PARAWAI RACES.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 117, 23 February 1872, Page 3

PARAWAI RACES.

An adjourned meeting of the general committee was held at Butt’s Hotel last evening ; Mr Mclllionc in the chair. In the absence of Mr Gillcbrand, Mr Stevenson acted as secretary. The Chairman stated that lie thought, about £2OO would be subscribed for the races.

Mr O’Keeffe wished the minutes of the previous meeting read. The minutes were read. Mr O’Keeffe said he had something to say before tlie minutes were confirmed.

The Chairman said lie did not think it necessary for the minutes to be rend at all, as this was an adjourned meeting, and simply a continuation of the previous one.

slr O’Kkkfkk said either the minutes should he confirmed, or he should object to his name being on the committee. He had not authorised any person to put liis name on the committee, neither had any person asked him to allow of bis name being put on the list. Captain Herr said be was sorry to sec Mr O’Keeffe opposing the progress of the meeting, and Imped lie (Mr O’KeelTe) would allow bis name to remain on the committee.

Mr OKt.itit: said lie wished to know whether all tlmse gentlemen in the list bad given their consent to act on the committee. Jlc did not wish another “ bnililf to lie put in ids bouse for debts contracted by other parties, which had been done by a newspaper proprietor on the Thames."

Mr FI.KTT proposed that Mr O’Keeffe’s name lie struck off the list, which was dune, on the motion being seconded.

Mr Fitch was added to the committee on th r motion of Mr Ft. kit.

Captain 1»ltt proposed that Messrs Wallnutt, I). Hull, D. Hogan, and Fitch be appointed a sub-committee to draw up a programme for the races, aud submit their

report at the next meeting of the committee for approval. Air Fi.ett seconded the motion, which was carried.

Captain Butt proposed that the races bo open to all comers.

Mr P. Griffin seconded the motion. He understood that Coromandel could send as good horses as Auckland, and had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr Flett proposed as an amendment, that the sub-committee already appointed should draw up aerogramme for two days’ races, and that only one race on each day should he open to all comers.

Mr Rountree seconded the amend merit.

The Chairman suggested that a public meeting of the subscribers to these races should be convened, to take their opinion on the matter. On referring to the ‘minutes of the previous meeting, it was discovered that a resolution was passed to the effect, of holding “ a race meeting at Parawai on the 18th of March.” It was decided to only have one day’s sports. Mr Flett withdrew his amendment. Mr Rountree proposed another motion, to the effect that only two races should be open to all comers. The Chairman put the resolution and the amendment to the meeting, and the amendment was carried on the show of hands. For the amendment six voted, and for tlie resolution live. The Chairman said, after the meeting had voted in such a maimer, lie should vacate the chair, and would not have anything to do with such a narrow-minded committee as would exclude good horses from running. After a good deal of discussion,Captain Butt took the chair, when Mr O’Keeffe again entered and asked the Chairman whether this was a public meeting. The Chairman said lie thought it was ; at least he should infer so by tlie advertisement calling tbo meeting. The room soon became full of persons, and it was utterly impossible to proceed with the business of the meeting. Mr Wai.lnutt proposed that the secretary should wait upon the gentlemen on the committee, and see whether they were willing to act; but after a good deal more discussion the matter dropped.