RACING YEAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1941, Page 5

RACING YEAR

MASTERTON CLUB ANNUAL REPORT DATES FOR SPRING MEETING. FIXED FOR OCTOBER 9 & 11. ‘ The annual report of the Masterton Racing Club for the year ended June 30. 1941, states: “The totalisator investments for the year amounted to £22,778, compared with £15,798 for the previous year, an increase of £6980. The October 1940 meeting was the most successful one the club has experienced since 1929. “Financial: After writing off depreciation amounting to £125 2s Bd, the revenue account shows a profit of £213 Is 2d. compared with a loss of £365 14s lid for the previous year. “Racing dates: This year your stewards made application for Thursday and Saturday, October 9 and 11. For a number of years we have raced one week later, but the stewards came to the conclusion that a week before the Trentham meeting, for a two-day meeting is too close to Wellington, with the result that whilst we experienced good fields for the first day, several owners were content with one race for their horses and did not stay for the second day, and consequently the acceptances for the second day were smaller. The Otaki Maori Racing Club, who applied for a one-day meeting on October 11, agreed to change dates with us. Our club deeply appreciates the sporting action of the Otaki Club, and trusts that the change will be of benefit to both clubs.

“Training tracks: Approximately 25 horses are in training on the tracks, and some locally trained horses have been successful at recent meetings. The tracks are in good order for this time of the years. “Office bearers: The following nominations have been received for the respective offices of president, vice-presi-dents (2) and stewards (7):—President. Mr J. M. James; vice-presidents, Messrs C. J. Bennett and S. J. W. Gill. “Stewards: In accordance with the rules of the club, seven stewards retire each year, and the following nominations have been received to fill the vacancies: —Messrs J. A. Betts, W. R. P. Cooper, H. L. Esau, J. Jameson, J. Mulvaney, J. C. D. Mackley, N. G. F. Whiteman. Mr F. B. Vallance. one of they seven stewards to retire, did not seek re-election, and Mr J. C. D. Mackley is a new steward. Mr F. B. Vallance has been a steward of the club for a number of year and on behalf of members I take this opportunity of thanking him for his past services to the club. As only the required nominations have been received, a ballot will not be necessary, and those nominated will be duly elected at the

annual general meeting. “All members will join with your executive in offering sympathy to the relatives of the late Dr. J. A. Cowie. Mr A. W. J. Cameron and Mr F. C. Stowell. Dr. Cowie held the position as an hon. surgeon for a number of years. Several of our members are away on active service, and others are in camp. These soldiers will be treated as hon. members for the duration of the war. To all our members who are serving or are about to serve with the forces overseas, we offer our best wishes for a safe and early return.” The report is presented on behalf of the executive by Mr J. M. James, president.