PROSPECTS BRIGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 September 1940, Page 7

PROSPECTS BRIGHT

MASTERTON RACING CLUB ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP DESIRED. That prospects were bright for a successful meeting next month, but a substantial increase in membership was a dire necessity, was stressed by speakers at the annual meeting of the Masterton Racing Club held in the Masterton A. and P. rooms last night. The President, Mr J. M. James, presided over a good attendance of members and stewards. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs R. Buick, J. Mulvaney and J. B. Moodie. Prior to the commencement of business. members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr M. J. Gallagher, who had taken a keen interest in the club's affairs. "Our last meeting was a great success, and there was some excellent racing," stated Mr James in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet. "Everything was carried out most efficiently and the stewards and all concerned are to be congratulated on their efforts. The one per cent rebate, amounting to £2OO, which we have lost, is a serious thing. All other clubs are in the same position, however, and it is on the cards that the position may be changed. The totalisator showed a decrease, being more pronounced on the second day. That fact could be accounted for by the number of acceptances. A good percentage of those who accepted on the Thursday had moved on to Trentham, which resulted in smaller fields on the second day. It was regrettable that the subscriptions were down, but as the gate takings were well up that loss was offset. Nevertheless there was an urgent need for an increased membership. The buildings and grounds were on splendid order. The stewards recommended that the stakes remain at £l6OO as in previous years, as it was recognised that owners and trainers were faced with increased costs. The Racing Conference had turned down the club's proposal to race on two Saturdays. In that connection the stewards had done their best. The fixtures committee had also refused to sanction a change of dates with Stratford.

“We should carry on as long as possible and keep sport going, although the war effort is our first consideration.” To abandon racing would result in considerable unemployment. That had been the case in England and it had been decided to continue the sport.” Referring to the establishment of Mr T. R. George’s string at Opaki, Mr James stated that the club appreciated the fact that 50 horses were being trained. Mr James referred to the services rendered by Mr H. P. Hugo, stating that owing to pressure of business he would not be seeking re-election. Eulogistic reference was made by Mr James to the work of the secretary, Mr N. H. James, the caretaker, Mr W. Gibbs, and Mrs Gibbs. Votes of thanks were passed to each of them for the services rendered.

“The finance committee has gone very carefully into the position,” stated Mr S. J. W. Gill (vice-president), in seconding the motion. They could not, he said, cut down expenses very much. He could quite see how dependent the club was on having a decent meeting. The club could not carry on as it was at present. "Very few clubs in the Dominion have such a splendid course and surroundings. I don’t know why we have only about 300 members out of a population of 10,000 in the district,” said Mr Gill. “I do not wish to be pessimistic, but we are very dependent on the next meeting.” Mr J. M. Laing: “The loss of the Government rebate is a very serious matter. The trend of the public seems to be going towards the large meetings so long as there are petrol restrictions. The loss of the rebate would inflict considerable hardship on the small country clubs. The country clubs had a strong case to put before the Government for a continuance of the rebate.” Mi- Laing also raised the matter of a possible amalgamation with the Carterton club for the consideration of the stewards. After brief discussion concerning racing days the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair. As the nominations did not exceed the vacancies the president, retiring stewards and auditors were re-elected. The following are the officials for the ensuing year:— President: Mr J. M. James (re-elect-ed) ; vice-presidents, Messrs C. J. Bennett and S. J. W. Gill (re-elected); stewards, Messrs R. Buick. J. A. Betts, Walter Cameron. W. R. P. Cooper, A. Corskie, H. L. Esau, J. Jameson, J. Mulvaney, J. B. Moodie, I. Macßae, J. H. Payton. C. J. Toxward. F. B. Vallance, N*. G. F. Whiteman; hon surgeons, Dr G. B. A. Cowie, Dr J. C. Forsyth, Dr A. Hosking; hon timekeeper, Mr L. S. Nicol; judge, Mr W. P. Russell, s,tarter, Mr W. C. Price; hon clerk of scales, Mr A. Corskie; handicapper. Mr H. Coyle; clerk of course, Mr F. Clancy; Auditors, Messrs G. W. Sellar and Sellar (re-elected); secretary, Mr Norman H. James, F.P.A.N.Z.