TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 764, 10 September 1929, Page 10

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB

PAST SEASON REVIEWED FUTURE PROSPECTS BRIGHT In the absence of the president, the Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., Air. W. J. Ralph presided at today’s annual meeting of members of the Takapuna Jockey Glub. In his presidential address, which was read to the club. Air. Alison said it was with feelings of deep regret that he had to refer to the deaths since the last annual meejting of M.r. W. Handley. Mr. A. W.. Currie, and Mr. J. C. Dunn —three members of the club, each a prominent and highly respected citizen and sportsman. The late Mr. Handley had been a member for many years, during which period he ably filled the office of a committeeman for 16 years, and of vice-president for eight years. Since the members last met. the president added, the racing community suffered a further serious loss by the death of the late All*. Hugo Friedlander, who for many years was one of the Dominion’s notable and enthusiastic sportsmen. In addition to his participation in racing, Air. Friedlander rendered conspicuous services far many years as a member of the New Zealand Racing Conference, sitting as a representative of country clubs, the cause of which he advocated strongly and | determinedly, but justly, at a time when wlien^ country clubs did not receive the considerate treatment and representation which now obtains. A SUCCESSFUL SEASON In moving the adoption of the .report and balance sheet, Air. Alison said each of the four days’ racing held was most successful. There were good fields, excellent racing, large attendances, and freedom from accident. As an evidence of the easiness of the turns and the splendid condition and safety of the course, no better proof could be advanced than the fact that on it recently Percy Coleman, on a motor-cycle, broke the world’s record fo.r a grass track for a mile, covering the distance in the extraordinarily fast time of 44 4-ssec. Coleman stated that the Takapuna course was the best and safest racecourse he had ever ridden upon. The ra.ceeourse is in excellent condition. The buildings and plant have been well maintained, and the improvements made during the past year have been greatly appreciated by the club’s patrons. There is every reason to anticipate that the 1929-30 racing season will be fairly successful, and it is expected that the financial results will prove more satisfactory than last year. All*. Alison tendered a compliment to tho club’s officials, each, of whom lias carried out his duties capably and loyally, and used his best endeavours to further the best interests of the club, he said.