CLUB STRIKES RIGHT NOTE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 96, 14 July 1927, Page 7

CLUB STRIKES RIGHT NOTE

INCREASE IN STAKES REQUIRED BUT NOT IN GATE CHARGES At the annual meeting of members of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club Mr. W. E. Simes struck a popular note when he stepped out to congratulate the officials for their season's good work. He praised the club for its exceptionally sound position, and stated that its officials posessed the best principles of any club in New Zealand. Mr. Simes went on to emphasise the fact for the reason that not one of the officials is a racehorse owner and not one of them is a bettor. He had received greater courtesies and privileges from them than from any other club in the Dominion. LOW PERCENTAGE Mr. J. R. Hayward then tackled the question of stakes. He mentioned that the Greymouth Trotting Club paid in stakes 11.1 per cent, of its totalisator returns. Hawera 11, Ashburton 9.5, New Zealand Metropolitan 9.6, Oamaru 8.1, Forbury Park 8, and Canterbury Park 7.9. A RICH BODY Those figures, he contended, went to show that the club should increase the stakes, as it was a rich body who should be content with a small balance and distribute its profits in stakes. In view of the expense of keeping a horse these days, the incoming committee should increase the stakes. UNPOPULAR MEASURE Mr. Hayward then wanted the admission to the outside enclosures at Addington increased to two shillings. The suggestion met with a hostile reception, it being claimed that on extra charge should not be imposed on a section of the public that can least afford it, and that it is unfair to charge patrons of the outside enclosure as much for admission to the worst part of the grounds, while the members enjoy the comforts of an up-to-date stand occupying the best situation on the course, and a special motor reserve, for one shilling and twopence. SMACKED TO LEG Mr. Hayward, despite stern apposition. continued to press for an increase in the admission charge, but after Messrs. H. J. Otley, E. Wethered, W. E. Simes, P. F. Ryan and the president, the Hon. G. Witty, had poured cold water on the idea, Mr. Hayward's attempt to increase the club's revenue was left high and dry.