said that the Racing Club had been criticised for their delay in having a new steward’s stand erected. They had gone into the matter carefully, however, and found that the existing stand was quite sound and could be shifted back and altered. This would cost the Club between £(100 and £7OO, whereas the lowest price received for a new stand was £2,500. He thought any delay in action was fully juslitied in the circumstances. Mr. Jewell who spoke on similar lines to Mr. Barber and said that the Foxton United Sports Association was indebted to the Racing Club for the use of the ground on two occasions. The lessees were fulfilling the terms of the lease and were out to foster sport in the com-

munity. The chairman expressed pleasure at the state of affairs, and the good work that the Club was doing. The report was then adopted.

A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.