SPLENDID YEAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1943, Page 2

SPLENDID YEAR

MASTERTON RACING CLUB SUCCESS OF OTAKI MEETING. OPAKI COURSE BEING PREPARED FOR OCTOBER. General satisfaction with the splendid result of the year’s working was expressed at the annual meeting of the Masterton Racing Club held in Masterton last night The president, Mr J. M. James presided. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet Mr James said a very happy position was disclosed. Following an idea by Mr J. A. Betts, Messrs. Betts, Macßae and the secretary, Mr Norman H. James, went to Otaki at their own' expense and obtained the consent of Club for the use of its course for a meeting. The Racing Conference gave its consent and all knew of the happy outcome. The Stipendiary Steward had expressed satisfaction with the efficient running of the meeting. The Otaki Club stewards and officials had all shown a fine spirit and had assisted as if the meeting were their own. The secretary of the Otaki Club, Mi- Winiata, had been a great help. Referring to the cut in racing days Mr James said it was not so bad when looked at in a broad light. The small country clubs were placed in a unfortunate position but the large clubs catered for such a large number of people that they were able to get their days. Mr James quoted totalisator investment figures for the 1942-43 racing season recently ended as being £6,229,373, which, although there were 36 less racing days was an increase of £1,166,982 on the previous season. Of the sum of £6,229,373 the Consolidated Fund received considerably over £5OO- -

Mr James said the Public Works Department had honoured its word regarding the restoration of the course which should be in good order for the meeting in October. Mr J. C. D. Mackley and the ground committee had done splendid work in that connection. The stewards had examined the matter of raising the stakes and were unanimously of the opinion that the stakes should be raised proportionately to those at the Otaki meeting. Mr James extended the club’s congratulations to Mr lan Macßae on being appointed to the District Committee and thanked all members for their loyal support, the stewards for their unfailing courtesy and work, the secretary, Mr James for his splendid services, the caretaker and all who had assisted the club.

DISTRIBUTION OF STAKE MONEY.

Mr J. Macfarlane Laing said that the increase in the totalisator return at the Otaki meeting was responsible for the excellent balance sheet and given a fine day it was reasonable to expect an increase at Opaki. He suggested that the stake money should be spread as evenly as possible over the events as the average hacks entered at country meetings kept the ; clubs going. Mr Laing said all that the Rimutakas affected transport but as the Opaki course was well situated in a large district there was a good chance of a large crowd being present. Mr Betts said that in proportion to the totalisator turnover at Opaki the club’s stakes were the highest in the Dominion. The main handicap would be worth, at the October meeting, £2OO, the hack races £llO and the Hack Cup £l5O. A motion expressing the thanks of members of the club to the Otaki Club for the use of its course was carried. It was indicated that the stewards had made an acknowledgement of the Otaki Club’s action. The loyal support of members, although no meeting was held at Opaki last year was acknowledged. The general principle issuing complimentary tickets was discussed but no action was taken. The nominated officials were declared re-elected and Messrs. Sellar and Sellar were re-appointed auditors.