MANAWATU RACECOURSE TRUSTEES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3728, 10 December 1927, Page 3

MANAWATU RACECOURSE TRUSTEES.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Manawatu (Foxton) Racecourse Trustees was held in the Racing Club offijce on Thursday, presided over by Mr. J. W. Kebbell (chairman). Also present were Messrs J. R. Whyte, W. E. Barber, F. Robinson, M. B. Bergin, H. Coley, D. R. Ogilvy, and the secretary (Mr. A. Fraser). The annual report was read as follows: During the year under review I have to report that the racecourse has been kept in a most satisfactory manner. 'Special attention has been given ,to the tracks: during the last few months, the plough has been topdressed with about 700 yards of , sand. Tlic other tracks are in good order. It is the intention of the Stewards to further improve the main track by levelling and top-

dressing. A considerable number of horses are now being trained locally and it is a matter of congratulation that horses trained here have done so well this season. A building 60 feet long has been erected for counter luurhes. This will be of great convenience to the general public. All the buildings have been kept in a good state of repair.

Notwithstanding the general depression, the Club had a successful meeting in January. Visiting owners and trainers spoke in high terms of the track for racing. With the improved position of the country, the Club is looking forward to a satisfactory meeting next month. The military authorities held a highly successful camp during February and March, and the Club have again granted them permission to hold further camps next year. The Club have also granted the use of the grounds and buildings to the Rev. Feilden Taylor, of St. Peter’s Mission, Wellington,-, to hold a camp during Christmas -and New Year.

Credit is due to the Club’s caretaker for the keen interest he is taking in the grounds, especially in the way of beautifying with flower beds. Mr. J. R, Whyte, President of the Club, for many years, decided not to accept nomination for a further term. Mr. 'Whyte considered that as he was not resident in the district, it was impossible to attend meetings and keep in touch with the affairs of the Cluh. Mr. WL E. Barher was elected to the position at the annual meeting of members.

Tt is with deep regret that I have to record the deaths of Mb’. S. Hamuera and Mr. H. 0. Hammond, members of the Club for many year's. The balance-sheet disclosed a credit balance of £36 5» Bd. The adoption of the report ?vas moved by the chairman. p, • In seconding the motion Mr. W. E. Barber (President of the Foxton Racing Club), said that the Racing Club had carried out its duties during the past year under difficulties, due to the lack of finance. The finances of the country were much brighter now, however, and there was a probability of the tax being reduced by the Government. The Club was looking forward to a good meeting next year, and hoped to be able to further improve the tracks. He also congratulated tho Chairman and thanked him for acting as Chairman for a further year. The report was adopted. On the motion of Mr. Fraser, a vote of thanks was accorded the Racing Club for the use of the room and Mr. D. R. Ogilvy for assistance in connection with the preparation of the report. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chair.