Sueing a Jockey Club.

Patea Mail, 27 September 1882, Page 3

Sueing a Jockey Club.

At the Patea Court yesterday, before Mr Wray, R.M., an action was brought by Mr J. D. Powdrell, against the Stewards of the Patea Jockey Club (which has ceased to exist), for prize money won in three races at the spring meeting of 1879. Mr Barton, for the plaintiff, said the present claim had been standing over a long time, and the only way to compel the stewards to meet; their obligations was to get a judgment. They seemed to have differences among themselves as to certain bets, and as to the proportion which certain stewards should pay to make up the balance required to meet all claims. It was matter for comment that an institution which is in the nature of a gentleman’s club, and which should pay its debts as they accrue, has not done so for nearly three years. There was no way of compelling them except by getting a judgment. The plaintiff claimed £4O for winning the flying handicap, £4O for the two-mile race, £BO for tho Patea district handicap, and £1 Is legal costs ; total £l6l Is. He had promised to the Club a bonus of £2O, and the amount to be deducted from his claim was £99, leaving a balance of £62 Is. W. Cowern, hon. secretary to the club, produced the minute book. He said the stewards for 1879 were Messrs C. Durie, Morecroft, C. Symes, A. Gower, and Dr Croft. There is nothing disputed in the items claimed. The sum paid to Mr Powdrell is £75. The club are willing to pay these unadjusted claims, but there are differences to settle between certain Three of them are willing to pay their proportionate liability to cover all debts owing by the club, namely Messrs A. Gower, Chapman, and M’Rae £l6 9s 6d each. There was also a guarantee of £3O by three members, and they have not paid. If these suras were paid, they would be sufficient to meet the claims of Mr Powdrell and Mr C. Durie, There are some subscriptions outstanding) but we have struck them off as bad debts 1

Magistrate ; As to any bets between the parties, we cannot take them into account at all.

Mr Barton : If we get a judgment for our claim, vve can work these members by threatening them with execution. Mr A. Gower ; I am quite prepared to pay my share towards Mr Powdrell’s claim. Magistrate: Judgment for plaintiff for the amount claimed and costs, £6 15s.