COMING-OF-AGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 757, 2 September 1929, Page 13

COMING-OF-AGE

Trotting President's Fine Service

PLAYED THE GAME

Congratulations and good wishes well fringed with many bouquets were showered upon Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, president of the Otahuhu Trotting Club on Friday afternoon, on the celebrat on of his office. anmversa '--'' of the high Mr. B. V. Sutherland set the ball lolling by paying a handsome tribute to the president for the able manner in which he had filled the presidential chair over the lengthy period of 21 years. Mr. Mackenzie had always taken a keen interest in the light-har-ness and worked energetically for the welfare, of the club, and his labours had been crowned with success. The position he occupied on the Dominion Trotting Executive, which had also been filled with credit to himself, the Otahuhu Club, and the sport generally, was proof of his energy and ability in the promotion of good management. Mr. W. C. Watts, in complimenting the chairman on his splendid and successful record of faithful service, said if had been his privilege and pleasure some 23 years ago to propose Mr. Mackenzie for membership to the Otahuhu Club, and the keenness and interest displayed by him during his first year s association with the organisation resulted in his promotion the following year to the presidency, and members had never any cause' to regret the wisdom of their selection, as the duties of the chief office had been since continuously carried out with marked efficiency. Mr J. Moiloy. one of the older members, added, his quota of praise for tho splendid services rendered by Mr. Mackenzie. He was pleased to note from the presidential address that it was the intention of the club to shortly race on its own property, and expressed the opinion that ’ this step should have been taken some years ago. After several' other members had briefly paid their tributes to tlie president, the large assemblage rose and sang lustily, “For He’s a Jolly Good r ellow” and "He’s Twenty-one Today.’* Account Of Stewardship Mr. Mackenzie thanked members for their congratulations and complimentary remarks, which were greatly appreciated. The Otahuhu Trotting Olub members were all friends together, and carried out the sport of trotting for

the sake of the general public. In 1908 he had been elected president, defeating Mr. R. Absolum, by one vote, for the office, and his opponent on that occasion had since proved to be his right-hand man, and as secretary of the club his services were invaluable. Mr. Mackenzie traversed the history of the club during his 21 years’ reign as chairman, referring at length to the purchase of Glenora Park, where the club’s course had been formed. Later, the Fairburn estate was acquired, and this property would one of these days be disposed of at a figure much higher than its purchase value. Dealing wfith the question of racing at Otahuhu. the speaker said five years ago the committee seriously considered the position, but after careful thought he opposed the idea, as the cost of proposed concrete stands and other appointments was excessive. The building scheme proposed at the present time and dealt with fully in the report, was quite suitable for their requirements, and comparing the outlav, he considered that by marking time for the last five years, the club had saved £40,000 in this respect. The Sporting Spirit Reference was made to the assistance given in the past by the club to charity, and while during the last year, owing to financial stringency, grants were reduced, Mr. Mackenzie indicated that as soon as success again came their way, the donations for charitable purposes would again be based on the former standard. The club had always endeavoured to assist lesser sports bodies, and the grounds at Otahuhu were available for football and other recreations. With the Auckland Trotting Club and local racing organisations, Otahuhu had also encouraged the progress of cricket by a contribution toward the subsidy required for procuring a coach in Auckland. . ‘ Concluding, the president said his duties during the 21 years tenure of office, had been made pleasant through the co-operation of his associates, and the good feeling existing among members generally. He bad always endeavoured to "play the game, and it was gratifying to find on bis of age" as president that his efforts were appreciated.