DISTRICT RACING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 August 1941, Page 7

DISTRICT RACING

WAIRARAPA CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. (“Times-Age" Special.) The fifty-first annual meeting of members of the Wairarapa Racing Club was held at Featherston yesterday afternoon. Mr J. W. Card (president) presiding over- a small attendance of members. A number of apologies lor absence were received. The annual report was adopted. In moving the adoption of the report the chairman said that unfortunately another loss had been experienced —£500 more than the previous year. Stakes had been increased £450. The club did not get the totalisator returns which were expected although these were up a fair amount compared with previous years. In connection with the cost of running the club they had to take into consideration increases in costs generally, but particularly in the catering department. Taxation paid was £7.491. He could not say what would happen in the future. Last year he had stated that he was not in favour of curtailing racing, and he was still of that opinion. Until such time as the Government said there should be curtailment, the club should carry on. though the sole arbitrators were the people themselves and so long as it was wanted, clubs should carry on the same as any other sport for the benefit of the people and the country. The army authorities were holding the racecourse in reserve and may reoccupy it at any time. As far as the club was concerned, the grounds and buildings were there when they were wanted. River erosion had called for urgent work and it was anticipated that the measures taken would prove effective. Last year the club had resolved to give all profits to Patriotic funds, but unfortunately, apart from the donations made, there was nothing to give. The chairman was congratulated by Messrs David Collins (vice-president) and J. F. Thompson on his clear explanation of the year’s work. Two members were elected.

The chairman declared the following officers and stewards re-elected: —Patron, Mr Thos. Benton; president. Mr J. W. Card; vice-president. Messrs A. C. Pearce. D. H. S. Riddiford and D, C. Collins; honorary judge, Mr C. J, Nix; honorary treasurer, Mr H. Lawson: honorary timekeeper, Mr D. C. Collins; honorary surgeons, Drs. G. S. Sharpe, T. D. M. Stout and J. M, Coutts; veterinary surgeon, Mr S. Fletcher; auditors, Messrs G. W, Sellar and. L. H. Smart; stewards, Messrs R. N. Barton, D. Cameron. J. G. Donald, E. D. Martin, E. R. W. Bidwill and Percy Tilson. The sum of £B,OOO was allocated for stakes during the season. It was decided that any profit over all operations this year should be donated to the Patriotic funds.