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Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 595, 28 July 1933, Page 5

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MEMBER TAKES C.J.C. SERIOUSLY TO TASK PAST HISTORY RECALLED Christchurch, Thursday A proposal made iat a special meeting to reduce the subscription of members of the Canterbury Jockey Club from £5 5S to £3 3s, caused a full and often frank discussion on the position of the club. An amendment to refer the proposal to a committee for decision, was supported by only 11 members, and the motion was carried by 49 votes to 35Mr. A. T. Donnelly, in supporting the motion, said the Canterbury Jockey Club- was charged with exelusiveness. The Metropolitan Trottmg Club held a place in the community which the Canterbury Jockey Club should hold. The Trotting Club had not forgotten but the Canterbury Jockey Club hac'l forgotten, that racing clubs were merely th'e sellers of entertainment. The club had lost members partly for the reason that some years ago the constitution permitted reputable citizens to be '.blackballed when they were put up for memhership. The reason given for that action was that these persons were "in the trade," but whatever the reason, the blackball was used to the discredit of the club. One member of the club who went to the wai) and who stood again for membership when he returned was "blackballed. He was present there that day because he had been big enough to stand again. In no other club in the world would such a thing have occurred. There were dozens of men, continued Mr. Donnelly, wbo refused to stand for election for fear they would not be elected;. The reduction in subscription would be taken as a sign that the club genuinely wanted new members, and if men were satisfied tfcey wo.nld be welcomed as members they would stand, and in a little time the club would. have, as many members as it could accept., -