TROTTING PROGRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 441, 24 August 1928, Page 13

TROTTING PROGRESS

OTAHUHU CLUB REPORT GOOD YEAR HEAVY FARM EXPENDITURE While the two trotting fixtures held under the auspices of the Otahuhu Trotting Club proved a financial success. the season's operations resulted in a loss, owing chiefly to the expenditure connected with the club’s farm, and the upkeep of the trotting property. Mr. W. C. Watts, acting chairman of committee, in the absence of the president, Mr. 11. R. McKenzie, presided over a representative attendance of members at the club's annual general meeting this afternoon. After apologising for Mr. McKenzie's absence, due to his visit to the Old Country, the chairman referred to the loss suffered by the death of Mr. R. Wynyard, an old mentor of the club, and a recognised enthusiast in both trotting and racing circles. Reference was also made to the loss suffered by tho light-harness sport through the demise of Mr. Alf. Lowe, who for many years was the chief worker for the North Island Owners’ and Breeders’ Association, and Mr. H. Brinkman, the well-known senior handicapper of the Dominion. “I am sorry to report.” said Mr. Watts, “that the season’s operations have not been quite so successful as in the past. Although the race meetings showed a profit of £1,456 9s Sd tlie deficit is attributable to the loss of £948 18s 4d on the farm, trading account, donations and other general expenses. A loss of £73S 13s lid on the year’s working being recorded. POSITION STILL SOUND “Notwithstanding this loss, the club is in a very financial position, which is undoubtedly due to the able manner in which the committee have administered its affairs. During the year the sum of £ 14,150 was distributed in stakes, and in -addition a gold cup. valued at 100 guineas, was given. “The racing was of a very high order, and 1 cannot let this opportunity pass without congratulating our handicapper, Mr. C. E. Gooseman, for the able manner in which he carried out his duties, his adjustments throughout the year have given general satisfaction, and were marked with some very close finishes. The trotting generally was very clean, and great credit is due to the stewards and stipendiary stewards for the able manner in which they carried out their various duties. “During the year the sum of £152,402 10s passed # through the totalisator again showing the sport is being well supported. Your committee has not yet considered the programmes for the present season, but it is safe to predict that there will be no reduction in the amount of strike money. “The property at Otahuhu is in first class order, reflecting great credit on the caretaker, Mr. J. Sommers. The racing track, which is a grass one. is much appreciated by local and visiting owners and trainers, as they are allowed to use it if the weather is suitable, before the meetings at Alexandra Park.”

The chairman concluded with paying a compliment to the Press for the publicity givep the club and the sport generally, and thanked the various representatives for the assistance given The following being the only nominees for the committee vacancies, were declared elected: —Messrs. D. Leslie, A. E. Watkins, J. Wilson, F. C. Marks, W. C. Coldicutt and Capt. R. Gibbons.