FOXTON RACING CLUB.

Shannon News, 29 July 1924, Page 3

FOXTON RACING CLUB.

1 • THE ANNUAL MEETING. taxation exceeds amount of STAKES. The annual meeting- of the Foxton Racing Club was held last evening, Mr J # R. Whyte presiding over a very large attendance. The president referred to the welcome sight of so many members in attendance, expressing pleasure at the lively interest shown in the club. Apologies were received from Messrs G. C. Coley, O. Robinson, and J. Kecble. Annual Report. The annual report stated that as in “the previous year, adverse weatTTer

conditions on the second day of tho meeting caused a heavy falling off in the receipts and the totalisator turnover. This was particularly unfortunate as the receipts, and turnover on the first day of the meeting showed considerable increase over the 1923 meeting, and had the weather been propitious on the second day the meeting would have been a very profitable one. Tho amount paid in stakes for the meeting was £2780 (the saint, as in the previous year.) During the year, the Club expended £1,293 5/5 in capital expenditure, the sum of £204 8/3 in laying on water and conveniences at the course, and the further sum of £IOBB 17/2 in the erection of an up-to-date office on the -club's section in 'Main street. It was necessary to raise £7OO on mortgage to complete the office building, but the committee had recently let a portion of the premises at a satisfactory rental. These premises were a valuable asset and will undoubtedly increase in value as time went ou. The cluo had been allotted Wednesday and Thursday, 21st and 22nd January, 1925, for the next race meeting, Wednesday was the statutory half-holiday in the district and Thursday was the public holiday. Despite the falling off in the receipts for nominations and acceptances a comparison of the profit and loss account for the year just ended with that of the previous year, showed that the debit balance had been reduced from £336 10/5 to £284 16/9, an improvement af £sl, 13/8. For the year ending 30th June, 1922, the loss was £450 2/4 (i.e. £165 5/7 worse than last year). This is a very satisfactory improvement and disclosed that the committee - and officers were judiciously curtailing expenditure. - President’s Address.

In speaking to-the report and bal-ance-sheet the president congratulated the club on .the new and up-to-date offices which it now possessed in Main street, and said thfey fulfilled a iongfeit want. The membership had increased from 154 to 194, which was a very pleasing feature. The heavy burden of taxation was shown by the fact that during the past four years, over £l2,oo(nhad been paid in taxation, which was slightly more than had been paid by the club in stakes. The president regretted that Mr 0. Robinson, an active officer of the club for many years, had been compelled to resign his position as vice-president. He hoped soon that Mr Robinson would be restored to his usual good health, A tribute was paid to the good work of the secretary (Mr Ogilvy), the remarks being received with acclamation.

The report and balance-sheet were unanimpusly adopted. Election of Officers.

Patron: Mr F._ . Robinson (reelected) ; president: Mr J R. Whyte (re-elected);. vice-president, Messrs W. E. Barber, G. C. Coley, C. E. Robinson and R. Bryant; stewards: 'Messrs Bergin, C. Pearson, S. Austin and S. L. Jackson (seven nominations for four vacancies); auditor: Mr A. Eraser (re-elected); treasurer: Mr R. Bryant (re-elected.) Mr W. Jewell proposed votes of sympathy to Messrs G. C. Coley, O. Robinson and j\ Kecble (chairman of the race course trustees), regret being expressed at their inability to be present owing to illness. On the motion of Messrs Pearson and Barber Mr O. Robinson was elected a life member of the club, the proposer and seconder speaking highly of the services rendered by Mr Robinson to the club for a long period. “Messrs R. Hynes, S. Callanan and A. .Smith were nominated as members. New Stewards’ Stand. Mr W. T. Jewell brought up the question of the new stewards’ stand, but pointed out that owing to the heavy taxation the club had not the necessary money to build. He suggested that debentures be taken up by members to raise the necessary money

Mr W. E. Barber supported the idea. Jn reply to a question, Mr Jewel: said that plans and estimates for suitable buildings had been obtained somo time ago, and the price was £3OOO. No doubt this would be considerably reduced, now that building material was down in price; , On the motion of Messrs Perreau and A. N. Smith, the following resolution was carried: "That it be a recommendation from this meeting that the stewards go_into ways and means of erecting a new stewards’ stand and that members undertake to assist financially.’» A hearty vote of thanks terminated the meeting. SPORTING. ~ AH the events decided at the Trentham winter mooting were won by horses owned and trained in the North Island. Pamplona will be an improved horse at Riccarton and will be more at honve on that course than Omahu. o whom the Pallas—Estella gelding, Steeples lllß Colours in the Wellington j A!though Oaldeigh failed badly in * i„Wellington Steeplechase under "A 13 ’ he 1)6611 saddled with anil Si 61b fo . r the Grand National Steeples, while Omahu (winner) has gone up 121 b, Pamplona (second)

lllb, Carawock (third) 41b, and Lochella (unplaced) 71b. On the other hand, Sir Roseberry has come down lib, Mahuru 91b, Sturdy© 101 b and San Forte 41b.

The jockey H. Stine, who was disqualified for life for the alleged use of an electric appliance on. the exNew Zealander, The Toff, in a race at Perth (W.A.) recently, appealed to the W.A.T.U. Committee against his Sentence, but without success. Amongst the new comers to the steeplechasing field, Pireblight has been one of the most promising. SUe is a good jumper and a stayer.

Amid laughter from all sides of the House, Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchurch North), who is a notable opponent of the bookmaker and all his works, on Tuesday presented, in the ordinary course of Ms duties as member for the district, a petition signed by Alfred J. Bun?, and 24 other Christchurch people, praying the House of Representatives to pass the necessary legislation to provide for State, licensing of bookmakers. A similar petition was presented by the Prime Minister. According to the "New Zealand Times, ’ ’ definite arrangements have now been completed to ship Gloaming and Parody to Sydney by the Ulimaroa on July 25th. The champion has been in light work for some time, and his points look in greatly-improved order. Mr. Greenwood will accompany his pair to Sydney, and is confident that Gloaming will race well.

Word has been received from R. S 3. Mason that two young Absurds, Nincompoop and Chignou, are progressing satisfactorily at Randwiek. The veteran trainer is also in greatlyimproved health.