SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1922, Page 8

SPORTING.

STRATFORD RACING CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club was held oh Tuesday night, the president (Mr. S. Pitt) presiding over an attendant of 30 members. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet (already published), the president said the Club had had a fairly Successful year—at least, the fact that the balance-sheet disclosed a loss of only £9O could almost be called a success. This was a small loss when compared with that of many other clubs, seme of whom had lost up to £12,000 on the year’s workings. The year had been a strenuous one for the committee. They had not yet got back to normal times. The staff employed bj’ the club had accepted a reduction in wages, which was a hopeful sign that as far as wages were concerned thej’ were getting back towards the old level. Last year the club gave , £4097 in stakes, which showed that they were catering for the horse-c.wner. Their entrance fee was- less than that of most other country clubs. Their last meeting had been a very successful one, the attendance being excellent, which was proved by the gate takings. The gate money had been increasing from year to year, and the Stratford meeting had become a most ponular one. The matter of taxation, continued the president. was disturbing most of the racing clubs throughout New Zealand. Last year the club paid to the Government £4387 in taxes, or £3OO more than was paid in stakes to horseowners. And thfs taxation had to be paid whether the club was making a loss or a profit. Many of the clubs which had suffered heavy losses were paying huge taxation, which he considered was most iniquitious. Of course, the Government *ad to get revenue, hut why did they not adopt the report of the Racing Commission and distribute racing permits more equitably? In some districts in the South Island, where the population had drifted north, the permits were still retained fey the almost deserted villages. It was ludicrous that a progressive district with a growing population, such as Stratford had, should still be left with only the same racing facilities as it had twenty or thirty years ago, and be limited to the one permit for two days’ racing. The time had come when they should unite, and demand that these inequalities be wiped out. The committee had worked so hard that the comimission was impressed with their activity, and had recommended that tne chib be granted another permit. A Gaming Bill was sure to be submitted to the House later on, and there would not be another commission set up. The Racing Conference had voted in favour of the commission's report by 31 to 4. which showed that the report must have been a good one. Indeed, it was generally recognised that the report was a very excellent one. The club’s grounds and appointments were in excellent order, which reflected credit on the caretaker, Mr. Lloyd. The- expenditure had not been great, as it was thought time to call a halt in view of the stringent times. The president referred to the resignation of Mr. Henry as handicapper and the appointment of Mr. Russell in his place. Mr. Russell was a new and practically untried man, but he was shaping extremely well, and Mr. Pitt considered his appointment fully justified. He thought it advisable that new handicappers should be appointed to prevent the profession from becoming a close corporation, as it was becoming. Tn conclusion, he expressed optimism regarding the future of the club and the country. The financial position was already better, and financiers were financing men on the land. He believed they had got over the worst and that they could expect a better time next year. He thanked the committee for their loyal support throughout the year.

THE DISCUSSION. J The motion was seconded by Mr. MeDonnM. Mr. D. -T. Malone said the club could be congratulated upon its success and the fact that it was in a better position than most, clubs. Racing was going through a. very strenuous time. -When 2 club the size of the Stratford Club plit through £BO,OOO in two days, as it. had done, it would be seen that this could not continue —they must disabuse their minds of that idea. He believed that about £22.000 to £25,000 was the figure that thev should work on. It had been impossible to carry out the complete scheme of improvements that had been contemplated. The cluh did not wish to depart from the main scheme, which thev expected would provide one of the best courses in New Zealand, and he believed that in a few years this object would be attained. Something would have to be done to prevent the abuse of the use of complimentary tickets. The report and balance-sheet were then adonted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were declared elected, the nominations being only sufficient to fill the vacancies: President. Mr. S. Pitt: vicepresident. Mr. M. McDonald; committee, member. Mr. A. Stewart. Mr. T. H. Tenn was re-elected auditor. MEMBERS' FEES. Mr. Rutherfurd suggested that the entrance fee of £2 2s per meinoer might be reduced for the purpose, of facilitating the entrance of The president exn’ained that the tr.aner could not be dealt with without notice of motion. Mr. Malone said the fee was raised to £2 2s at the suggestion of the guarantors. At that lime they had to look round for increased revenue. The membershin was now IGS, and very few other clubs had a membership as Iprge. He moved: “That it be a recommenda- ] tion to the committee to grant two additional ! ladies' tickets} to members, this condition to

1 have effect until the additional permit is granted.” The motion was carried. THp RACING REPORT. Mr. W. A. Budge, in discussing the rejection of the Racing Commission’s report, said it was only by united action and repeated requests that the report would be given effect to. He moved: “That this club regrets the rejection by the'House of the Racing Commission’s report regarding extra permits, and that the M.P. for the district be requested to support it if it again comes before Parliament.” The motion was carried unanimously. GENERAL. ' On the motion of the president it was decided to donate 7 guineas to the Stratford A. ' and P. Association. Votes of thanks were accorded the Press, ‘ the delegate to the Racing Conference, and * the representatives on the district committee. THE AUSTRALIAN TURF. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney. August 30. Deroulede won the three-year-old handicap from Menarigle; who was two lengths away. . RAPID RACE RESULTS. London, August 29. Tn n prosecution nt Woking, where it was alleged a local insurance agent got a postman to stamp letters posted at 5 o’clock with the 12.45 stamp, and thus sent hets to bookmakers when he knew the results, the Post Office prosecutor declared that within fifteen seconds of winners passing the post racing results were obtainable in any part of England. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Hamilton Racing Club. Mr. C. E. Armstrong said that, while he quite believed in keeping : the snort clean, he thought it wrong that men i who had made a slip in the past and had since become reputable citizens should be excluded from racecourses. He thought something should be done to make it possible for such men to enjoy the sport. Mr. W. I. Conradi said the present law was too drastic, as many men were excluded from racecourses when they would he admitted to other social e functions, or to any church. It seemed that, » • because a man had committed some offence. and been punished for it. he was to be har- * rassed for the. rest of his life. The president said that, after this expression of opinion by * members, the committee no doubt would for--9 ward a remit to the proper quarter—the Racing

MARTON MEETING. FIRST DAY’S ACCEPTANCES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Marton, Last Night. The following acceptances have been received for the spring meeting of the Marton Jockey Club: — TRIAL HACK PLATE. Five furlongs.

Euchre 9 0 Orellana 9 0 Mountain Signal 9 0 Megan 9 0 Bravato 9 0 The Linnet 9 0 Cochineal 9 0 Vogue 9 0 My Dolly 9 '0 Sleeping Silver San 9 - 0 Beauty 9 0 Elvaette 9 0 Halgina 9 0 Beilina 9 0 Golden Vi 9 0 Hula Boy 9 0 Bouron 9 0 Blush 9 0 Alaric 9 0 Snatcher 9 0 Waipatu 9 0 Koauau 9 0 Good Mark 9 0 Tunore 9 0 Aratura 9 0 Prudent Lad 9 0 Rada 9 0 HACK HURDLE RACE. One mile and a half. Mattock 10 13 Lady Faa 9 0 Whizz Bang 10 10 Kamenga. 9 0 Otauru Kid 10 5 Noble 9 0 Honey Bee 10 3 Sartosa 9 0 Raffle 10 3 Big Gun 9 0 Luke 10 2 Peep o’ Day 9 0 Island 9 8 Bairns.dale 9 0 Eldenholm 9 5 Circulate 9 0 Moulu 9 5 Black Trail 9 0 Kaika 9 3 Motukara 9 0 Un Fils 9 0 SPRING HACK HANDICAP. Eight an<l-'a half furlongs. Ambitious 9 5 ■ Pleasure 7 12 Penitent 9 0 Birkenella . 7... 8 Spook .8 9 Kyoto i Ladj’ Nassau 8 6 Generous 7 ’5 Urgency 86 Lady Hill 7 '0 All Cerise 8 2 Bonny Rill 7 0 Taipairu 8 1 Papanui 7 0 MARTON HANDICAP. One mile t ind a quarter. Marqueteur 9 11 - Bonny Heather 7 5 Gasbag 9 11 Haurangi _7_ 3 Rouen 9 5 Mort Avis 7 1 Admiral Equitable 6 12 Codrington 8 9 Prince Martian 6 11 Omahu 7 12 Eerie 6 9 Demos 7 12 Beloved 6 ■ 7 Tenterfleld 7 8 Warr a wee 6 7 Muraahi 7 5 Big Push 6 7 HACK STEEPLECHASE. About two tmiles and a half. Whipcord 11 7 Tatton Park 9 0 Simon 11 0 The Baronet 9 0 War Loan 10 7 Awanul 9 0 Raffle 10 3 Gold Tips 9 0 Projector 9 5 Misty Wave 9 0 Ghori 9 5 Ringi 9 2 San Forte 9 0 ELECTRIC HACK HANDICAP. Six furlongs. Mark Time 8 9 Pillage 7 0 Bumptious 8 8 Zanky 7 2 Flying Nell 8 7 Local Maid 7 11 Comic 8 5 Five-Eighths 7 4 Yankee Dan . 8 4 Snatcher 7 3 Viyella 8 3 King Neva 7 2 Wake Up 8 1 Satin 7 2 Regard 8 0 Motukura 7 0 Helen Rufus S 0 Vindictive 7 13 Golden Vi 7 0 RAILWAY HANDICAP. Six furlongs. Trespass 9 0 Celmiisia 7 13 Rouen 9 0 Mountain Lion 7 9 Rapine S 5 Prosperity 7 8 Civiiform 8 5 Inah 7 4 Crucelle 8 1 Nursing Sister 7 4 Wrangle 8 1 Sir' Fanciful 7 0 King’s Trumpeter 8 0 Big Push 6 9 TUTAENUI HACK WELTER HANDICAP. Sever i furlongs. Tinihanga 10 5 to Bonibrobk Rallgan 8 4 Flying Nell 9 7 8 3 Militaire 9 3 .Santiago 8 2 Helen Rufus 8 13 •' Lady Hill 8 0 Olyn thus 8 12 Motukura 8 0 Gold Star 8 12 Silver San 8 0 Petunia 8 11 Country Life 8 6 Comicai 8 11 Aratura S 0 Manchester 8 7 Merry Ann 8 0 Empyrean 8 5 Five-Eighths 8 4 Zouave 8 0