SPORTING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19941, 30 May 1930, Page 18

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. May 31, June 3, 4—Dunedin J.O. June 8, 4—Otakl Maori R.O. Jane 3s 6, 7—Auckland B.C. Jane 14—Oamaru J.C. June 19, 21 —South Canterbury J.C. June 20, 21 —Hawke'a Bay J.O. - Juno 25—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Olub. Juno 27, 28—Napier Park B.C. June 28—Ashburton County R.O. July 8, 10, 12—Wellington 8.0. July 12—Oamaru J.C. July 17, 19—GUborne B.C. July 19—Waimate Hunt. July 26—South Canterbury Hunt. July 81—Manawatu R.O. TROTTING FIXTURES. May 31, June 3—Canterbury Park T.O. May 31, June 3—Hawke'a Bay T.O. June 5 and 7—Forbury Park T. 0. June 14—Aehburton T.O. June 21, 22—Auckland T.O. TURF GOSSIP. The Eiccarton contingent for the Dunedin Meeting were railed south yesterday. Indications point to thu visitors enjoying a fair measure of Buccess, as the favourable going during the past fortnight haß provided every means for completing their preparation. The teams are as follow:—Starshooter, Haxe, Troilns, Bascal, and Royal Mint ,<F. P. Clarldge); Great Star (J. H. Proaser); Subdivision, Eadiate, and Tripawajr (D. Campbell); Banelagh and Pangolin (A. E. Wormald); Hounslow (T. H. Gillett); Straightcourse, Semper Paratns, Waterline, and Pull Feather g:. Gutts); Thurso and Amorist (B. ngley); Kaikahu and Miss Bradbury (J. B. Pearson); Arrowmaid (J. W. Jennings); and Flaxbird (P. T. Buchanan). The absentees from those accepted for comprise: Gay Sonnet, Hyperion, Kentish Lady, Sapient, Audience, Zeuxis, Garvary, and Discourse. Biccarton stables will be strongly represented in the Brighton Handicap with Starshooter, Banelagh, Hounslow, Straightcourse, and Thurso. The firstnamed galloped six furlongs on the grass yesterday morning in company with Haze, occupying 1.16 3-5 for the journey. He is very well jnst now, but has a big weight to carry amongst some smart mllers. Banelagh showed that he is, in good order by reeling off a similar task in 1.16, easily accounting for Troilus. Banelagh has plenty of weight in the race under notice, and may be troubled by the concluding furlong. Hounslow has won only one race, and is not well treated with 8-9 when compared with several below him. Straightcourse will have the benefit of a strong horseman, and should take part in the •finish. Thurso is useful, and a win for him would be popularly received.

;.'; v The two visitors in the Birthday Handicap, Arikiwai and Waterline, are -, eXpescted to fight out,the issue. The former is in great form at. present, but can be dismissed if the track should 'be soft. Waterline will, however, not be affected by conditions, and in any case is likely to be a better favourite than Arikiwai.

Badiate and Kaikahu are booked to do battle for ■ Bicearton in the Otago Steeplechase. The. former went south yesterday in satisfactory order, and provided he can survive the ordeal he will make matters difficult for the, opposition. Kaikahu showed, signs, of soreness on Wednesday* but seemed right again yesterday."Apart from this, prospects of collecting some stakemoney on the trip look hopeful.

. With Great Star, Subdivision, and Bascal engaged in the . Tradesmen's Handicap, Riccarton stables cannot be said to hold a very strong hand, as none of the trio has done sufficient racing of late to compete against the more seasoned opposition. They may, however, do better later at the Meeting. In the June Hardies, Pangolin, Troilus, and Amoriat are listed. Zeuxis was also engaged, bat his trip was cancelled • yesterday, and he is to be kept for other Meetings close at hand. Pangolin has gone through a solid preparation, while Amorist has made marked improvement, and both can be expected to hold their own-

Semper Paratus, Arrowm&id, and Miss Bradbury comprise the representatives in the St. Clair Handicap, and of these Arrow Maid and Miss Bradbury appear to have good prospects. The latter galloped five furlongs yesterday in 1.2 2-5, and there is no doubt about her ability. She will be ridden tomorrow by A. Eastwood. ArrowmaiS is also speedy, and her defeat at Ashburtoncould be excused, as she was not well favoured during the running of her race.

Full Feather, Haze, Trlpaway, and Royal Mint are engaged in the Winter Handicap, one of the most.open races on the programme. Full Feather was never better than at present, and is likely, to be, favourite, but the other three do not appeal in this company. . The six-year-old gelding Paper Boy broke down badly some months back and was sent out for a spell. He was recently brought in with a view to putting him into work, but the old trouble manifested itself to such an ■ extent that his care was beyond recovery, and he was destroyed this week. Paper-Boy was a 'proficient galloper when well, bnt the best was never seen of him owing to oft-recurring unsoundaim.

. The two-year-old . Enockany has Shown considerable improvement in his wcent essays, and' in a gallop over five furlongs yesterday finished in front of Hiss Bradbury and Gasrange. He is engaged in next year's AJ.C. Derby, and, with Nightmarch, is to be nomi- . Bated for the Melbourne Cup. With only eight successes separating H. Gray and A. E. Ellis at the head of the: winning list this season, much interest will centre in their doings at Sllerslie and Wingatui respectively.Ellis's mounts to-morrow include Ariiiwai, Bin Tin Tin, Palermo, Wingatui, and probably Banelagh. The Trentham trainer. J. W. Lowe, returned from Sydney on Tuesday by the Ulimaroa. He brought back the two yearlings he purchased at,the sales last month—a colt by Moabite from Cool Tycß (lflOgns) and a gelding by Australian .Sim—-Bed Wheat (lSOgns) J.. M. Cameron brought back Merry •Mint;' ",

When J. Munro decided to ride for Baron Oppenheim, of Germany, Sydney Sportsmen anticipated a successful season for the stable. Munro made an ausEicious start by riding three winners at is first meeting, and although he has not been able to maintain this remarkable average, he nevertheless has done exceptionally well. In a letter received by a Sydney friend of the jockey the other day Munro said that he had ridden eight winners put of 20 mounts. In the past the Dominion has witnessed hunters rise to be classed as our best 'chasers. Kiatere, Waimai, Onkleigh, Coalition, and Beau Cavalier are five that come to mind as ex-hunt-ers that won fame when later raced against the best steeplechasers of their day. This brings up the fact that Omeo and Ponjola, favourites for this year's Great Northern Steeplechase, raced as huntera last year. There is no reason why one or both of these should not attain the standard set by their predecessors. There is talk in the Dominion of Limerick being brought across for the spring to tackle the" weight-for-age champions (says the "Sydney Morning Herald"). The gelding has been on the tracks for some time doing easy work, and seems to have recovered from the_ lameness that caused him to fail at his last appearance here. One thing is certain, that the old fellow will not be brought unless he is sound. On the occasion of bis last visit to Sydney his owner, Mr H. A. Knight, expressed this intention, adding that the gelding would be better at home tthere there Were minor weight-for-age races not so difficult to win It is not likely that he has altered this opinion since then, for he has had the benefit of the knowledge that Nightmarch was not a match ior Phar Lap, and a line on that form could bo secured through Paquito. who finished second to Nightmarch in the Melbourne Cup

The imported gelding Bright Land, who won two hurdle events in impressive style at Ellerslie last June, has failed to stand another preparation and has been retired from racing. Mishaps and other troubles have affected Bright Land's career since he Wt England and only for this he would havp established a much better record than he possesses. On one occasion he was put out of action as a result of injuring himself while being taken to Trentham, and. unfortunately for Dr. W. C. Ring, he also went amiss when taken to Sydney by H. Gray to race in the spring.

TROTTING NOTES. The Bailway Department advertises in this issne arrangements in connexion with the Forbury Park Trotting Meeting at Dunedin on June sth and 7th. Excursion tickets will be issued to Dunedin, and a special horse train will be run from Ohristchurch to Dunedin on June 4th, and a special train for passengers and horses will leave Dunedin for Ohristchurch at 7.30 a.m. Sunday, June Bth.

Although the Addington track was in excellent order yesterday there was little fast work accomplished, and the fact that the trestles were on the course necessitated all work being done on the outside of the course. The Auckland-owned Native Prince was restricted to easy pacing after his work-out on Wednesday, and though he has a big task in front of him he may put up an especially good race tomorrow.

Avenger, Oyone, and Muriel de Oro finished in that order at the end of a mile and a half, the first-named going very easily at the finish. It must be noted, however, that Muriel de Oro worked very wide out and in this, respect she was at a big disadvantage. Logan Chief was indulged in several strong sprints, and Jolly Pet and Golden Bubbles were given solid work over a mile and a half.

Logan's Pride, Lingfield, and Erin's Lynn were companions in a mile and a half task, which was done in fair time, the first-named on the outside finishing the best.

Maiwhariti and Bey Logan went a mile and five furlongs, the last mile and a half being run at a strong pace. Maiwhariti was not going pleasingly at any stage and a bad break spoiled his display. Bey Logan paced, steadily throughout and gave a good showing. Kreisler and Royal Comrade finished better than Nelson Boy and Belinda at the end of two miles, but the last-named was not out for serious business.

Peterwah was given slow work and Omaha,_Nelson Ata, Ambleside, and Home Voyage were indulged in light tasks.

The Auckland Trotting Club has issued the programme for its Winter Meeting to be held on June 21st, and 23rd, and as this is the last Meeting of the season owners and trainers in the South Island are likely to accord it very strong support. The sfakes are good and a race each day of the value of 750 govs for 431. and 4.80 class horses will find plenty of nominations. There is a wealth of this type of horse in the South Island, and not a great number in the North Island. One of the big attractions on the card is the Adams Memorial Cup, of 500 sovs, and a gold cup valued at 100 guineas. This race is for horses that have done or have been handicapped to do 4.36 or better at time of nomination. The stake is a valuable one for the class stipulated and each year there are cases where horses otherwise ineligible have been nominated for faster class races a few weeks prior to the fixture so that an entry could be made. In a system of handicapping outlined in The Press last week it was suggested that no horse should- be allowed to be nominated in a class that he had not already qualified for by actual performance, and it seems that conditions for the Adams Memorial Cap might very well follow on these lines. What is generally regarded as a 4.40 class, horse might be nominated in the 4.32 class race at Ashburton and so he would become eligible for the Adams Cup. ' A win in the Auckland race would satisfy his connexions that the. sacrifice of a few seconds was well worth while, and if he failed he would still be eligible for his , ola mark of 4.40. By stipulating such conditions for its races the Auckland Trotting Club is not assisting to strengthen the foundations of the trotting system, and it would be infinitely better if it confined the Adams Cup and other races to horses which in the opinion of the handicapper are entitled to compete off such and such a mark. In the remits that are to be brought before the annual meeting of delegates to the, Conference at Wellington in July it seems that there is room for one stipulating that horses shall qualify for races before being nominated.

I A writer in a Sydney paper just to hand takes credit for having introduced into New South Wates trotting a system that provides cnly for the penalising of winners on the actual times registered. The writer describes other systems as adopted in New Zealand, Victoria, and Tasmania as weird, but if introduced into New Zealand it can be seen that the handicapping on winning records alone would mean putting many promising young horses on the scrap heap. Take Derry Pointer for instance, a winner of one race 3.45 class, who •went' 3.26, and earned 140 sovs in stake money. She was unlucky enough to

strike a very fast track and another horse lucky enough to strike slow courses would win any number of races before coming back to 3.26. It can be said that the handicapping system as adopted in New Zealand is by no means weird, although some handicappers seem to have done their best to make it appear so.

ELLERSLIE NOTES. (TRESS ASSOCIATION TXXZOBAK.) AUCKLAND, May 29. Showery weather prevailed at Ellerslie this morning for training. There was a large attendance of spectators. The No. 1 grass was open for faat work, while the hurdles were erected on the outside of the course proper, and the steeplechase course was also open. The going was greasy and holding. There was a fair amount of interesting work, among those who pleased most on the flat being Nancy Lee, Sir Mond, Havering, Maori Boy, Gay Cockade, and Catoma. Elysianor, King's Jest, and Taumai also performed well over the hurdles, while the best displays over the steeples were given by Omeo, Ponjola, Kamehameha, and Master Lu. On the Plat. Gold Money was first out, but was not doing her best to run six furlongs in 1.30 l-o. Eager Rose ran from the five furlong post in 1.8 1-5, doing her work in good style. King Emerald, carrying a light boy, was sent over a round, running the last mile in 1.52 1-5, and the final six furlongs in 1.25 1-5. Avoncour sprinted five furlongs in 1.10 1-5, and appeared to be sore afterwards. The Cornwall Handicap candidate, Corinax, jumped away at the seven furlong post, being joined by Hannibal over the last half-mile. Corinax completed the task in 1.38 4-5, the last half-mile taking 54, and both being together at the finish. After breakfast Operatic and Kawainga, after running the first three furlongs in 41 2-5, finished up the six furlong task in 1 2-5 Operatic was in front.

. Over a similar distance Gay Cockade, who ran the first three furlongs in 40 1-5, completed the task in 1.22 3-5, and was going well. Marble Mount went a round in 2.5, the last mile taking 1.56. Brampton finished in front of Patutahi, with Respirator beaten oft at the conclusion of a round, which took 2.5 1-5.

Catoma and Havering jumped away at the seven furlong post, and, after running the first throe furlongs in 40, finished the full distance in 1.35 1-5. Havering was in front at the finish, but had thp advantage in weights. Spring Abbey, Neil, and Oatulus were in that ordrr at the end of six furlongs in 1.22 3-5. One of the best gallops of the morning over six furlongs was registered by Nancy Lee alone, who ran the distance in 1.20 3-5. Dark Prince and Scaramouch* jumped off in front of Rnhepoto and Harbour View at the commencement of a round. The order at the finish was Rahepoto, Harbour View, Dark Prince, and Scaramouche, the time being 2.4 4-5. Sir Mond and Maori Boy finished together at the end of seven furlongs, the last five being covered in 1.10.

The Jumpers. On the course proper Sir Archie (B. Stanway) and Akiruri (Garrett) gave a safe display over four schooling hurdles. They were on terms at the finish. An interesting schooling bout was witnessed when the Great Northern Hurdl* candidates Elysiaiior (H. Dulieu) and King's Jest (E. Stanway) set out over five hurdles. Thev got away together and, except for King's Jest making a slight mistake at the hurdle along the back, they both jumped well. They were on terms at the last hurdle and King's Jest, going best, was a shade in front at the finish. Timed from the first jump to the winning post they ran 2.41 1-6. Glenstar (MoGovern) and Taumai (H. Preston) were companions over four hurdles and finished up their task safely. G'enstar dinned after jumping the first fence and Taumai drew away and led by several lengths throughout.

The steenlechasers Omeo (L. Jarvis), Ponjoln (Tricklebank), Kamehameha (J Moßae), and Mangani (H. Dulieu) were sent over a round of the big fences. Starting at the sod wall at the top of the straight, they went over the water jump, the stone wall, and the brush, where Mangani. after jumping, swerved off up to the mile post and was pulled up\ Going along the back Ponjola and Kamehameha were racing in front of Omeo, but there was nothing much among them as they took the double on the top of the hill. They kept together for the remainder of the journey, the trio friving a good display throughout, particularly Ponjola and Kamehameha. Mangani was got going again and completed the remainder of tl«s course safely, although he did not jump with his usual confidence. Master Lu (G. Spinks) and Chesterman (F. McGovern) also completed a round of the steeplechase course. Master Lu was in front throughout, and gave a good display.

ENGLISH RACING. NEW ZEALANDEB>S SUCCESS. (TBOK OTTB OW» COBBBSFOKSXIIT.) LONDON, April 24. Mr Boyd Davis (formerly of Auckland), the owner-trainer, seems likely to have a good year He has begun well with his two-year-olds, and he is known to have a number of promising youngsters in the stables at Frant, hi* Sussex home, where there are good gallops. On Easter Monday, at the important Bank Holiday Meeting at Kempton Park, Mr Davis had two gratifying successes, lifting with the greatest ease two of the prizes. Kcilath, ch c, by Athlone—lrish Alice, by Irishman, has often been spoken of as a pigeon-catcher, and lie certainly lived up to his reputation, for he won the Richmond Plate (liighweight hnndicap), seven furlongs, very easily by five lengths in a field of eighteen. This four-year-old, bred by Lord Fingail, was trained by Mr Davis. The "Sporting Life" comments: Mr Boydie Davis has always had a high opinion of Ecilath, and the colt by Athlone showed that he was not far out, in his judgment, as the four-year-old made hacks of his rivals in the Richmond Plate at Kempton. Another rank outsider, in the disappointing Musical Prince, occupied second place, in front of Leopardus. Ready Response colt (Stratford — Ready Response, by Belouan or Ardoon), proved himself to be one of the brilliant two-year-olds belonging to Mr Davis. Of a field of 21 he made hacks, winning the Rendlesham Plate, five furlongs, by many lengths, in the exceptionally fast time of 1.2 4-6, in holding going. He had been out only once before. The jockey who credited his owner with the gratifying dual success was J. Dobie, lately, home from India, where he has an excellent record as a rider.

CANTERBURY J.C.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club was held yesterday afternoon. There was an attendance of about sixty members. Mr H. A. Knight presided. The chairman, In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said that they would have noted from the balance-sheet that the year's results had been very gratifying. They had reduced their overdraft by some thousands of pounds, and their position was much better. Theirs was a very speculative business. They had no fears as to the response from owners, but there was always the weather to contend with. This year most people were a little short of money, and that might have some effect. Suggested Increase of Totalisator Tax. They would have noticed from the totalisator figures that in taxation the club had paid £13,649; the public, £21,600; and the owners, £lBlO. Mr Poison, M.P., advocated an increase of 5 per cent, in the totalisator tax, but he (the speaker) thought they would agree with him that it would simply mean "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.'' There was always a limit beyond which it was not safe to go, and he thought that limit had reached, if not exceeded. Investments by Telegraph. The question of allowing investments to be telegraphed to the racecourse, under certain conditions, had been taken up by the Racing Conference, but it had been considered inadvisable to bring the matter before last session of Parliament. It was hoped that favourable consideration might bo given to the matter this year. It was fairly obvious that, if given effect to, it would benefit all clubs and increase the Government's revenue from this source of taxation. At the present timo the bulk of the money that could not reach the course found its way to the bookmakers. The chairman made appropriate references to the deaths of Sir George Clifford, Mr Charles Elgar, Mr O. B. Wise, and Mr J. B. Reid. Success of New Zealand Horses. The racing season, Mr Knight went on to say, had further emphaiisod the success of New Zealand horses in Australia; the stars had been Phar Lap and Nightmarch. Between them they had won the most important races in Australia. He did not think that thoy could claim credit altogether for breeding better horses than their Australian friends —that would be going rather too far. But he ventured to say that the climatic conditions in New Zealand were so superior for rearing and natural feeding that it was this that enabled them to more than hold their own in high-class races on this side of the world.

It was most pleasing to note the great Interest that undoubtedly had been taken in the doings of their best horses. People who were keen lovers of a horse but who rarely, if ever, went to a race meeting, with the true sporting spirit, had been stirred up to a mild enthusiasm, and men who had never been on a racecourse had taken the opportunity to see horses run which had run in Australia.

From the Commercial Aspect. There was another aspect that concerned the Dominion commercially. If he was right in what he said about breeding. New Zealand, being tree from droughts. had the best available pastures for mares and foals for which the best market was in Australia, not in New Zealand. There was certainly risk in shipping yearlings to Australia, but he did not think that there was much more risk than in a long train journey—"especially in our trains." The cost was not prohibitive. The Dominion would benefit in such a variety of ways that there was no need for him to particularise.

Young Members and New Ideas. It was gratifying to see the interest that was being taken m the Club this year in the matter of elections. He was not referring to an; letters, or to anything in the newspapers about the Club. The committee of the Club always welcomed criticism—just criticism—but it could not take notice of what he would not call criticism, but just bald statements from out of which they could get nothing. Personally, he was not viewing it as a want of confidence in the Club's ordinary officials. He took it that members thought that some of the Club's officials had probably reached, or had nearly reached, the retiring age, and that a few young members were wanted with new ideas. He would like members to bear in mind that the Canterbury Jockey Club had a past—a past of which most of them were proud. Times changed, and they must change with them as far as they were able; but whoever was in charge of the future of the Club he earnestly hoped that they might preserve and maintain the conditions hitherto established. He moved the adoption of the report and balance* sheet.

The Club's Finances. Mr George Gould said that, as treasurer, it became him to second the motion. As to the Club's finances, the chairman had told them that the Club had made gratifying progress this year. It was only some three or four years ago that they had outside liabilities of about £31,000 or £32,000, and he was glad to say that they were now reduced to £13,000. He had had the most unpleasant duty, two or three years ago, to tell the Club that, little as they liked it, they would have to make a drastic cut in the . stakes. That had been done. It had been hard on owners. As most of them knew who tried it racing was a pretty hard row to hoe! They had cut the stakes by some £7OOO a year; and, at the time referred to they had been paying over £2OOO per annum in interest; he was glad to say that that was now cut down to about one ih'rd of tantamount Thev had continued, divh.g the year, thnir policy of maintaining the stands, and the course, and had kept '-. he improvements up to a good standard. They had had to forgo any large outlay. There were many things that the Club would like to have improved—members' stands and accommodation for visitors but they could not say that thoy had not got very comfortable accommodation. Their worst enemy was the east wind, which they could not mop, and which made things unpleasant for those on the stands. During the yeaj under review they had been fortnnnle in having no wet days; ih the previous year their finances had been considerably affected by two or three wet days.

Improvements Made and Suggested. Various small things had been done on the course. They had increased tho eize of the paddock, moved back the stalls (which was an improvement as far as the public were concerned), done a lot of tar-sealing, made certain alterations to the totalisator house, bought a new tractor at & cost a? &45Q, and

classed In the back of one of the stands. Notwithstanding all these small items, which amounted to a great deal, they came out with a good showing on the 7e They also had a project, which had not been finally adopted by the committee, the object of which was to make some improvement in the course. They were aware that the straight six furlongs was not very popular—those on the stands could not see without looking through the brims of other's hats. Possibly they did not realise that there was a big curve in the five furlongs. By altering the line of the course a little they could have a straight five furlongs. The idea was to cut out the curve at the turn into the straight. As to the six furlongs, it was suggested that it should start at what is known as Ford's, and join the straight near the sod wall.

Some Suggestions. Mr F. W. Johnston, referring to Mr Gould's remark about "looking through the brim of other men's hats," said that he was going to suggest something that might be considered impossible, but was well worth trying. The enjoyment of the people on the stands was spoiled by other people standing up in the alleyways. It might cost a few pounds to have a man deputed to prevent this and to instruct those doing it either to find a seal or get in front. His second suggestion was in regard to trees. His observation, which extended over a great number of years, was that the trees on the north-east, on certain days and lights, blotted out the colours of the riders for a couple of furlongs.

The chairman: We have started to cut down the trees already. Mr Johnston further suggested that a member of the committee should be deputed to look after and have oversight over the club's very excellent servants. He cited, as an instance of the necessity for this, the happening at the last meeting, when the payment of a dividend was held up owing to a dispute or enquiry, and those desiring to collect their dividends were instructed to go to the late dividends window with the result that about 300 people went to one window. In further remarkß Mr Johnston said he thought that new blood on the committee was desirable, even if their ideas were not brilliant. He agrocd with the chairman that the traditions of the club should be upheld. He suggOßted that instead of members, who arrived at the course in their motorcars, being held up at the gate, they should be admitted on showing their member's ticket.

The chairman said Mr Johnston's suggestions would receive consideration from the committee. They knew about the incon-enience caused by people standing up in the alleyways, but to deal with it would mean an official stationed at each alleyway. They had started to cut down the trees, and it would make a great difference in viewing the horses at the back of the course. As to the totalisator, he did not know if a similar happening had taken place before, but they had learucd by experience, and the totalisator manager had received instructions which would prevent a recurrence of the happening.

Mr Gould said that Mr Johnston evidently was not aware that the club's servants did receive assistance; there were totalisator stewards.

Dr. P. Goulbourn Gibson suggested that notices should be displayed in the alleyways requesting people not to stand in the alleyways, and said that on other courses such notices were displayed. He questioned the utility and pleasure of the loud-speaker, or amplifier, on the course. Broadcasting was an excellent idea fur the bonnflt of sick people, and, perhaps for others who had not the intelligence to go to the races, but he did not thins, that the amplifier added to the pleasure of the people on the course. If they were sufficiently interested in racing they could see the information they wanted displayed. To have "that brawling thing" brought the course down to the level of Coney Island and similar places. Another matter—and he had at heart the interests ot the club—was that he did not think that the catoring was altogether satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) He thought it should be a recommendation to the incoming committee to make some enquiry into the matter. Many had got into the habit of taking their own food to the course, because they saw things going on which wore unpleasant in regard to washing u*p and attendance, and things of that sort. Although the Kiosk tea was all right, he did not think that the members' tea was what it should be in a club such as theirs. (Applause.)

The chairman, referring to people standing in the alleyways, said that he was rather afraid that a few gentle words would not stop it if people had not been educated up to it. In Australia there was a man in charge of each alley to prevent it; but they had been educated up to it. They had only had the amplifier on one occasion. It was not at the last Meeting, unU ho did not know if Dr. Gibson had mistaken something else for the loud speaker. (Laughter.) There was only one firm in Christchurch able to do the catering; it also did the catering for the Wellington Racing Club. They knew that they would like improvement, but it was a difficulty to find a caterer. Mr Gould, referring to people standing in the alleyways, said that the proposed alterations in the line of the course would help a great deal, for members then could see the race without standing up, for if they all stood up they would be no better off. Dr. M. Louisson, referring to the catering, said that it was rather extraordinarv that the same firm of caterers entered for the Wellington Racing Club, and the Metropolitan Trotting Club, and that their catering was much better at the Wellington Club's and the Metropolitan Club's Meetings. The Club Congratulated.

Mr G. D. Greenwood said he thought that the Club deserved hearty congratulations on the excellent progress made as shown by the balance-sheet. lie had not always been very complimentary to ''the powers that bo" in the Club, but on this occasion he could not help giving the greatest credit to the Club for its financial position. While on his feel he was going to have his little growl. The Club had the reputation of being the least hospitable in New Zealand, and he would like to see an attempt made to popularise it. A few extra ladies' tickets, distributed to people known to the committee would have a farroach in <i effect, been use if thev got the ladies on the course they would uertainlv get the men. (Laughter.) Dr. T. Mill said that, as president of the British Medical Association, he wished to thank the Club for the courtesy extended to the members *>i the Association who attended the conference last February. _ The Club's kindness was much appreciated by the members of the B.M A. (Applause ; ) "1 am glad to hear vou say that." said the chairman. Regarding Mr Greenwood's remarks Mr Knight said thnt they always fot the same thing—some people overlooked. always f'id rhe h"st th<*v oo"!f! pspeeially for visiting breeders. He tboiifht. however, that Mr Greenwood did not realise that not all visitors were distinguished racing- neople like himself (Mr Greenwoods who got the best of overvthing wherever he went! (Laughter.') The report and balance-sheet wer» adopted. New Members. . The chairman announced that all who had been nominated aa new; mambwa

had been elected, as follows: —Messrs K. G. Archer, Robert Conn, W. H. Cowper, Geoffrey Hamilton, Neville L© Cren. and H. A. Reese, Miss O. D. Mcliraith. and Mrs W. H. Symes.

Election of Officers. The chairman: There was no election foi treasurer. I have pleasure in declaring Mr Gould elected. (Applause.) He announced the result of the ballot for the election of twelve stewards as follows:-—Messrs L. G. D. Aoland, J. S. Barrett, M. Bethell, A. T. Donnelly, A. S. EHworthyG. Fulton, H. A. Knight, G. N. McLean, G. Leslie Rutherford, E. C. Studholme, D. W. Westenra, and the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes. . At a later stage the chairman announced the result of the ballot for the committee (thirteen to be elected) as follows; Messrs L. G. D. Aoland, J. S Barrett, W. L. Clifford. W. Deans, A. T. Donnelly, A. S. Elworthy G. Pulton, H. A. Knight. R. M. D. Morten, G. N. McLean, G. Leslie Rutherford, D. W. Westenra, and Sir Charles Clifford. General Matters. While waiting for the result of the ballot for the committee, general business was taken. Mr H. P. Bridge said that three or four years ago he had suggested that ladies' tickets, instead of being allocated for separate racing days should bo issued so that they could be used on any of the days, and he wondered if the committee would take it into consideration again. It had been objected that it would mean that most of the ladies would attend on New Zealand Cup day, but he felt that in practice that would not be so. The chairman: I don't know any club anywhere that does that. Mr Bridge: The fact that it is a new thing does not detract from its merits. The fhairman: One can see a lot of demerits. Mr F. W. Johnston suggested that the members' luncheon should be given in a marquee, leaving "the dug-out" under the stand to non-members. The chairman said that the suggestion would be considered. In announcing the result of the ballot for the committee, the chairman said that it had taken a long time, and on his motion the scrutineers were accorded a vote of thanks. Dr. Gibson, in proposing a vote of thanks to the staff, said that he did not think that anyone had any complaints to make, or any criticism to offer as to the way the staff treated the members and the public. The course and grounds always were kept in the best order, and the men on the gates, on the stands. and in the cloak roome, or wherever they might be, were always courteous and obliging. The same remarks applied to the office staff and to the totalisator staff.

The vote of thanks was accorded by acclamation.

Mr Johnston moved a vote of thanks to the presidont, committee, and stewards for the very excellent way they had carried out their work during the past year. The motion was carried by acclamation.

The chairman, in thanking the meeting very sincerely for the vote of thanks, said that Just criticism was welcomed. They had had a certain amount of it during the afternoon, and a note had been made of the matters referred to, which would receive the consideration of the committee. He hoped, and they all hoped, that the coming year would be as successful as the past one. (Applause.) RESIGNATION DEMANDED. CHAIRMAN OF V.A.T. CLUB. (VXITJW PUSS ASSOCIATION—BY BUCCTBXO TELEGRAPH—COPnUOST.) (Eeceired May 29th, 10.15 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 29. Following the resignation recently of Mr T. A. Tabart, secretary of the Victorian Amateur Turf Club, the committee is now demanding the resignation of the chairman, Mr James Grice, who, however, refuses to do eo. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 19.)