view raw text
CITY OF BRIGHTON OWNS RACE TRACK English Municipality Builds Parks and Playgrounds with Racing Profits. The Brighton England race track, located on the South Downs near Brighton, is owned and operated by the municipal authorities. For many years tlie race course, which is one of the most attractive in England, was run by three trustees. When one died a new member was elected by the remaining two and business was continued. For many years no accounting was made, when some person, curiously Inclined, Inquired as to the disposition of tlie profits of the three race meetings which arc held annually. An" investigation disclosed tlie fact that the money had been faithfully deposited in a Brighton bank, where it remained as a sinking fund. When the books were audited it was found that they were in perfect shape and every penny accounted for. What bothered the trustees was what to do with the money on hand, which amounted to nearly 00,000. They had been loyal to their trust, and after several meetings decided to turn it over to the city, together with the race course, grandstand, and all the buildings thereon. A special meeting of the town council was held and the gift was formally accepted. The surplus in the bank was devoted to the purchase and laying out of Queens Park as a play ground and recreative park, and it was voted to continue the races as an attraction to the town. The money received from the race meetings, amounting to about 5,000, is donated to local charitable institutions, and while the city funds are not augmented by the gift, the city is reaping the benefit of it. Tho present trustees are continued in office and run the race meetings as formerly, but what arrangement will be made at their deaths is puzzling tho city authorities of Brighton. Unless some provision is made to elect new trustees on the deatii of the present ones, the city authorities will not only own the race track property, but will be compelled to act as a jockey club, receiving enjrfrs. arranging races and attending to all details necessary to run a race meeting. Tho position is a unique one for the city authorities, but as a good revenue is derived from the meeting the town council shows no disposition to cross the bridge before reaching it. The Brighton races are among the cherished institutions of England, tlie first niceting dating back nearly 125 years. It was the popular meeting of nobility when William IV., as prince of Wales, had Ills summer residence at the royal pavilion at Brighton.
