AUKLAND TROTTING CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 37, 12 February 1920, Page 8

AUKLAND TROTTING CLUB.

BIG IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.

FIRST SOD TURNED. At the invitation of tne committee of the Auckland Trotting Club, there wae a large attendance of men prominent j in the sporting world, at Alexandra Park yesterday afternoon, when the president, Mr. " John Rowe. turned the j first god, the ceremony marking the ini-1 tial step in the big scheme of improvement on the club's property, estimated to cost about £30.000. Included in the guests were Sir Frederic Lang, M.1 , ., Major the Hon. B. Harris, and Messrs. W. D. Lysnar, M.P., V. Potter, M.F., and M. J. Savage, M.P., Apologies for non-attendance were received from the. Right Hon. W. F. Masecy, and the Hon. A. M. Myers, E. \V. Alison, and Sir William Herriee.

The president welcomed the guests in a short speech, pointing out the difficulties the club had to surmount at the outset of its career. Formed in 1890, the sum of £135 wae given away in stakes; but gradually the club had mounted the ladder, and this season the stakes amounted to £13,000, with the Auckland Trotting Cup, valued at 1500 soys, which he thought would be £2000 next year. He then guided the plougn turning the first sod amidst applause.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. E. V. Sutherland, on behalf of the contractors, presented Mr. Rowe with a silver plough to mark the occasion.

An adjournment was then made to the grandstand, where the club's caterer, Mr. John Sinclair, had set out dinner.

In proposing the toast. 'Our Parliament," Mr. Rowe stressed the necessity for extra permits for trotting clubs in the North Island, adding that if this meant reducing the number at present held by racing clubs, they did not want them.

Sir V. W. Lang, M.P., and Messrs. Potter, Lysnar, and Savage, M.P.'e replied, all expressing themselves as willing to do everything in their power to afioist. good clean sport.

Other Roasts proposed were "The Auckland Trotting Club," by Mr. H. T?. MaoKenzie. Mr. Rowp replying; "Kindred Sports," by Mr. C. J. Schnauer. replied to •by Messrs. V. Potter, M.P.. W. .7. Ralph. M. Foley. M. Ballin, A. Twinamc, and ('. !?. McKinnev.

On behalf of the committee and stewards, Captain Caulton presented .Mr. John Rowp with a pnir of field glasses. and Mr. (I. Tanslev handed to Mr. Mark a handsome gold pendant, with the club's monogram. In doing so. Mr. Tansley warmly oulogised the ocrvicee rendered the club by Mr. Mark, who was the first secretary when the club was formed in 1890, and who had so successfully guided the club through its early difficulties until it hiid reached its present high position.