FOXTON RACING CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3826, 2 August 1928, Page 3

FOXTON RACING CLUB.

. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of members of the Foxton Racing Club was held 'in the Club’s office last evening, presided over by Mr. W!. E. Barber (president). There was an attendance of about forty' members. Prior to commencing business, the chairman referred to the death of two members during the past year, in the persons of Messrs M. Hammond and Hamuera. The former, said the chairman, had been connected with the Club for many years both ap a member and steward. He w r as an enthusiastic sportsman and his genial personality endeared him to all. Referring to the late Hamuera, better known among local people as “Sam,” Mr. Barber said he was a fine type of Maori gentleman and a man of upright character. Votes of condolence were carried in silence and letters of sympathy ordered to be sent to the deceaseds’ relatives.

The chairman extended a welcome to members and moved the adoption of the report and balancesheet (previously published). He said the stewards had, during the year, discussed and decided many matters of interest to the club and had managed to keep the expenditure within safe limits. Improvements had been effected to the course and to the public appointments. He paid a tribute to the work of the caretaker. An important subject had been the changing of the dates of the annual meeting. This had not' been done without very careful consideration. The reason for the change had been to avoid clashing with the Wellington meeting. He referred to the generosity of Mr. and Miss Austin in donating a cup last year. This had induced the stewards to follow such a good example and they had donated a similar trophy for the coming meeting. He regretted the resignation of Mr. D. R, Ogilvy as secretary and paid a tirbute to the thorough manner in which he had carried out his duties. Although they were losing Mr. Ogilvy as secretary he was pleased to know that the Club would retain his services as a steward. Continuing, Mr. Barber said the membership during the past year showed a decrease of three. The acceptances were £438 as against £584 10s last year} privileges were £1122 as against £1126 12s; totalisator £2487 3s Gd against £2978 13s 6d, other receipts disclosed an increase over the previous year. On the expenditure side the stakes had been reduced last year from £2785 to £2370, salaries and wages had been considerably reduced and the assets increased. The Club’s revenue had also been increased by the lease of their offices. Altogether the position of the Club was very satisfactory. Mr. R. Bryant seconded the adoption of the* report and balancesheet.

Mr. Woods asked whether the Stewards were justified in changing the dates of the meeting without submitting the matter to a vote of the members. It would mean that the holiday would be cut out. The chairman said the stewards had given the subjeet very careful consideration both in connection with totalisator investments and obtaining the services of the best riders. The stewards endeavoured to arrange that if the* alteration was not a success they would revert back to the old date, but Ashhurst had applied for, and obtained, Anniversary Day for their ingMr. Woods: The gates showed an increase last year and they might decline this year owing to cutting out the holiday date. Mr. Bergin: The gate sshowed an increase as the result of cutting down the complimentary tickets. Mr. Burr was of opinion that the alteration of the dates would mean a decreased attendance. The chairman said the two-year-okl sale before the Wellington Meeting detracted from the Foxton meeting and they desired to get clear of counter attractions. Mr. Bergin: The gates showed an ard’s action in changing the dates and the report and balance-sheet were carried without further comment. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Patron: F. Robinson Esq. (reelected); president: W. E. Barber Esq. (re-elected); vice-presidents: Messrs C. C. Price, J. V. Robinson and D. R. Ogilvy; the chairman stated that the stewards had appointed Mr. J. Martin secretary; auditor: Mr. Alf. Fraser (re-elected). The chairman thanked the stewards, officials, and caretaker for loyal support accorded him during the year. On the motion of Mr. Jewell a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and carried with acclamation.

Mr. W. T. Jewell referred to the resignation of Mr. Hay as a steward, and his removal from the district. He said the Club was indebted to Mr. Hay whose professional services in connection with the course improvements had been invaluable to the Club.

It was decided to place on record Mr. Hay’s services.