STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

[All communications, letters, etc., left J with Mr. H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.] RACLN'G CLUB. (From Our Own Correspondent). .Stratford, Aug. 29. The annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club was held last night, Mr. \V. 11. H. Young presiding over an attendance of about 00 members. The President, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, congratulated members on the interest shown, and stating that the year's operations had been very successful. Donations accounted for £y.ri, further extension sections £OO. and the number board .£-120, and this more than accounted for the fact that the overdraft was £SOO more than last year. Mr. \V. J. Morrison, in seconding, said the elub had paid the largest amount of cash prizes it had ever paid, and had received a good advertisement thereby. He hoped the incoming committee would adopt the same policy. Mr. S. Pitt, as one of the delegates to the conference, explained the position regarding the reduction of racing permits. Taranaki had to lose four days out of its eleven days. As Opunake was only a one day meeting the conference agreed that it should be allowed to carry on. Hawera was reduced by two days, Stratford »ne, and New Plymouth one. Xew Plymouth came out best with only 25 per cent, reduction. The Stratford delegates had tried to retain the two days for their club, but could not manage it. Mr. Young, the other delegate, said that as the Stratford meeting was on a public holiday, and they served such a largo district, they thought they had ft fair case to retain the two days. The Xew Plymouth Club had six representatives on the conference and the country ave (including Stratford's two), so they wero easily out-voted. Mr. J. R. L. Stanford, delegate to the New Zealand Racing Conference this year, stated that Stratford had sent three remits, two of which were passed. The election of oliice-bearer.s resulted: President, W. J. Morrison (after a contest with J. R. L. Stanford); vice-presi-dent, A. Stewart (after a contest with 11. E. Abraham); committee, Messrs Pitt, Malone, Stanford, Kirkwood, Abraham, Lyons, and Davey; auditor, Mr. T. Harry Penn (re-elected). Messrs J. Jackson (Puniwhakau). O. McAloon (Te Wera), and Edward McLaughlin (Hurimoana) were elected members of the club. Mr. Morrison, as future president, in outlining his policy said he thought the club should expend the maximum amount it could afford. A policy of' economy could bo carried too far. They should lielp the small horscowners as much as possible. The prosperity of the club was, he considered, due to the owners of hacks, yet they suffered when there was any curtailment. Ho thought the motor paddock would have to be enlarged. He did not favor any buildmg scheme at present, and thought the public would overlook any little deficiency in this respect in view of the conditions and the fact that they were having only a one-day meeting. Mr. Fredric asked whether Mr. Morrison would be in favor of improving the

training tracks, as at present local owners had to take their horses cither to New Plymouth or Hawera. Mr. Morrison said he- would sanction reasonable expenditure to put the track in order, hut a sand track would not last; it would be washed away in the first heavy rain. The committee were willing to do anything reasonable that was required in connection 'with the track. On the motion of Mr. J. B. Richards, it Has resolved thai it be a recommendation to the incoming committee that the Stratford A. and V. Association be given a donation of £7 7s. The retiring president thanked members for their support in the past and said that he would always do his best in the interests of the club. Voles of thanks were passed to the president, the farm committee (Messrs Pitt and Stewart), the outgoing committee, the district delegates (Messrs Pitt and Young), and to Mr. J. R. L. Stanford us delegate to tiie New Zealand Conference and the club's honorary judge. GENERAL. There was a good attendance at the concert given by the St. Andrew's choir last night, and an excellent programme was submitted, to which the following contributed items: Misses Fyfe and Robinson. Bev. J. .C. Madill, and Mr. H. L. lietts, vocal quartette; Miss H. M. Hopkins, violin solo; Messrs Goodwin. Ford and Sharpe, cornet duet; Misses Fyfe and Phillips, and Messrs Walker, Aitken, Hale, and H. L. Betts, songs; Mr. Frank Ranford recitation. The accompaniments were played by Misses Evans and Ranford. Mr. B. J. 'Peters' jewellery sale will soon be at an end. Prices have been considerably reduced in the many lines he is carrying. When nest in Broadway just take notice of the superb jewellery Ae is offering at such low figures that should ensure a ready sale. Gifts suitable for wedding presentations, farewell wristlet watches, engagement souvenirs, etc., are all there awaiting the buyers. Don't neglect this opportunity.—Advt.