ASHHURST-POHANGINA CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 218, 14 August 1937, Page 10

ASHHURST-POHANGINA CLUB

YEAR IN REVIEW. The report to bo presented by the president (Mr R. MacDonald) at the annual meeting of the AshhurstPohangina Racing Club records that, although tho weather was again unpleasant, the race meeting, held on Anniversary Day, January 22, attracted the largest attendance of patrons for many years. Good, even fields of horses participated, and tho racing was clean and interesting. Race day revenue showed a marked increase, notably' investments, which rose by £4804 to £13,689 and gate receipts, which increased by £222 to £5lB, both figures being the highest recorded since 1930. “With tho increasing * attendance at our meetings it has been necessary to continue expenditure on capital works, in order to keep our facilities . up to date, and it will be noted from The accounts that, during the year, £162 has been spent on additions to the totalisator building and £44 on account of clearing tho new car paddock. It is estimated that over 800 cars were parked on the course property at our meeting, and the provision of a further parking area next to tho domain was considered necessary to relieve congestion in the present area. Two extra double selling windows and nine extra pay-out windows were added to the totalisator building, and these facilitated the betting considerably, and also provided extra room for the totalisator staff. It is believed that, with a few possible alterations tho totalisator building will now serve for many years, and the necessity for a major expense on that account no longer exists. “A further improvement effected during the year was the provision of a permanent water supply. Whilst this was installed principally on account of the farming operations, for which it was indispensable, it will also ensure an ample supply of water for race day purposes. During the coming year the car parking area will be completed, and the stewards will also consider replacing the present main number-board with a more modern structure. The result of the first year’s farming operations, as disclosed by the accounts will, it is believed, give general satisfaction, and the thanks of tho club are due to the supervising steward. Mr W. W., Gibb, for the excellent manner in which he has .managed this department of the club’s affairs. PROFIT FOR YEAR.

“The net profit on the meeting, after providing £240 for depreciation, was £366, which, together with net profit from the farm. £ll9, makes the total net profit for the year £485, as shown by the revenue account. The bank overdraft at the beginning of the year was £734 18s 7d, and this was reduced to £483 Os 6d. When the values of live stock on hand, namely £4ll, is set off against tho overdraft it will be seen that the finances. of the club are very sound. It is pleasing to note tho steadily increasing membership, revenue from this source for tho year being tho highest for 22 years. I “Mr J. E. Henrys. who has been tho club’s handieapper since its inception .46 years ago, has expressed his intention to retire from the position, and his ' resignation and the appointment of a suc- „ ecssor will be dealt with by tho stewards in due course. It is fitting, however, that reference ho made in this report to the fine record of service established by Mr Ilenrys during almost a lifetime of handicapping, in which he merited and enjoyed the full confidence of all connected with the sport. Members will join with other sections of the sport ing community in wishing Mr Henrys happiness in his retirement. “Wo regreb to record the death during the year of Messrs W. L. Baldwin and G A Luoni, both highly esteemed members of the club. Tho sympathy of members has been extended to the bereaved relatives. , . ~ “In accordance with the rules, the president two vice-presidents, treasurer and four stewards. Messrs J. G. Bailey, P Cheyne, C. V. Ciochetto and .E. Henoghan, retired. The president. vicepresidents and treasurer have been returned unopposed, and seven nom, n“tions have been received for the four vacancies on the committee. An - tion will therefore be required to fill these positions.”