MINUTES OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HOMING PIGEON ASSOCIATION INC. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2007.

 

  1. Chairperson opened Meeting at:  7.35 pm and proceeded by passing on his Condolences to the Rushton Family with the recent passing of Mr T Rushton Snr.  

 

  1. Apologies:  Mr P Springett, Mr W Myers, Mr G Allen, Mr R Somerville, Mr John Schiavone.

 

  1. Minutes of Previous A.G.M. to be confirmed as circulated:  Moved by Mr  D Schwarz - Seconded  Mr A Szabo that the Minutes circulated of the 2006 A.G.M. were a True Account of the Meeting held.

Carried

 

  1. Business Arising out of Minutes:  Moved Mr R Williams, Seconded Mr G Last that Business Arising had been dealt with

Carried

 

5.      Correspondence:      Nil.

 

  1. Reports from Officers/Committees:

 

The S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Chairperson Mr D Thalbourne presented his Report, acknowledging the Promotions Committee, the 2007 Expo, thanking the Management Committee, and also congratulating the Association Winners

For the 2006 Season.

 

Moved Mr R Williams - Seconded Mr R Abraham that the Chairperson’s Report be accepted.

                                                                                                Carried

The S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Treasurer Mr R Seedsman presented his Report for the period 1st December 2005 through to the 30th November 2006.

 

The Treasurer addressed the Meeting and gave a brief outline of the Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet for the period, with the Association recording a nett profit of $14.006.57, and that the Associations’ total assets have increased by $15,678.75 as reflected in the Auditor’s Report.

 

The Treasurer also explained that the Auditor recommended the use of a Cash Register, so as a till tape record of Income can be established in respect to Sales from the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Canteen.  The Auditor’s recommendation has been addressed with the purchase of a suitable Cash Register.

 

Moved Mr R Seedsman - Seconded Mr C Forbes that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted.

                                                                                                Carried

 

Moved Mr K Pridham – Seconded Mr R Williams that the Auditor for the 2007 Financial Year be Angela Hill & Associates.

 

                                                                                                Carried

 

  1. Adjourned Motions and Business:

 

1.            Election of Chairperson:

 

            The Chairperson (Mr D Thalbourne) vacated the Chair and Mr R

            Seedsman (General Secretary) filled the position.  Mr R Seedsman

            Advised the Members that Mr D Thalbourne was the only Nominee for

            The S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Chairperson.

 

Moved Mr R Williams - Seconded  Mr G Hamilton that Mr D Thalbourne be appointed as the S.A.H.P.A. Inc Chairperson

            For the 2007 Season.

                                                                                                Carried

 

  2.            Election of Vice – Chairperson:

 

            Mr D Thalbourne advised the Members that there have been no

            Nominations for the position of Vice-Chairperson.

 

            Moved Mrs B Seedsman  - Seconded Mr W Bilecki that Mr G Cawte

            Be appointed as the S.A.H.P.A. Inc Vice-Chairperson for the 2007

            Season.  Mr G Cawte accepted the Position.

 

                                                                                                Carried

 

3.                  Northern Electorate:

 

Mr P Couzner & Mr G Hamilton were the two (2) Nominees for the

Position on the Management Committee to represent the Northern Electorate – The Chairperson advised the Members of the “Ballot Result” with Mr G Hamilton 28 Votes and Mr P Couzner 17 Votes – Mr G Hamilton is therefore elected.

 

The Chairperson acknowledged Mr P Couzner’s service to the Northern Electorate and the Management Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Motions of which Notice has been given:

 

2007 “NOTICE OF MOTIONS”

 

 

Received from the Management Committee

 

PRIZES, POINTS AND CERTIFICATES - R.B.L. 15

 

Any Prize-money for SAHPA Inc. Races is to be organized, controlled and handled by the relevant Groups.  The basis of any such allocation to flyers within the Group, shall be determined by the Group Committee.

 

Any additional prize-money provided by the SAHPA Inc. to be distributed to each Group by a percentage basis, based on the number of flyers per Group.

 

To be replaced with:

 

Any Prize-money for S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Races is to be organized, controlled and allocated to flyers by the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Management Committee.

 

Clubs/Groups may raise their own Prize-money for S.A.H.P.A Inc. Races and   is to be organized, controlled and allocated to flyers within the Clubs/Groups by the relevant Club/Group Committee.

 

Mr J Marafiote spoke for the Motion

Mr R Seedsman clarified the Committees’ thinking in respect to where the Prize-money could be generated.

Mr K Pridham spoke against the Motion

Mr G Watson spoke for the Motion

Mr P Beaumont spoke against the Motion

Mr D Walker spoke against the Motion

Mr A Keogh spoke for the Motion.

 

             Moved Mr J Maraftiote – Seconded Mr F DiMella

 

            Vote was taken by Show of Hands

            Scrutineers Mr G Harris & Mr M Bruggemann

            53 Votes for the Motion – 24 Against the Motion

                                                                                                Motion Carried

LOFT POSITIONS -R.B.L. 17

 

A plan showing position of competitor’s registered loft must accompany capitation fee, giving correct number of allotment where registered loft is erected, name of street in which competitor’s loft is erected, also name or town or district.  Distance shall be measured from centre of allotment.

 

a)         The Chairperson and Secretary of each club will be responsible for inspection of lofts of club members and for making recommendations for improvements in matters of health and hygiene of lofts

To be replaced with:

 

A plan showing position of Competitor’s Registered Loft must accompany Capitation Fee, given correct number of allotment where Registered Loft is erected, name of Street in which Competitor’s Loft is erected, also name of Town or District.

Global Positioning System (G.P.S.) co-ordinates will be struck and recorded as near as practical to the Registered Loft position by a S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Designate for which a Twenty (20) Dollar Fee is applicable.

 

This rule will apply to all New Members, existing Members who have changed their residential place of abode or who have had an absence of  Two (2) years or greater from the Sport.

 

a)                  The Chairperson and Secretary of each Club will be responsible for

Inspection of Lofts of Club Members and for making recommendations for improvements in matters of Health and Hygiene of Lofts.

 

          Mr R Seedsman spoke for the Motion

Mr P Pollard thought that the Association was already on the Global

Positioning System

Mr R Seedsman explained the reasoning behind the Motion and it is expected

That all Members Co-ordinates will be aligned to the G.P.S.

                  

Moved Mr F DiMella – Seconded Mr W Moyle

Show of Hands                                                          Motion Carried

 

GENERAL - R.B.L. 31

 

A Foreign Ring levy is payable, once only, on rings other than S.A. and S.A.D. rings which have a date of 1975 and later.  The Owner wishing to race a Pigeon rung with a foreign ring must pay, to the Ring Secretary before the commencement of the Season, the amount of the Foreign Ring Levy.  The Levy will be the same as that charged for a standard S.A. ring.  Failure to pay this levy will cause the disqualification of the Pigeon from any Prize-money and Points earned in S.A.H.P.A. inc. Races.  The Ring Secretary will issue a Receipt showing the ring numbers on which the levy has been paid.

 

To be replaced with:

 

A Foreign Ring levy is payable, once only, on rings other than S.A. Rings (with the exception of International Rings which as of the commencement of the 2007 Season will be banned from competing in all Races conducted under the Auspices of the S.A.H.P.A. Inc.).

 

The Owner/s wishing to Race a Pigeon rung with a Foreign Ring must pay, to the Ring Secretary before the Commencement of the Season, the amount of the Foreign Ring Levy.

 

The Levy will be the same as that charged for a standard S.A. Ring.  Failure to pay this Levy will cause the Disqualification of the Pigeon from any Prize-money and Points earned in S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Races.  The Ring Secretary will issue a Receipt showing the Ring Numbers on which the Levy has been paid.

 

            Mr R Seedsman explained the reasoning behind the Motion.

            Mr L Jones asked for clarification between Foreign Rings &

            International Rings.

 

            Moved Mr J Marafiote – Seconded Mr W Moyle

            Show of Hands                                                          Motion Carried

 

R.B.L. 32

 

Before a Pigeon rung with either an S.A. or S.A.D. Ring is flown by a person other than that to whom the ring was sold, the Registered Owner must sign a transfer to the new Owner.  The new Owner must produce this form to the Ring Secretary together with the transfer fee applicable at that time.  The Ring Secretary will issue a Receipt showing the ring numbers on which the Transfer Fees has been paid.  Pigeons rung with S.A. Rings and purchased at Associated Club’s Squeaker Sales will not attract a Transfer Fee.  However, the Secretary of the Club conducting the Sale must submit Purchasers of all Pigeons to the Ring Secretary.  Failure to transfer Pigeons in the above manner will cause the disqualification of the Pigeon from any Prize-money and points earned in S.A.H.PA. Races.

 

To be replaced with:

 

Before a Pigeon rung with a S.A. Ring is flown by a person other than that to whom the ring was sold, the Registered Owner must sign a transfer to the new Owner.  The new Owner must produce this form to the Ring Secretary together with the transfer fee applicable at that time.  The Ring Secretary will issue a Receipt showing the ring numbers on which the Transfer Fees has been paid.  Pigeons rung with S.A. Rings and purchased at Associated Club’s Squeaker Sales will not attract a Transfer Fee.  However, the Secretary of the Club conducting the Sale must submit Purchasers of all Pigeons to the Ring Secretary.  Failure to transfer Pigeons in the above manner will cause the disqualification of the Pigeon from any Prize-money and points earned in S.A.H.P.A. Races.

Mr T Buxton raised the point of Club Secretaries checking the transfer of Birds associated with Squeaker Sales.

 

            Moved Mr F DiMella – Seconded Mr K Pridham

 

            Show of Hands                                                          Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

Received from the Para Invitation Racing Pigeon Club

 

RACE BY-LAWS –GENERAL R.B.L. 30

 

Lines of flight for 2004 up to an including 2008 shall be North/north West and East.  Lines of flight and length of time of operation, shall be determined by Members of the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. at a Special Meeting called for this purpose is to be held in August of the final year of any current Line/s of flight program.  The only resolutions to be considered at any such Special General Meeting called for this Purpose, are resolutions which pertain to Line or Lines of Flight and the number of Year or Years they are to be flown.

Once the Lines of Flight and Length of Time of Operation have been determined by the Members, at any such Special Meeting called for the Purpose, the S.A.H.P.A. Management Committee shall draft the Race Program (allowing for race points and distances only).   Such Race Program shall be made available and/or posted to all Members by no later than the last race on the S.A.H.P.A. program calendar.

 

To be replaced with:

 

Lines of Flight for 2007 shall be North West and South East.

Lines of flight and length of time of operation, shall be determined by Members of the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. at a Special Meeting called for this purpose is to be held in August of the final year of any current Line/s of flight program.  The only resolutions to be considered at any such Special General Meeting called for this Purpose, are resolutions which pertain to Line or Lines of Flight and the number of Year or Years they are to be flown.

 

Once the Lines of Flight and Length of Time of Operation have been determined by the Members, at any such Special Meeting called for the Purpose, the S.A.H.P.A. Management Committee shall draft the Race Program (allowing for race points and distances only).  Such Race Program shall be made available and/or posted to all Members by no later than the last race on the S.A.H.P.A. program calendar.

 

            The Chairperson – Mr D Thalbourne addressed the Members in regards

            To the proposed Notice of Motion in his opinion being out of order, on the

            Basis that the proposed Notice of Motion is in conflict with the standing

            R.B.L. 30, that states – Lines of Flight are to remain the same until a Special

            Meeting of Members is held in August of 2008.

 

            Mr G Watson with due respect to the Chairperson, explained that as this

            Notice of Motion has met all criteria according to the Rules of the Constitution

            That the Notice of Motion put forward by the Para Club should proceed to be

            Dealt with at the Meeting, and the Chairperson is Out of Order as it is a

            Requirement under the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Constitution.

 

            Mr R Chapman explained the Chairperson should have ruled the Motion Out

            Of Order previous to the Motion being tabled at the A.G.M.

            The Notice of Motion was put to the Members for consideration.

            Mr G Hamilton spoke for the Motion, and felt that with the continuing

            Weather patterns it made more sense to fly the Sth East Line, as water is

            Generally more plentiful.

            Mr R Billing spoke against the Motion, and in his view there is abundance

            Of water available for the Birds on the East Line

            Mr G Hamilton produced evidence that statistically more Water is available

            On the Sth East Line.

            Mr A Keogh questioned Mr R Billing in regards to the availability of Water

            On the East Line and why the two (2) last Races on the Program were

            Cancelled.

            Mr R Williams explained it was the Management Committee who were

            Responsible for the Cancellation of the last two (2) Races on the Program

            And not Mr R Billing.

            Mr J Marafiote questioned the Nth West Line, and asked for clarification as

            To the Para Clubs’ interpretation of the Nth West Line.

            Mr G Hamilton responded stating Pimba, Glendambo etc.

            Mr J Marafiote asked for further clarification as to the Nth West Line.

            Mrs J Billing asked for clarification of what constitutes the Sth East Line.

            Mr G Hamilton responded stating Keith, Dimboola etc.

            Mr R Chapman moved an amendment to the Notice of Motion.

 

            The Amendment to alter the first sentence of the Motion and to read –

 

            “That Lines of Flight for the 2007 Season be the North/North West and the

            South East Line”.

 

            The Amendment was seconded by Mr C Forbes.

            The Amendment was put to the Members to decide

 

            Show of Hands

            41 for the Amendment – 32 Against

 

            The Amendment now becomes the Motion

            The Motion was put to the Members to decide

 

            Show of Hands                                                          Motion carried

 

            Mr T Buxton believed the Original Notice of Motion should not change as

            Per the Constitution.    

 

            Mr P Beaumont felt the Meeting was Out of Order, and he would not

            Participate in the Meeting any longer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Received from the Campbelltown Racing Pigeon Club

 

GENERAL - R.B.L. 36

 

The S.A.H.P.A. Inc have a Thirty (30) Bird Maximum Limit on all Races carrying S.A.H.P.A. Aggregate Points, with the exception of the two (2) Young Bird Championship Races, which will have a Fifty (50) Bird Maximum Limit.  This Rule to apply for the 2005 Season and beyond.

 

To be replaced with:

 

The S.A.H.P.A. Inc have a Thirty (30) Bird Limit on all Races carrying S.A.H.P.A. Aggregate Points.  This Rule to apply for the 2007 Season and beyond.

 

            Mr J Marafiote spoke for the Motion

            Mr K Pridham spoke against the Motion

            Mr R Chapman spoke for the Motion

            Mr B Hall spoke against the Motion

            Mr J Marafiote clarified Mr Hall’s enquiry in regards to Bird Limits in Club

            Races.

            Moved Mr J Marafiote – Seconded Mr R Smart

 

            Show of Hands                                                          Motion Carried

 

Received from the Adelaide Hill’s Racing Pigeon Club

 

GENERAL - R.B.L. 20

 

Vacant

 

To be replaced with:

 

That in addition to the current S.A.H.P.A. accredited Championship Series commonly known as “Association Races” a S.A.H.P.A. accredited “Short Distance” Championship be conducted.

 

The proposed Series would be conducted during what is currently known as “Club Races” – i.e., the Races preceding the existing S.A.H.P.A. Program.

 

Furthermore, that recognition of achievement would be acknowledged in the same manner as currently exists in accredited S.A.H.P.A. Events.  Such acknowledgement would include the following:

 

1.      Points to Owners, thirty (30) for first (1st) place decreasing down to one (1) for thirtieth (30th) with Owner accumulating highest aggregate be awarded the title of “Flyer of the Year - Short Distance Series”.

2.      Points to Birds, thirty (30) for first (1st) place decreasing down to one (1) for thirtieth (30th) with Bird accumulating highest aggregate be warded the title of “Bird of the Year – Short distance Series”.

3.      Certificates for best thirty (30) Birds.

4.      Trophy for winning Bird/Owner for each Race of the Series.

 

Also that no limit be set on the number of Birds entered and timed, although allowing Clubs and Groups the freedom to differ from this ruling for internal competition.

 

Mr W Bilecki spoke for the Motion

Mr L Jones questioned the thirty (30) Bird Limit with respect to Association Races.

Mr G Watson questioned who was actually going to organize and process the work involved.

Mr W Bilecki stated he was prepared to initiate a Sub-Committee.

Mr B Goold asked if the concept was Voluntary

Mr J Marafiote asked if there are Members prepared to do the Work involved before a Vote was taken.

Mr W Bilecki continued to address the Meeting, and perhaps an Amendment to the Motion could allay fears as to the reflection on the thirty (30) Bird Limit as currently stated in the Constitution.

Mr J Marafiote asked Mr W Bilecki to seek Members from the Meeting to help with the work involved regarding this concept.

Mr W Bilecki asked it there were Members available to help with the workload.  (Four (4) People volunteered their services)

Mr R Seedsman explained that once this Motion was ratified by the Members then it would be required to be actioned every year, and that if the original volunteers decided to abandon the concept then the objectives may not be met, due to the lack of Members prepared to carry out the work involved.

Mr R Williams questioned the variation of Clocks with Clubs reading Clocks at different times etc.

Mr K Pridham spoke against the Motion.

Mr D Thalbourne asked for clarification as to the Motion, and invited Mr W Bilecki to amend the Motion, and that he would allow a ten (10) minute interval of the Meeting while this took place.

 

The Meeting re-commenced at 10.05 pm with the Chairperson reading the proposed Amendment to the Motion presented by the Adelaide Hills Club.

Mr R Seedsman was of the opinion that the Motion should be re-structured and presented at the 2008 A.G.M. for Members consideration.

Mr P Trzeciak felt there was a conflict in respect to the thirty (30) Bird Limit.

Mr K Wallace suggested that Members nominate thirty (30) Birds only on their Nomination Sheet/s for this Series

Mr C Forbes agreed with Mr R Seedsman’s previous suggestion, that the Adelaide Hills Club present this Notice of Motion at the 2008 A.G.M.

 

Show of Hands                                      Amendment/Motion Defeated

 

  1. Breaches of Rules and RegulationsNil

 

 

 

  1. General Business:

 

Mr G Harris spoke in regards to the Asset Replacement Fund, with the original focus of the fund being for the Replacement of the Main Race Unit.  Mr G Harris also asked if it was possible that interest gained per year on the Balance of the Asset Replacement Fund be included on top of Members’ contribution.

 

Mr R Seedsman explained to the Members that all the S.A.H.P.A. Inc. Funds, Assets etc., belong to the Members of the Association and can be utilized to benefit the Sport if deemed necessary.

 

Mr B Goold questioned the reason for the Committees’ decision to abandon the last two (2) Races on the Program.

 

Mr K Pridham responded that the Drought conditions at the time with respect to the Welfare of the Birds was the reasoning behind the decision.

 

Mr B Balk expressed that the Management Committee were wrong to cancel the last two (2) races on the Program.

 

Mr J Marafiote responded to Mr B Goold’s earlier criticism in regards to the cancellation of the last two (2) Races on the 2006 Program.

 

Mr D Walker expressed his Congratulations to the Release Panel, and that the Adelaide Hills Club had excellent returns on the East Line.

 

Mr B Balk questioned the viability of sending Birds away on the Main Unit when numbers are very low and the Smaller Unit could be utilized.

 

Mr B Balk also asked the Association if they could assist in the running of the Southern Federation Training Unit.

 

Mr D Thalbourne responded to Mr B Balk.

 

Mr R Billing responded in respect to using the Small Unit, quoting the last time it was used, the Association experienced a bad Race.

 

Mr D Schwarz responded that the Small Unit wasn’t the problem in respect to the bad Race, and that the Weather was the overriding factor as to why poor returns were experienced.

 

Mr P Squire asked if Drinking Troughs were going to be fitted to the outside of the Small Unit for the Special Races.  Mr P Squire also enquired what happened if the Training Unit is held over.

 

Mr D Thalbourne responded that training of Birds would be carried out on Monday.

 

Mr P Couzner enquired if Delegates were going to hold a Meeting with their Electorates prior to the formation of the new Program.

Mr G Hamilton expressed that the Management Committee needed to put a Program together as soon as possible due to time constraints.

 

Mr J Marafiote expressed that he would not be holding an Electorate Meeting.

 

Mr B Goold stated that the Management Committee are there to represent all Members of the Association.

 

Mr K Pridham addressed the Meeting in regards to the Voluntary Prize-money concept raised by Mr W Markou.

 

  1. Minutes Read, Confirmed and Passed:

 

The General Secretary read back the Minutes as taken during the A.G.M.  The Chairperson asked for a Mover and a Seconder, that the Minutes read back were in fact a True Account of the Meetings Business.

 

Moved Mr G Cawte - Seconded Mr G Last                          Carried

 

      12. Meeting Closed:  11.15 pm