MATAMATA RACING CLUB.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 315, 21 November 1929, Page 8

MATAMATA RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tirau Fixture Abandoned. There was a poor attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Matamata Racing Club, which was held in the Farmers’ Hall, Matamata, recently. Mr. J. W. Anderson, president of the club, occupied the chair, and proceedings were optimistic throughout. Balance-sheet.

In reply to a question from Mr. Price, the chairman stated that the lay-out of the balance-sheet was the same as Takapuna and Waipa.

Mr. Price regretted that the bal-ance-sheet of the race meeting was not printed. That was the most interesting part to most members, to whom the profit and loss account was mostly foreign. He pointed out that the amount on which depreciation of £247 10s 3d was allowed was not stated.

The secretary stated that he could give any details wanted, and if the members wished for them to be printed it could be done. It was all a question of expense. Mr. Price further stated that something should be done in regard to the £195 subscriptions outstanding. The members were apparently getting their privileges and not paying up. The chairman stated over £IOO was from last year. No tickets were issued to any member whose past year’s subscription was outstanding. The Hamilton club demanded all subscriptions in advance. He did not know whether it was a good policy for them or not, but they would have to do something. The balance-sheet was adopted on the motion of Messrs. Price and White. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P.; president, Mr. J. W. Anderson; vice-presidents, Messrs. Geo. Johnston, C. Casey and R. J. Maisey; members’ committee (after a ballot), Messrs. C. G. Payze, F. J. Downie, W. C. Vincent, J. White and E. Johnston; auditor, Mr. B. C. Taylor. Prize Money. On the motion of Messrs. Price and White, it was decided to ask the Minister’s approval for stake money amounting to £9OO. Fees High. Mr. Johnston pointed out that the fees for nomination and acceptance

were higher than other country clubs. The chairman noted the point. Accom modat ion. Mr. B. C. Taylor asked if there was any suggestion to put up a. stand for the public. He did not know what the executive had in view but he thought the position should be marked out so that the concrete steps could be put in. This would give spectators something to sit on at least. The cost would not be great, and it would be a welcome addition for most of those attending the meeting had no place to sit. The chairman replied that a committee had been set up to view other stands on country courses and report.It was generally agreed that a stewards’ stand, Jockeys’ and weighing room, etc., was the first move. Mr. Price agreed with Mr. Taylor’s suggestion, saying that seats l werenecessary if only temporary ones. Tirau Meeting i Some discussion arose on the. ques--Sion of abandoning the non-tote I meeting held at Tirau, but latterly on the Matamata course, on New Year’s Day. The concensus of opinion was that as the fixture was held on the best day of the year so far; as likely patronage was concerned, and was a loss to the club, that the meeting should be abandoned.

Mr. Clothier pointed out that as they were endeavouring to get a two-day permit it might possibly be unwise to let the fixture go. It was unanimously decided to 'drop the meeting, the chairman remarking that he supposed they could get the permit again if they desired.

Galloping Track. Mr. Clothier suggested that more latitude be given the caretaker of the course in allowing gallops on the track. In his opinion it would not hurt to allow gallops on the outside of the course proper. The chairman agreed with the suggestion. Mr. Earl Johnston: A work or a* gallop ? Mr. Clothier: A gallop, about a. week before a meeting, and only for horses going to race. It was decided to notify the caretaker to this effect. Training Track. Mr. Vincent mentioned the poor, condition of the training track, and as there were about twelve young horses in work he thought they might do something to improve conditions. The track was very rough just now. Mr. Clothier stated the trouble was that the sole of grass was not thick He favoured the use of paspalum, which he had in his own paddock, and which never cut up even when it was wet.

Mr. Price suggested the inside track be heavily top-dressed. Mr. Anderson: And put some seed with it. Paspalum is all right, it is tough, if it does not spread too much. Couch grass might be all right too. Mr. Price thought that apart from anything else there was need for heavy top-dressing of both tracks. On the motion of Messrs. Clothier and Casey, it was decided to recomtnbnd that the incoming committee do something to the inside track. Thanks. On the motion of the chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Geo. Johnston for his management of the farming operations on the racecourse. On the motion of Mr. Johnston, a similar vote of thanks was accorded Messrs. Payze, McCabe and Timms, who had also rendered assistance.