Otahuhu Members Affirm Merger

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1036, 29 July 1930, Page 12

Otahuhu Members Affirm Merger

In Interest of Trotting

With practically a unanimous “aye” over fifty members of the Otahuhu Trotting Club yesterday afternoon affirmed the proposed merger between the suburban organisation and the Auckland Club. Mr. H. R. Mackenzie presided and in opening the meeting said that after 21 years’ service as president he was proud of the Otahuhu Club. Jle did not want to see it lose its Identity, but after discussing the question of

amalgamation with the Auckland executive, he felt convinced that the basis of. the submitted scheme did not suggest any loss of prestige. Auckland and Otahuhu were the first clubs in New Zealand to adopt such a progressive move, which was in the best interest of the sport, and he expressed the opinion that other clubs would 'take similar action.

Air. McKenzie said the financial strain had affected the Otahuhu Club’s prospects of putting their course into order for racing purposes. Taxation had dealt them a heavy blow, and the executive felt that it would not be a wise move to endeavour to raise £20,000, the lowest sum required to equip the grounds at Otahuhu. In accordance with notice of motion, the president, Air- Alackenzie, moved: —“That the members of the Otahuhu Trotting Club affirm the merger with the Auckland Trotting Club, and authorise the committee of the Otahuhu Trotting Club to complete and do all things necessary to carry into effect the merger in terms of the provisional agreement already entered into between the trustees of each club, or any variation thereof which may be agreed upon and also to vest all the assets and privileges of the Otahuhu Trotting Club in the Auckland Trotting Club and to wind up and dissolve the Otahuhu Trotting Club.” Approval of Conference Speaking further in support of the proposal the chairman said that the suggested merger had been approved by the delegates at the recent meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Conference. It will allow of the meetings being spread over the year in a more uniform manner, and although the two clubs become one, the right to appoint two delegates to th** conference each year is retained. Alessrs. John Rowe and H. R. Alackenzie were elected members of the executive of the conference at the annual meet ng held this month. “The amalgamation of the two clubs with the combined assets will allow of the installation of the electric totalisator and the erection of a new members’ stand, which will be to the in-

terests of all those connected with the sport of trotting and its management.” continued Air. Alackenzie. “The merger is to the special interests of the Otahuhu Club, and I would strongly urge the members to support the motion.” he concluded. SECRETARY ABSOLUM PROVIDED FOR Air. Mackenzie then read the provisions of the agreement, which provides that five members of the Otahuhu Club Committee shall become members of the committee of the Auckland Club, and two of the Otahuhu Club stewards shall become stewards of the Auckland Club. All financial members of the Otahuhu Club shall become members of the Auckland Club without paying an entrance fee, and the annual membership fee will be £4 4s, against the present charge of £'3 3s to the Auckland Club and £2 2s to the Otahuhu Club, this being £1 Is cheaper for the same privileges which members of both clubs enjoy at present. Forty-seven per cent, of the members of the Otahuhu Club are members of the Auckland Club. A retiring allowance of £5 weekly, for life, is to be paid to the Otahuhu secretary, Air. R. D. Absolum. Air. Watts seconded the motion. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS Replying to a question as to the possibility of the Otahuhu training track being closed if the merger eventuated. Air. Mackenzie said he did not think there was any danger in that direction. It would not be in the interest of trotting to adopt such a policy, and while an effort would be made to dispose of a good portion of the property, lie felt sura the tracks would be retained. ••If we agree to the proposal, will our caretaker’s services be dispensed with?” was the next question. Air. Somers,” said the president, “has rendered most valuable service during the time lie has been associated with the club, and there is no suggestion of making a change in that quarter.” One member required an assurance that secretary Absoluru’s position was safeguarded. “That,” said Air. Mackenzie, “\yas the first provision set out in the agreement. Your members were determined that our dear and esteemed secretary, who is the oldest surviving life member of the Otahuhu Club, should be provided for, and a retiring allowance as already mentioned was agreed upon.” (Applause.) ihe motion was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously and with enthusiasm. A WISE POLICY Air. R. T. Reid, retiring stipt.ndia* v steward, and a former official of the

| club, congratulated member* on tv ! wisdom disclosed in adopting the m-A | ger proposal. Ho considered it J?' the best course to pursue in the j terest of the clubs and the sport genii’ tally. He was always opposed to *1 idea of racing at Otahuhu, maintain!* that success to a great measure a? pended on centralisation of etouihL Ho cited the case of Wanganui, the club had suffered heavy jAT through changing the venue, Haw era and New Plymouth, contino ing to race centrally, had recorded Eii cess. Mr. Reid paid a tribute to energy of Alessrs. John Rowe and u R. Mackenzie in placing the roerz** position clearly before the and being able to break down j opposition. He deprecated the anur i unis tic attitude adopted by some ciuh. j which had received every i from Auckland. Members of the Ota j huhu Club, he felt, would never rejrr^

the decision, and could look forward with confidence to the day when the merger would be marked with success. (Applause.) The meeting terminated with (hem for the president, secretary, and offi. rials of the club.