INAUGURATION OF THE SOUTH AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2354, 11 August 1887, Page 2

INAUGURATION OF THE SOUTH AUCKLAND RACING CLUB.

A meeting was held on Tuesday evening at the Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, to take into consideration the advisableness of forming a racing chib to bold race meetings on the Claudolands racecourse. Over twenty gentlemen from various parts of the district were present, and Mr G. Edgecninbc was voted to the chair. Mr C. J. W. Barton acted as secretary.

Several letters were read from gentlemen living at a distance, apologising for not being present and offering support if a club was formed. The following resolutions were passed after discussion. No. 1. “Thata racing club be formed to be called the South Auckland Racing Club.”

X. 2. “That the fee for membership be one guinea per annum.” An amendment that the subscription be two guineas was lost. Xo. 3. “ That the undermentioned gentlemen be a committee, with power to add to their number to as many as twenty, to arrange a programme and canvass for members, and do all tilings necessary to hold a race meeting in December next, and to call a general meeting to elect officers, stewards, &c., viz. : Messrs W. M. Hay. S. McLernon, K. L. Smith, E. Dickey, E. r. Jones, H ,C. Matthias, 0. J. W. Barton, J. C. Booth, J. Livingstone, J. M. Frazer, F. Jolly and T. G. Sandcs. Xo. 4. “That the rules bo those recently adopted by the Auckland Racing Club, subject to a revision by a committee, to bo appointed, to suit this club.” Xo. 5. “That Mr C. J. W. Barton be requested to act as secretary pro tem.” Mr G. Edgeenmbe stated, that in order to assist the club, he would bo prepared to do the advertising and printing required in connection with the first meeting gratuitously, if the venture was not a success ; but if a surplus existed after the meeting, he would expect to be paid at ordinary rates for the work done. He made this offer, with a view of relieving the promoters of any anxiety in connection with this item of expense. Those present cordially thanked Mr Kdgecumbe for his public spiritedness in this matter.

Mr McLernon said that he would present a silver cup to the chib, to be added to one of the races, if a sufficient sum of money was given away in stakes (say £300), as he understood was proposed. He had intimated his intention of giving this to the old Waikato Turf Club, but, unfortunately, (hat club had, owing to adventitious circumstances, ceased to exist. He sincerely hoped that the “ South Auckland Racing Chib ” would be carried on in a racing point of view in a thoroughly straightforward manner, and that it would be a credit to the whole district. Mr McLernon s offer was received with applause. Mr Sandes said, that he would be prepared to give his services to the club, in the matter of forming the course and superintending any work required on the ground. MrE. L. Smith offered his services in the matter of erecting a grand stand and any other building required. Mr Lees offered to assist in the formation of the course, or any other work in connection with the first meeting, and several other gentlemen present said that they would willingly help to make the proposed gathering a success. A vote of thanks to the convenor of the meeting and the chairman terminated the proceedings. A committee meeting was held immediately after (Mr Edgeenmbe in the chair), when it was resolved that a race meeting bo held on Thursday, the 2'Jth of December, ISS7, when £3OO (at least) should bo given away in stakes, and a ground committee was appointed to see to the details. Several gentlemen were proposed as members of the committee and the secretary was requested to write to them, asking their assistance and co-operation. The secretary stated that he had 07 names down as members who had promised to join, and these, together with those who had been present at the meeting, raised the number to over 90. Steps have already been taken to get the course in order, and the promoters anticipate a successful issue.