AVONDALE J.C.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 704, 2 July 1929, Page 11

AVONDALE J.C.

Late Turf —

DROP IN TOTALISATOR RECEIPTS LOWER STAKES LIKELY In his presidential address to members at the annual meeting this afternoon of the Avondale Jockey Club, Mr. Donald McLeod moved a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of Messrs. A. W. Currie, Hugo Friedlander, H. C. L. Mowbray, Donald Munro, J. F. McCarthy, Geo. McEwin, and W. Watson, well known members of the club, who had passed away since the last annual meeting. “In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet,” he said, “I beg to draw the attention of members to the report (already published in The Sun), which fairly covers the working of the club during the past 12 months. At the last meeting I referred to the new stands, mentioning that owing to certain circumstances the committee deemed it inadvisable to proceed with their erection. ‘ Unfortunately, the result of the season’s working was not as successful as anticipated, and your committee has no option but to leave matters still in abeyance. “Minor improvements, part of the general scheme, however, are gradually being carried out, During the year the terraces for the outside patrons have been finished, 12 turnstiles installed, and a much-needed work in topdressing with scoria of the outside parking area for our patrons completed. “The control of the traffic to and from the course,, which caused some complaint at the spring meeting, has been satisfactorily arranged with the City Council’s chief traffic inspector, everything now working smoothly. This should bo greatly appreciated by the members and the club’s patrons generally. “The question of stakes for the coming season is one that has given your committee some concern, for a reduction is absolutely necessary if the club is to carry on successfully. The club is not alone in this respect, and I think it will be found, when the various programmes are issued, that there has been a decided decrease all round. However, with the serious drop in totalisator receipts, and other sources of revenue, the position has got to be faced, and the amount provided for by the Rules of Racing not exceeded. “Nominations already received for the season’s classic races are a substantial increase over last year, and, with the dates fixed for these events well divided by the various clubs, this should ensure good fields, and interesting contests for this class of race.” OFFICERS ELECTED Tho following officers were reelected unopposed: President, Mr. Donald McLeod; vice-president, Mr. A. Davis; committee, Messrs. George Baildon, A. Hanna, T. F. Jeffrie, J. Paterson and J. Raynes. Reference to the good work done by tho committee during the concluding trying season was made by Mr. M. J. Lynch, and on liis motion a vote of thanks to the executive was carried with acclamation.