SPORTING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 221, 18 August 1937, Page 10

SPORTING.

0 MANAWATU TROTTING CLUB. SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The 26th annua! report of the Manawatu Trotting; Club to he presented by the president (Mr W, Mouldey) congratulates the club on another most successful year. “In place of a tivo-day meeting held last season the committee decided to hold two ■single day trotting meetings for the purpose of creating a continuity of interest in (’rotting, and the meetings were held on Labour Day, October 26, 1936, and Saturday, April 17, 1937. Both meetings were a groat success, especially the April meeting, which event went to prove that a creation of continuity of interest in the sport of trotting is what is wanted m this district. Good fields competed in all races at both meetings. Horses from the South Island participated, and there was a very big attendance at both meetings. Inclusive of trophies donated, the. club distributed £I73S in stakes, and the lotabsator turnover for the two days trotting «as £22 426 10s, which in both respects was a considerable rise on the previous season. Two verv valuable and handsomo trophies were donated for races, one by our friend, Mr R. McDonald, of Ash hurst. Both trophies were keenly contested for and created a good deal of interest among owners. In a further endeavour to create interest in trotting and the club, the committee staged two matinee meetings on the training track. The general interest taken m these meetings far exceeded the committee's expectations, good fields competing, in all events and a most enjoyable sport being provided. I must again 6tatc that the club VO ry much indebted to numerous local donors for providing trophies and donations for these matinee meetings. “In an earnest endeavour to provide adequate trotting facilities in Palmerston North several contracts wore entered into iiv tho committee and extra ground was leased, a larger track formed, and scraping sheds, etc., were erected. 10-day the club possesses one of the finest training tracks in Now Zealand. Palmerston North, with its geographical situation is tho principal in'and town in tho North Island and is destined to become a great centre of business, and will be a cad.ng centre of trotting in the North Island if ctxra totalisator permits, to which it is entitled, are granted. Extra expenses have been incurred during the season owing to the holding of two separate trotting meetings, and also to the extra costs’ of various items which usually go with prosperous times It w intended to further increase the stakes foi the coming season and wo look forward with confidence to a successful year. Jho first trotting meeting will be held on November 13, and tho next, on April 30. While congratulating you on a most successful vear, P regret, to state that the club has lost sonic of its most stalwart members who have crossed the Great, Divide, and we mourn tho loss of Mr L>. luoni a vice-president for many years, Mr H B. Tucker, and Mr Y. Qutgan, who were among - tho first members oi tho club. These gentlemen did good service for the club and will bo greatly missed bv all of us. In conclusion, I desire to thank all officers and officials for their very able and enthusiastic assistance to tho club.”