DEATH OF TRAINER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 12

DEATH OF TRAINER.

MR. W. J. TOMKINSON.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

CHRISTCHURCH, Friday

The death occurred in hospital this afternoon of Mr. W. J. Tomkinson, the well-known trainer of trotters. Mr. Tomkinson was injured on May lo in a fall from a motor-float on which lie was loading liorece and a milky. He went to hospital, but was discharged a week later, apparently reco<--»r::ig. However in a few daye he nad to return to hospital, and hie condition grew steadily worse. The fall caused, grave uternal injuries, which were not at first bbparent. "Mr Tonikineon wae one of the leading men in the trotting world of the Dominion. He had been here nearly twe vo years, and previously had been a successful trainer in Australia. Jn iuguet, 1022, at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting, Ins team was first seen in action, and siiccesj came his way immediately. He started off by winning the August Handicap, the chief event on the opening day, with the Kibbonwood horse Realm, and later, in the day won with Snowshoe and Weaver. On the second day Kealni was again successful, and Happy "Voyage won the mile and a quarter race bet ore the end of the meeting. Pearlie Chimes was another member of the original team, and her winning turn came later. Realm, Happy Vovage and Snowshoe .proved highclass pacers. The Australian adapted himself to New Zealand conditions without any trouble, and his ability ae a trainer and reinsman was quickly recognised, and during the whole period since his arrival here his stable was always full. He made perieclical trips to Sydney, frequently bringing back fresh horsc6, Minton Derby,

Concliff, and Surprise Journey being three good importations, while locallybred horses were also secured whenever suitable material was available.

Soon after he became established here the Dunedin owner, Mr. G. J. Barton, became a patron of his stable, and the association continued with great success. Mr. Barton has for several years past been one of the leaders in the winning owners' list, and it was largely through the success of his horses that Tomkin6on was three times head of the winning trainers' list, and twice leading reinsman of the Dominion. Apart from his successes with horses from Australia, Xomkinson handled many high-class performers bred in the Dominion. He won the Auckland C/'np with Nelson Derby, the Xew Zealand Derby with Shadowland, and the Great Northern Derby with Tempest and Indianapolis, and with Free Advice won a division of the New Zealand Cup at a time when the race was divided. Logan Park was another high-class pacer he controlled, while Napland, Elzear and Biddy Parrieh were among his good unhoppled trotters. Realm (.2.3 4-5) and Happy Voyage (2.4 1-5) are two horses from his stable who are included in the most select list of pacers in the Dominion, and it is the popular -view that Indianapolis would have joined this band baa opportunity been available for him in the autumn.

In addition to his big team of trotters and pacers here, Tomkinson found time to devote some attention to gallopers. A few months ago he secured stables at Riccarton, where the jumpers Arcade and Advance Gump, and a number of flat racers, including Grecian Prince and Moonbeam, have their abode, while being prepared for their racing engagements. lie was also interested in coursing, and at the present time two of hit) dogs are in training at Oamaru.

Deceased was a man of kindly nature, ever ready to help those less favourably placed than himself. His advice was always freely given to young trainers, while many unfortunate trainers have had to thank him for practical assistance in loans of gear or sulkies, when, through misfortune or otherwise, they were not fully equipped. For eleven years he was a valued member of the committee of the Canterbury Owners and Breedere' Association, his advice being always looked for, and only his modesty kept him from being the association's president. He leaves a widow, one ' son and two daughters.