MOTOR CYCLING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 206, 31 July 1937, Page 16

MOTOR CYCLING

CITY CLUBS AMALGAMATE. OFFICERS ELECTED. A decision that the organisations should ainalgamate was unanimously reached at the annual meetings of tho Manawatu Motor Club and the Orion Motor-Cycle Club on Wednesday, and at a combined meeting held later officers for the new ManawatuOrion Motor-Cycle Club were elected. Mr A. A. Wood presided at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Motor Club when the report of the secretary, Mr B. Palmer, was read and adopted. This stated: “Unfortunately, the past season has undoubtedly been the worst experienced in the history of the club. The finances are at a very low ebb due, of course, to the considerable loss incurred on the race meeting, which was postponed twice on account of the inclement weather. Faced with a deficit on the meeting of over £45, the committee decided to solicit voluntary donations. The response to our appeal was most gratifying and the club is most grateful to all those members and supporters for their assistance in this direction. When the meeting WB6 finally held on the Saturday half-holi-day, January 9, the attendance of the public was Very disappointing. The racing, as usual, was particularly keen and exciting, with over 30 riders from all parts of the North Island competing. Recently the committee decided to negotiate with the Orion Motor Cycle Club with a view to bringing about an amalgamation of the two clubs and I am pleased to report that these negotiations were successful and the new combined club will be in operation as from the annual general meetings. This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, and with the combined efforts the future of the sport in general is assured. The club has been fortunate in having such an energetic committee to manage its affairs during the past season, and with Mr E. V. West at the head it has worked particularly hard in tho interests of the club. Thanks are due to the chairman and committee for their efforts during the season, to the donors of cash and trophies, to the Manawatu Racing Club for the use of its course, to the many assistants at the race meeting, to Mr Hancock for the use of his office for meetings, to the Press, and all others who have assisted the club in any way. In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity of thanking the presidents and committees for their assistance and consideration to me during the period of nearly 20 years as your secretary, and I sincerely trust that the new Manawatu-Orion Motor Cycle Club will enjoy many years of success.” . At the annual meeting of the Orion Club Mr E. Pasley was in the chair and presented the following report: “During the year eight reliability trials were held, the results being as follow: Bai Cup, Mr J. Redshaw; Bruce and Bai Cup, Mr A. V. Belk; Harley Davidson Cup, Mr E. Anderson; Miller-Pasley Cup, Mr J. Manning; P. and M. Trophy, Mr C. Gore; Pink and Manning Shield, Mr R. Styles; Winter Cup, Mr C. Gore; Orion Challenge Cup, Mr F. Mitchell. Two quite successful picnics were held this year, one at Foxton Beach and the other at Mangatainoka. The combined reliability trial for the MillerPasley Cup was this year won by our club/As members know, a special general meeting -was called during the season to discuss the proposal that the Orion Club amalgamate with the Manawatu Motor Club, and it was decided to egect this amalgamation at the annual general meeting. The club particularly wishes to thank those ladies who assisted us during the season and also those persons who acted as checks for the reliability trials. The finances of the club show a credit balance of 18s lOd, together with a substantial amount in trophies and equipment.” . After the two clubs had individually confirmed the decision to amalgammate, there was an attendance of about 30 at the inaugural meeting of the new body. The election of officers for the coming year resulted as follow Patron, Mr B. Palmer; president, Mr E. \. West • vice-presidents, Messrs I’. Swindell, J. Manning, junr., J. Manning, senr., A. A. Wood G Hatton, E Pink, A. Hancock, W. R. Miller, H E. Edmunds and Mrs McBrearty; secretary and treasurer, Air P T. Robinson; club captain, Mr D. Collison; vice-captain Mr H. Robson; delegate to the A.C.TJ., Mi Palmer; committee, Messrs A Hancock, G. Hatton, J E. Teavell, I>. Pink R. Styles, J. Manning, junr., J. Manning, senr., J. Belk, B. McLeod, I. Jewett and B. Smith. It was decided to hold a race meeting on January 1 and another later in the season, the intention being to stage the first at. Awapum and the second at Ashhurst. An application is to be made for permission to hold the New Zealand middleweight championship. The club will also endeavour to secure the New' Zealand beach championship for 1937-3 S. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officers of both clubs, particular reference being made to Mr Palmer’s lengthy and valuable work on behalf of the Manawatu Club. The meeting terminated with supper, when trophies won during the year were presented and a numbci of toasts- honoured.