WAIAPU RACING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 884, 7 May 1903, Page 3

WAIAPU RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING,

The annual meeting of the Waiapu Racing Club was held at Tuparoa on Saturday evening in Mr T. Ecedy s hal , there being a large and representative attendance. The President, Mr K. b. Williams, occupied the chair. The balance sheet showed a credit ot £4O 10s Sd. The principal items of revenue were : Members’ fees £44 11s, nomination and acceptances £3l 10s, gate money .£•27 12s. The sum of £122 was paid away

iu stakes, The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to the sound financial position of the Club, and the success that had aLtended the meeting held at the new racecourse at Mangahanea. Mr T. Reedy tendered his resignation as treasurer, which was accepted with much regret. Memoers mado praiseworthy reference to the good work done by Mr Reedy, who, as one of the promoters of the Waiapu Racing Club, had greatly assisted iu bringing it to its present flourishing condition. Mr J. J. Fry was elected to'the vacancy. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected : —President, Mr K. S. Williams ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs D. 11. Henderson, A. B. Williams, B. Hayes. E. R, Ludbrook ; Judge, MrE, R.Ludbrook ; Treasurer, Mr J. J. Fry ; Secretary, Mr A. M. Beale ; Starter, Mr W. Mcllroy ; Clerk of Scales, Mr M. Travers ; Clerk of Course, Mr J. Hayes ; Haudicapper, Mr W. Kirkpatrick ; Honorary Surgeon, Dr. Davis ; Stewards, Messrs T. Reidy, G. S. Wood, D. Duff, J. F. Pettie, F. Blacklaws, Hamiora te Kapu, W. Kirkpatrick, J.. J. p r y j Koroopo, C. Butler, Macdonald, ; Smith, and G. Travors.

The question of tho amalgamation of the Awanui and Waipiro Clubs with the Waiapu Club was discussed at some length. Mr Macdonald thought it would insure much better racing if tho amalgamation was brought about, and the Club would be able to offer much better stakes. He understood that Awanui would join if Waipiro would do so. After sumo discussion tho matter was deferred until a future meeting.

It was decided to apply for a totalisator permit for the next annual race meetim/, which was fixed for the last Saturday in March, after tho Loverly Bay meeting. The usual votes of thanks terminated the meeting.

LIQUOR ON RACECOURSES,

DISCUSSION AT WAIAPU CLUB’S MEETING. The question of the advisability of having liquor booths on racecourses was discussed at the annual meeting of the Waiapu Racing Club, held at Tuparoa on Saturday evening lest. The subject came up through an application made by the native owners of the Mangahanea racecourse that they should be allowed to have all privileges in connection with tho race meetings.

Tho Waiapu Club at present pay the natives half the gate money, and also ullow them to retain all training fees. Mr D. McDonald thought that tho application should be ignored, as the natives were getting quite sufficient from the club.

Mr K. S. Williams looked upon the demand as an unreasonable one. Referring to tho question of privileges, ho said that it was his intention at a future meeting to suggest doing away with the liquor booth. He thought that racing was a sport in itself, and should he held independent of liquor. There was a great difference of opinion among members as to the necessity for a booth on the racecourse. Many of those present said thut if the booth were done away with a worse state of affairs would arise; that there would he sly grog-selling on the course, and tho last stuto would be worse than the first.

It was pointed out that if tho natives wero allowed the privileges they could not havo a liquor booth. Tho subject was discussed at length, but no resolution was arrived at.