RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20906, 13 July 1933, Page 12

RACING AND TROTTING

LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

RACING FIXTURES.

July 13, 15—Wellington R.C. July 20—Waimate District Hunt. July 22—Hawke's Bay Hunt. July 22—Auckland R.C. July 22- South Canterbury Hunt. July 26—Rangitikei Hunt. July 27, 29—Poverty Bay Turf. July 29—Christchurch Hunt. August s—Poverty Bay Hunt. August 8, 10, 12—Canterbury J.C. August 16—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt. August 19—Pakuranga Hunt. August 26—Taranaki Hunt.

TROTTING FIXTURES.

July 20—Waimate District Hunt (one event). July 22—South Canterbury Hunt (one event). August 5, 9, 11—New Zealand Metropolitan T.C. August 26—Auckland T.C.

TURF GOSSIP.

Reminders. Nominations for the Christchurch Hunt Club's meeting will close tomorrow at 8 p.m. at the Canterbury Jockey Club's office. Acceptances for the Waimate District Hunt Club's meeting will close on Saturday at 9 p.m. Lack of Discipline. In his report to the Racing Conference yesterday, the chief stipendiary steward, Mr C. Gomer, stated that in some instances jockeys had gone to the scales not properly attired, and for very good reasons the clerk of the scales should exercise his authority to ensure better discipline, and attention to this subject. In addition, some clubs, chiefly those in country districts, were very lax in the supervision and control of jockeys' rooms, as in many such places the public appeared to have easy and uninterrupted access to the birdcage and the jockeys' rooms. j The stipendiary steward further re- ! ported that on occasions he had noticed owners sending out horses mounted by unskilled or incompetent riders on the first day of a meeting, and on the second day sending out the same horse with a different rider, when a reversal of form was very conspicuous. This he considered was an undesirable _ practice, upon which a sinister construction was liable to be placed. Application Upheld. The Banks Peninsula Racing Club made application for October 28 next for its spring meeting, but this was not recommended by the Canterbury District Committee. The application was considered by the dates committee of the conference on Monday, and two delegates from the club—Messrs H. M. Morten and W. F. Parkinson—appeared before the committee to state the club's case. The dates committee's recommendation that the date be granted to the club was approved of by the conference yesterday. Dates of Meetings. Other dates for next season affecting South Island clubs were as follows: Otago Hunt Club, September 2 in lieu of September 3; Oamaru Jockey Club, January 2; Reefton Jockey Club, January 6 and 8 in lieu of January 23. The application of the Christchurch Hunt Club for July 28 was not granted, but it was decided that this day be carried forward to August 4 in the 1934-35 season. A Healthy Sign. The executive committee of the Bacing Conference reported yesterday that the outstanding levies due by clubs amounted to £BO6, as against £2149 last year. The chairman said that these figures were very satisfactory, and indicated the recovery made in racing circles during the last 12 months. Trotting Events. The Christchurch Hunt' Club was yesterday granted permission by the Racing Conference to include two trotting events in its programme for the meeting on July 29. A similar application by the Tuapeka County Racing Club for three trotting events at its Easter meeting, instead of two, as at present, was refused. Disputed Dates. The clashing of the dates of the Auckland and Canterbury spring meetings was once more mentioned at the Racing Conference yesterday. Mr D. E. Wanklyn, representing the Canterbury Club, said that the dispute over the dates was caused through the Avondale Club changing its meeting from September to October, and taking dates in the latter month. That made it impossible for the Auckland Club to race in that month. The Avondale Club had applied for October 14 and 16 for next season, and despite a protest by the Waikato Trotting Club, which races op those dates, the application was granted by the dates committee. Mr Wanklyn considered that if the Avondale Club was compelled to go back to its September dates, an amicable agreement would again be possible between Auckland and Canterbury. There was no doubt that both spring meetings suffered by the present position, and the Auckland body •was only too willing to avoid a clash, but was prevented from doing so by Avondale's attitude. The chairman said that the delegates from Auckland and Canterbury had previously discussed the unfortunate clash in a friendly spirit, and the Auckland body recognised that the present position was not conducive to the interests of either club; but, as explained, the Avondale fixture barred the way for Auckland to change back to the October dates. On the motion of Mr Wanklyn, it was decided that the allocation of October 14 and 16 to Avondale be referred back to the dates committee for reconsideration, in conjunction with the protest of the Waikato Trotting Club. Seven Stone Minimum. At the racing conference yesterday, on the motion of the Auckland Racing Club, the rule providing that the minimum weight at any meeting between June 7 and August 15 be not less than 8-0 in any flat race was deleted. This means that the 7-0 minimum in flat races will in future be in force throughout the racing year. Present System Upheld. A proposal by the Southland Racing Club, for changing the system of appointing judges in appeal cases was lost by a narrow majority at the racing conference yesterday.

A Quick Dispatch, A motion at the conference that the control of race meetings be transferred from club stewards to stipendiary stewards met with a poor reception and was rejected on the voices. The New President. Mr J. S. McLeod, the new' president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, has been a resident of Hawke's Bay for many years. Starting as a stock agent in Hastings, he worked his way up to a position as auctioneer, and after some years entered into partnership with Mr L. de Pelichet in a stock and agency business. It flourished from the outset and was later formed into a company and is now recognised as one of the most important mercantile firms in Hawke's Bay. Mr McLeod has taken a keen interest in racing since boyhood, and when he launched out as a breeder he soon attained a prominent place amongst New Zealand's most successful owners. His productions included Kick Off, Runnymede, winner of the New Zealand Derby and many other races before he was sold to go to Australia at a big figure, Raasay, and Simba, which were also sold in Australia at good prices. Mr McLeod has been one of the stalwarts of the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club for a long time, and in addition to acting as its treasurer for the last 10 years has represented it on the New Zealand Racing Conference for the same period. He has filled the position of chairman of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, and is recognised as a sound and fair business man. It was only in the last few days that Mr McLeod was regarded as likely to take the position, and the general opinion seemed to prevail that Mr A. T. Donnelly would be the new president. The latter was approached by many of the leading racing men, and in his final answer said he would take the position if a strong North Island resident was not available. Mr Donnelly arrived in Wellington on Tuesday morning, and as soon as it was mentioned to him that Mr McLeod was available, he willingly withdrew. TROTTING NOTES. Reminders. Nominations for the two trotting events at the Christchurch Hunt Club's meeting will close to-morrow at 8 p.m. with the secretary, Mr S. P. Godfrey, at the Canterbury Jockey Club's rooms. Nominations for the August meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club will close on Saturday at noon. Acceptances for the trotting event at the Waimate District Hunt Club's fixture will close on Saturday at 9 p.m. Acceptances for the trotting event at the South Canterbury Hunt Club's meeting will close on Monday at 9 p.m. Date of Forfeit. Forfeits are due on or before Monday, July 17, for the New Zealand Derby Trial, to be run by the Oamaru Trotting Club at the Labour Day meeting, and the Champion Stakes, to be decided at the Ashburton Trotting Club's summer meeting. Answer to Correspondent. "Wager," Dunsandel—(l) When Harold Logan won the New Zealand Trotting Gold Cup he started from 24 yards and registered 4min 24sec;. (2) L. O. Thomas drove him. Success at Flemington. F. B. McFarlane, who on his return from New Zealand to Victoria a few months ago relinquished his interest in trotters to follow the training of gallopers, was represented by a winner of a good race at the Victoria Racing Club's recent steeplechase meeting. Kirrewur, his representative, won comfortably, and at long odds. In Excellent Fettle. Very few horses at Addington bear a brighter appearance than Wilbur White. The Australian-bred gelding is doing well for C. Francis, who will have him in his very best order for the August meeting. When last raced Wilbur White v/as not ready to show his best, but he raced prominently while his condition lasted, and he has improved considerably since then. The same trainer has Beverley King on the improve, and will probably give her a run at the Christchurch Hunt Club's meeting this month. Trotting Events. At the Christchurch Hunt Club's meeting, to be held on July 29, there will be two trotting events provided, permission having been granted by the New Zealand Racing Conference. The Aylesbury Handicap, of 70 sovs, is a 3min 7sec class mile and a quarter race, and the Kirwee Handicap, of 75 sovs, is for horses that can do 3min 41sec or better for a mile and a half. Both races will be decided in harness. Stakes for Derby. . The New Zealand Derby Stakes of 1935 will carry the same prize, 500 sovs, as that attached to the 3934 event. Entries for yearlings at time of nomination for this event will close on September 1. Bears Solid Appearance. Worthy Queen, since her arrival at Addington, has taken on an improved appearance, and she is very keen to go much faster in her work. When next raced, she will be bigger in condition than on her last visit to Addington, and being a much strongerlooking mare now, she may be expected to stay on better than she did on the previous occasion. In the North Island, where the class is not so good as here, she was a winner over two miles, but there is no reason to doubt her ability to race successfully over that distance in the south. Holiday Making;. Miss E. Hinds, in whose name Harold Logan raced until the latter part of the season, is leaving to-day on a short trip to Australia, in company with her mother. Improvement in Trotters. Most men in the light harness sport seem to favour the pacer, and more especially the hoppled pacer. This is quite easy to understand when it is remembered that it does not require the same skill to prepare and drive a hoppled pacer as an unhoppled pacer or a square trotter requires. There is nothing more attractive than a nicely-gaited square trotter in action, and in the United States of America he is regarded as the only trotting horse, the pacer taking a back seat. We in Australia know very little about breeding or educating squaretrotters, and it was with a view to remedying this state of affairs that trotting authorities in Perth imported standard-bred square-trotters from the United States of America, says a writer in the Sydney "Referee." The result has been encouraging, and easily the best class of square trotter in Australia is being produced from this stock in Western Australia. Trotting men will remember Petersen and his* recent deeds in Perth, and now another smart young trotter has come into the limelight. He is Quick March, by Peter Stretta—Promenade, and is only three years old. Out of eight races he has won three, and appears to be a horse of exceptional promise. Promenade (Logan Pointer —Queen's Drive) is a New Zealandbred mare, who was disqualified in Australia about six years ago, being rung in as Gathered Gold.

RACING CLUBS.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. MR J. S. M'LEOIJ ELECTED PRESIDENT. [THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON, July 12. The annual conference of representatives of New Zealand Metropolitan and District Racing Clubs was held to-day. In the absence through ill-health of the president, |Mr O. S. Watkins, the vice-presi-dent, Mr O. Nicholson, of Auckland, occupied the chair. Fortyone delegates were present. President's Report. In presenting this, my last annual report as president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, I do so under a disadvantage, inasmuch that during recent mouths my health has been such that I have had to bow to medical advice and curtail my activities. The racing year now drawing to a close has been full of interest to all concerned in the welfare of the turf in this country. Our thanks are due to Parliament for not passing the Gaming Amendment Bill, which sought to license bookmakers and betting shops in this country. The Racing Conference has for many years endeavoured to convince Parliament that, in order to stabilise the revenue the State derives from racing, and at the same time afford clubs the additional revenue they so much require to operate effectively, the statutory provisions which prevent (a) the telegraphing or remitting of investments on the totalisator through the post, oflice, and (b) the operation of the double totalisator should be repealed. The enactment of such desirable legislation would also be a body-blow to the illegal bookmaker. Naturally the Government. as well as the conference and clubs, is vitally interested in the well-being of racing, and has been embarrassed by the decline in racing revenue, which means so much to the State. It has been my duty during the past, as well as in previous depression years, to approach the Government for some casing of the burden of taxation. I desire to state with emphasis that the Government, generally. Ministers for the Crown, as well as heads and other responsible officers of Government departments affected, have at all times £iven me every opportunity of stating our case, and very sympathetic consideration. We must realise the difficulty in which the Government is placed in times like these in agreeing to any remission in rates of taxation unless it can be shown beyond doubt, either that a decreased rate will in fact produce more revenue, or that the continuance of the high rate will imperil the existence of the source of revenue.

In making racing clubs the concession of a refund of 1 per cent, on the totalisator duty, the Government has undoubtedly done something of material help to us, for which the thanks of the conference and clubs are due to it. I trust that the period of this concession will be extended. It seems to me that unless there is a further serious decline in the revenue of clubs from the totalisator, indicating that the public can no longer bear the present rates of taxation, it will be hopeless to expect the Government to reduce those rates, unless it seizes the opportunity, to which I have referred above, of exploiting other means of raising substantial additional racing revenue without taxation. Win and Place Betting. During the early part of the year the executive committee, acting in pursuance of the powers bestowed upon it at our last annual meeting, made regulations which permitted clubs to compute dividends on the win and place system of betting. I am happy to say the adoption of this system of wagering has been an unqualified success. With the snort time at their disposal to make provision for the changed system, clubs have endeavoured to meet the requirements of their patrons, and I desire to convey to the racegoing public of this country our appreciation of the splendid sporting spirit shown by them in putting up with some inconvenience when making their wagers under the new system. No doubt each club will use its best endeavour to provide the necessary facilities to meet the convenience of its patrons who desire to use the win and place system. It is pleasing to record the success of New Zealand bred horses in other parts of the world. Once again I wish to appeal to the breeders and owners of thoroughbred mares in this Dominion to notify the keeper of the stud book of the coverings and foalings of their brood mares. Regulations have been made which require this information to be furnished not later than February 28 in each year and the penalties for failure are that the unregistered foal will not appear in the stud book and registration for racing purposes may be refused. These penalties should not be overlooked by breeders. The executive committee last year decided to postpone for one year the publication of Vol. XII. of the New Zealand Stud Book solely on account of the expense. I trust this conference will very carefully consider the wisdom of any further postponement of a publication of such great value to all concerned in the industry of horse-breeding, which is an industry of national import. By the deaths of -pur vice-president, Mr H. O. Nolan, and Messrs W. E. Bidwill, C. F. Vallance. and C. A. Brown, we have lost staunch friends who were with the highest ideals both on and off the turf. These gentlemen were all at various times representatives on the conference, and gave much of their valuable time to the welfare of racing. I have also to record the deaths of Messrs G. D. Greenwood and W. G. Stead, who were two very prominent supporters ol racing: and breeding in this country. Mr Oliver Nicholson was appointed vice-president of the executive committee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr H. O. Nolan. Appeal Judges. We have to thank Sir Chas. Clifford, Bart., Sir Walter Stringer, K.C.M.G., Messrs A. T. Donnelly, George Gould, H. F. Johnston, K.C., H. F. O'Leary, Eric L. Riddiford, W. Perry, C. S. Thomas, Chas. W. Tringham and D. E. Wanklyn for consenting to act as judges on appeals lodged with the conference. In being able to secure the voluntary services of men held in such high esteem to act as judges under our rules we are indeed fortunate. I strongly recommend the conference not to interfere with the present system of appointing appeal judges when such capable men are willing to give their time and services in the interests of racing. The executive committee has submitted for your approval a motion to transfer the powers, duties, and functions of the dates and licensing committees to the executive committee. This proposal has my hearty support. I am satisfied that the burden placed upon your president can be lightened very considerably if this motion is carried. The work of the licensing and dates committees in between an* nual meetings has been in recent years carried out by correspondence, and I suggest that the time has arrived when this unwieldy system should be altered in the manner proposed by the executive committee. During the year we lost the services of Mr A. P. Wilson, chairman of the stipendiary stewards, who was appointed to a similar position by the Queensland Turf Club. Mr Wilson rendered valuable services to racing during his term of office with the conference, and we were sorry to lose such an efficient officer. Mr C. Comer, of Victoria, was appointed by the

executive committee to fill the vacancy, and it is satisfactory to report that with Messrs B. N. Sandilands and G. E. Curry the good work of the stipendiary stewards is being maintained. Unfortunately Mr Curry has been laid aside by illness for the last three months. The racecourse inspectors continue to carry out their duties in a very efficient and painstaking manner. They deserve the thanks of all concerned in the welfare of racing. The reinstatement of some classic races which were dropped out of programmes is pleasing to record. The motion by the Canterbury Jockey Club, that a hack handicap flat race of not less distance than one mile and a quarter shall be included in the programme of a two-day meeting held between September 1 and May 31 following inclusive, would be a very desirable addition to our rules. General Trust Fund. We have to thank Mr ,J. G. Duncan, one of the general trustees of the general trust fund, for the valuable voluntary services given by him, more especially during the last few months, when lie has been called upon to attend a mass of detail of administration. Owing to pressure of business Mr Duncan has resigned office as one of the general trust fund trustees. The general trust fund is a most valuable fund in the interests of owners and their employees. The fee of £1 now charged for owners to qualify for the benefits of the fund is, f consider, the minimum fee which can safely be fixed. I cannot conclude without th; nking representatives to the conference, the members of the various conference, district, and club committees and all stipendiary and honorary officers connected with racing, Ministers of the Crown and officers of Government departments associated with racing, for their unfailing lie]p and many acts of courtesy to me. My burden has been considerably lightened by the goodwill and active help of ali with whom the duties of president have brought me in touch. Among so many it would, with one exception, be unfair to particularise; that one exception is our secretary, Mr H. R. Sellers. Long before the executive committee came into being or I became vice-president, I knew the value of his services to racing. During my terms of office as vice-president and president I have come to realise just how much racing in genera] and any holder of the high offices of the conference in particular, owes to Mr Sellers's ability, integrity and loyalty, and his enthusiasm for his work. No trouble is too much for him, no task too heavy. I am personally deeply indebted to him, and l feel that my successor's task will be very materially lightened by Mr Sellers's encyclopaedic knowledge and the never failing helo of him and his staff. Retirement from Office. R i- s almost needless for me to say that. I vacate office with very genuine feelings of regret. I was greatly honoured by being chosen to succeed Sir George Clifford to an oflicc, the prcstige of which owed so much to nis personal occupancy of it over so many years. That in itself made the task of his successor the heavier; but racing has been with me, as with Sir George himselt the nobby and the enjoyment of a lifetime. It has given me, with all its worries, pleasure that would not otherwise have been mine. If I liave succeeded in doing anything for racing to that extent I am glad that 1 have been able to repay my debt to it. Considerations of health alone compel me to lay aside the responsibilities of office, whether as president or in some other capacity. But, free from responsibility, I hope for some years to retain a still unabated interest in the sport, not only of kings, but of the great public, whose lively interest keeps it a living force in our national life. To whomever in your wisdom you choose as my successor, I tender "the best of good wishes and the hope that during his term ot office racing may emerge from the depression that, but for the enthusiasm and loyalty of ail concerned, might well have overwhelmed it. General Business. The following special resolutions' were carried:— "That the dates and licensing committees of the conference be abolished and the powers, duties, and functions of those committees under the rules of racing be transferred to the executive committee." "That the fees payable to jockeys shall be in relation to the value of the money exclusive of any other prize payable to the owner." Previously the fees were based on the value of the trophies as well as the owner's stake. The motion to reduce the amounts to be won by horses before being elevated from hack company ' evoked some discussion. Dr. M. G. Louisson, who proposed the motion, said the reduction was necessary while the stakes were so low as at present. Horses were now able to remain in the hack class too long, and open races were feeling the effect. The secretary (Mr H. R. Sellers) in reply to a question said that under the present rule clubs had the power to frame conditions to meet ihe position by limiting some races to horses that had not won a stipulated amount, the fixing of which would be in the hands of the club. The motion was put to the,conference and the voting was 25 for and 21 | against, but the necessary threefourths majority was not obtained and the motion was lost. On the recommendation of (he dates committee the following resolution was passed: "That consideration ot the laumarunui Racing Club's application for dates for two days 1 racing be deferred until the next meeting of the dates committee, in the meantime the Taumarunui Racing Club to furnish evidence of the payment of stakes at present unpaid and its ability to pay arrears of conference levies, and to carry on successfully as a racing club " A motion by the Marton Club that on each day between March 1 and Sep--lat ° ne steeplechase or hurdle race be included in a programme was lost.

r , n h £, H lOl -! 011 of the Canterbury Jockey Club, it was decided that in if , Ca u C u f V »°" £ ? ay mc eting any day of which falls in the period from September 1 to May 31, a hack handicap flat race of no less a distance than one mile must be included in the progr^™,m,e' The original remit provided for the distance being one mile and a quarter, but at the suggestion of some North Island delegates this was reduced to one mile.

Win and Place Betting. r. em it by the Canterbury Club regarding regulations governing the win and place system of computing dividends was withdrawn at the suggestion of the chairman, who said that an arrangement was expected to be made between the Trotting Conference and the Racing Conference for the introduction of a uniform system of win and place betting on racing and trotting courses throughout the Dominion, which would be in the best interests of the public. Another motion by the same club that in the case of clubs operating both manual and automatic totalisator machines the manual machine may be closed three minutes before the closing of the automatic machine was lost. The Southland Racing Club proposed that the accident fee of £1 be reduced to 10s. This was lost on the voices. The Waikato Racing Club's proposal that the distance for all open hurdle ibces be not less than one mile and three-quarters was negatived. It was resolved that all racing clubs be circularised requesting them to enforce more rigidly the rule which governs the time when horses are ordered from the birdcage to the starting post. The Waverley Racing Club moved: "That jockeys' and trainers' licenses should admit the holder to any racecourse, and that in lieu of a printed license a badge be issued." This met with a good deal of support, but was not carried. A proposal regarding insuring clubs against loss by wet weather was negatived.

An application by R. A. Powell, of Dargaville, for the remission of the remainder of the three years' disqualification imposed on him in connexion with the Bronze Tray case was refused. A similar application by L. H. Watson, of Australia, in connexion with his'life disqualification arising from the Royal Survey case, was also declined.

Election of Officers. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr A. C. Hanlon, K.C, Mr J S. McLeod, of Hastings, was elected president for the ensuing year. Other officers were elected as follows: Vice-president, Mr O. Nicholson (Auckland): executive committee, Messrs L. W. Nelson (Auckland district), A. C. Hanlon, K.C. (Dunedin), D. E. Wanklyn (Canterbury), T. E. Coates (Greymouth), G. D. Beatson (Hawke's Bay), W. T. Hazlett (Southland), J. McLeod (Taranaki), J. H. Ferrett iWanganui), and E. L. Riddiford iWellington). The chairman moved that the meeting place on record its deep sense of the obligation which racing in New Zealand owed to Mr O. S. Watkins for his many years of devoted service, liisi as a representative to the conference, then as a valued member at various times of every conference committee, as a conference appeal judge, as the first vice-president, and linally as president, and expresses to him its sincere wish that he will long be spared to enjoy the leisure he has so well earned. A letter of appreciation is also to be sent to Mr J. G. Duncan, who recently resigned from the position of a trustee of the general trust fund after many years service.

DATES FOR MEETINGS. DECISION'S OF THE RACING CONFERENCE. imr.SS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, July 12. At the meeting of the New Zealand Racing Conference yesterday, dates submitted by racing and hunt clubs using the totalisator, for holding race meetings during the 1933-34 year, were approved, subject to the following amendments: — Taranaki Hunt Club —September 2 in lieu of August 26. Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club —August 19 in lieu of August 30. Manawatu Racing Club—July 28 in lieu of September 3. Otago Hunt Club—September 2 in lieu of September 3. Mastcrton Racing Club —October 14 in lieu of October 13 and 14. Banks Peninsula Racing Club —October 28. Auckland Racing Club—November 4 and C. Winton Jockey Club—December 1 and 2 in lieu of November 24 or 25, or November 17 and 18. Feilding Jockey Club—November 30, December 2. Woodville District Jockey Club— December 9 and 11 in lieu of December 6 and 7. Foxton Racing Club—December 16 and June 9, in lieu of December 13 and 14. Oamaru Jockey Club—January 2. Reefton Jockey Club—January 6 and 8 in lieu of January 5 and 6. Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Club— January 22 in lieu of January 23. Wairoa Racing Club—January 25and 27 in lieu of February 1 and 3. Poverty Bay Turf Club—February 3. Egmont Racing Club—February 1 and 3 in lieu of February 8 and 10. Taranaki Jockey Club—February 8 and 10 in Jicu of February 15 and 17. Clifden Racing Club—February 17, provided the club races on its own coursr- on that date. Opunake Racing Club—March 17. Rangitikei Racing Club—February 28 and March 1 in lieu of March 6 and 7. Masterton Racing Club—April 13 and 14 in lieu of March 9 and 10. Waikato Racing Club—March 8 and 10 in lieu of March 10 and 11.. Manawatu Racing Club—March' 21 and 22. Pahiatua Racing Club—January 31 and February 1 in lieu of March 27 and 28. Hawkes Bay Jockey Club—March Wanganui Jockey Club—May 10 and 12 in lieu of May 17 and 19. Christchurch Hunt Club—Not granted July 28, but this day will be carried forward to August 4 for the 1934-35 season. Bay of Plenty Jockey Club— Granted one day's racing formerly allotted to the Waipapakauri Racing Club, and March 26 was granted as the date for this meeting. Applications by the following clubs for extra days' racing could not be gianted as there were no spare days of racing available for allocation:— Taranaki Jockey Club, Carterton Racing Club, Matamata Racing Club Stratford Racing Club, Waipa Racing Club Ohmemuri Jockey Club, Franklin Racing Club, Woodville District Jockey Club, Greymouth Jockey Club Avondale Jockey Club, Rotorua Racing Club. Protests against Hawke's Bay beine granted March 31 were made on be? | Clubs Wairarapa and Feilding ar s el,c lmcnt was moved by Mr J W. Card that the report of the dates committee be adopted, with the exI ce £,l lon the Hawke's Bay date | ihe amendment was lost.

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT.

ASHBURTON POINT-TO-POINT. Hie handicaps for tho point-to-point meeting of tho Ashburton branch of the Christchurch Ilunl, to bo held on Saturday, arc as follows: lII'NTERS' TRIAL KG .AN MEMORIAL CUP I for horses (he property of members of any hunt club. Plain Jano Klfin I'oJJv PoacJinjn Rambler Rus.s'*tt integrity J>anr]y p ommandcr <K ' <S Kxrbanso Rufus B nba JinjrJer MacDnff Haldon C< randpicco MAIDEN STEE PL E 011 AS E HANDICAP. Open to horses that have never won an advertised race or been in a licensed trainer's hands. Two miles nnd a half. St. lb. st. lb. Ace High ..11 7 Trumps . . 11 0 Whisp ..II 7 Aviator ..11 0 'loi . . 11 7 Dandy ..11 0 Darkey Boy 11 0 FLAT HANDICAP, Open -to horses that have not been in a licensed trainer's hands for six months. Seven furlongs. st. lb. B t. lb. Homecoming 12 0 Lndy Love 11 5 Vintage ..11 7 Reveller ..11 0 John Peel ..11 7 OPEN* STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, chal. lenge cup valued nt 25 guineas, presented by the late Mr ,T. C. N. Grigg. Horses lliat have hunted in three hunts in 1933. Three miles. » st. lb. st. lb. "M.irco Tolo 12 0 Guililemus 11 0 Haldon .. 11 10 Waiting Maid 11 0 Ealoose ..11 5 Aco Pot ..11 0 John Peel ..11 5

X.Z. TROTTING CONFERENCE.

ANNUAL MEETING. MR 11. F. NICOLL RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT. II'EESS ASSOCIATION 'IEIXGRAM.) WELLINGTON, July 12. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Conference was held to-day, the president, Mr H. F. Nicoll, presiding. President's Address. The president, in his address, referred to the deaths of Messrs Louis Cohen, R. W. Short, Walter Stopford, C J. Schnauer, and B. P. McMahan, former members, and their services to trotting. The racing throughout the year had been of a high order. The decision to continue the/emission of 1 per cent, of the tax for a further b At thc l c h o e lienc m cment of the season clubVweie Vncularised regarding the yimual levy, and relief was given to ihis from the small reserve the con Sincehad built up, together with £SOO voted by the current season's levy wa, ahout i £2oo less than that of 1930-31. .I* 11 ? the result of drastic economies m the cost of administration, all salaries and expenses having been reduced to a minimum. It was regretted that there vere no further avenues of economy in sight. Bookmakers. "As I mentioned in my last address, <;aid the president, "I have never said much on the subject, of bookmakers. It is an extraordinarily difficult suoicct in New Zealand, because while the laws of the Dominion prohibit bookmaking, the police feel that they have not the co-operation of the general public in enforcing the law, and juries will rarely convict a bo<3kmaker. A statute of repression, which apparently cannot be enforced, merely exposes itself to public contempt. We all agree that excessive gambling has evil effects, just as excess of any kind can be demoralising, but experience has proved that excess cannot be stopped by making moderate indulgence illegal. The advocates of repression will not face the facts. While an enormous majority is convinced that lotteries and betting are an innocent means of pleasure, it is impossible to prevent them from being carried on. vou cannot change opinion by laws of prohibition. All that can thus be effected is contempt for the law, producing new evils. There was a worldwide example of this in the United States of America in the attempt to enforce prohibition of liquor. The evils of such repression resulted in greater evils arising, and so impoverished the country that the Government was compelled to amend the statutes, after gigantic efforts to enforce the law had failed. Let the Government then prohibit the bookmaker if they are able to enforce the law; otherwise, they should reconsider their attitude for the welfare of the people. One cannot, or should not, fight facts, and that in human nature there is an ineradicable instinct for some means of expression in gaming is undoubted. That the moral fabric of the nation is unimpaired is equally clear; it remains therefore for a paternal government to rule and guide these human instincts upon the safest and least harmful lines, which in the opinion of our conference to-day, is, in the racing world, towards the totalisator, which form of betting fully protects the public from abuse, and it would be exceedingly difficult to adduce any evidence to show that those who invest their money on the totalisator suffer any of that moral or material hurt, the alleged peril of which is the main ground of its opponents' efforts to curtail its use. Win and Place Betting. "This system of computing dividends was brought into operation by some of the racing clubs early this year, and your executive, noting the immediate success thereof, conferred with the Racing Conference Executive with the desire to arrange to work together under a uniform plan. It was decided to adopt certain regulations which had been created by the Racing Executive, and we have to thank them for their assistance and courtesy in allowing us to make use of their tables. "There have naturally been criticisms and suggestions for alterations in the details of the new system, and there is a remit on the order paper to be considered. Everyone has his own idea, and curiously enough 1 communicated with our executive recently in order to obtain their ideas and suggestions regarding any improvements to the scheme under which we are at present working, but as every member had a different suggestion to make, it appeared to me that the best plan would probably be to allow the existing measure to run for the coming year, and that by next July we would have the necessary experience, by results, to enable us to alter and amend the regulations as might prove to be advisable. Also, if you decide to approve of the new rule 419 a, brought forward by your executive to-day,, there will be power to vary the rules and regulations pertaining to win and place betting at any time if it should be so desired. New World's Records. "The calibre of the horses racing on | ihe New Zealand tracks is improving. This is partly due to those owners who have gone far afield to import the best of stock, and in no small part to the increased attention given by owners and trainers to the education and feeding of the horses from the time, they are weaned, and to the better understanding of the gaiting aud shoeing of them. "New records this season have been established as follQvvs:—At the New Brighton spring meeting, in the one and a quarter mile event, Harold Logan ran third, his time being 2min 38 2-ssec, reducing by two-fifths of a second the world's record previously held by another New Zealander, Peter Bingen. The following month at Addington the record was again broken by Roi l'Or, who was driven to vic-

Tory bv that great horseman, Free Holmes." Roi l'Or, in winning the race in 2min 38 l-ssec, beat Harold Logan by a neck, and reduced that horse's record by one-fifth of a second. Later, at the Easter meeting at Addington, Roi l'Or gained the distinction of again breaking the record, winning the High Class Handicap (one and a quarter miles) in 2min 37 l-ssec, beating his previous record by one second, a most brilliant performance. Going back to the November carnival at Addington, Wrackler—that versatile horse—put up the greatest one and a half mile performance ever seen in the Dominion, his time, 3min 15 2-ssec (trotting), being a world's race record for pacers and trotters. Yet another world's record was broken within six months by Lindbergh, at the Ashburton autumn races, when he ran second in 3min 13 l-ssec, beating Wrackler's record by more than two seconds. Such a series of great performances are events of which we can _ justly take pride, and proves once again that trotting in New Zealand is holding its own with all countries where our sport is established.

Handicapping. "The system of handicapping which is now in its fourth year has stood the test of time. When we look around at other countries we find that they all appear to be more or less in trouble, whatever their systems may be, and that owners and trainers are continually protesting against the handicapping of their horses. In New Zealand the regulations under which the handicapping is being administered are giving almost universad satisfaction; but, and it is a big but, we do find owners and trainers occasionally finding fault with the different interpretations given by the several handicappers to the system. We have had considerable experience at this stage of the vagaries of handicappers; some do not appear able to grasp the essence of the regulations and others do not keep proper records. It will be noted in the order paper that it is proposed to bring in new rules giving your executive power to appoint one or more handicappers and assistants, where necessary, and to levy upon clubs for payment of their salaries and expenses. Although this _ remit stands in the name of the president, it really emanates from the stipendiary stewards' committee, who, however, under the rules are unable directly to propose new rules to the conference. "Clubs have no idea of the time that has been £#en and the work entailed in checking and correcting handicaps issued by some handicappers. The work of handicapping is already centralised as a fact because all handicaps are checked by an officer of the association, and your stipendiary stewards committee consider it would be very much wiser to have th'is regularised under the rules, more especially as the new arrangements suggested will not only undoubtedly give greater satisfaction to owners and trainers, as is evidenced by the unanimous support given to the proposed new rule by the Canterbury Owners' and Breeders Association, but also if adopted they will result in a saving to clubs under this heading. The existing system has undoubtedly made for better and keener racing, owners and horsemen are quite content to run their horses right out, and nowadays we hear no complaints concerning fast tracks and the aisinclination to start horses thereon. It has improved the racing all round. Horsemen. "There is a matter that needs consideration, namely, the grading _ of horsemen. It is a question concerning which the stipendiary stewards have reported to your executive on several occasions during the last two or three years, and the conference might well give an indication relating to their views upon the subject. We all know how when observing a fast class harness race, we view with wonder the almost uncanny skill of the drivers, and with a big field bunched together—often with only fractions of an inch dividing the sulky wheels one from the other—how they emerge time after time without an accident or a collision. The suggestion is that horsemen should be classified somewhat on the following lines: —A grade licenses, holders eligible to drive in every clap of race; B grade, holders eligible to drive in all races slower than say line 32 or thereabouts; and C grade, holders eligible to drive in all classes slower than line 24 or as may be fixed. Such a system would not only serve to protect clubs and horsemen from immature and incompetent drivers m the faster class races, but would also serve another useful purpose, inasmuch as the stipendiary stewards report that, more recently, judicial committees, when considering breaches of the rules by horsemen, are inclined to be easy in their treatment with offenders, considering that a heavy fine, suspension or disqualification inflicts too severe a punishment, because owing to the existing hard times, such a punishment probably would leave the offender stranded and unable to obtain a living outside of his profession. With some such system obtaining, a suitable penalty might be exercised by reducing the horseman from his grade to a lower one, and such a punishment, whilst not depriving the offender of his living, would probably have a more deterring effect, as judicial committees would be more ready to do strict justice than under our present rules, and horsemen would feel keenly the loss of prestige through being relegated to a lower grade. "Such a scheme would not in any manner handicap clubs. There are sufficient horsemen who would commence in the A grade to meet all calls for that class of racing, and in any event country clubs could not suffer, as with their slower class races, whilst A grade drivers could compete in all races, the B and C classes would also be eligible to drive in races say up to 2min 14sec, 3min 24sec, and 4min 35sec speed and C classes to 2min 18sec, 3min 29sec, and 4min 43sec. The suggestion as to classes named is, of course, purely tentative; the classification could be arranged if the conference should approve the idea. I fully intended to bring a new rule forward upon these lines, but regret that it was overlooked. Delegates may approve of debating this question during our session. "Our Vice-President." "It is with a sad heart that I have to report the resignation of our old friend Mr John Rowe from the position of vice-president of the conference, owing to ill-health. The name of John Rowe is a household one throughout the trotting world in New Zealand. President of the Auckland Trotting Club for many years, president of the conference for 11 years —from 1911 to 1922—and vice-president since then for a further period of 11 years, is an achievement and record beyond compare in New Zealand trotting history. Mr Rowe has done much for trotting;

a man of proved executive ability, he has given freely of his time for this benefit of the sport. To my mind a&: outstanding virtue in his character his great loyalty and good fellowship. What better example could I quote than his attitude towards your prealdent. Displaced from the position .of • president as he was in 1922 by the majority vote of the conference, Mr Rowe immediately accepted the position and continued to devote the san» whole-hearted service at all times tofurther the best interests of trotting, 1 Of his loyalty and assistance to myself I can find no words worthy tJt his honour. He has proved to be un* ceasingly a sincere friend and * staunch supporter of my regime, and I owe him warm thanks for maqj? acts of kindness and for his logical and sound advice whenever appealed, to. I beg to move a vote of sympathy to Mr Rowe in his illness, with a very sincere hope that he will speedily xtr gain his health and strength, and X am sure that we all look forward at some future date to welcome him amongst us as a guest if he is unable > to reappear as a delegate. 4 , "In conclusion I am happy in feelr" ing justified to strike an optimistic note as regards our future. The l&rt year has shown sig;ns that, in cases, the clubs are gradually recover* ing and there are some unmistakable , signs of returning prosperity to tftf sport. We find occasionally that , meant but ill-informed arguments ari& in opposition to racing, but the sjjjK-, pathy of the community is with tjfc'> What a dull, drab life it would t* without the diversion which is created through the sport of racing, wldtik gives so many people something look forward to—a variation and departure from the daily toiL Tta|'. is one sound reason why racing WflL' always deserve and earn the support' ' of the people. This entertainment jm*,* the common advantage of what m doctors call alterative—it tunes steV tbe body and it takes one out of oh?*"self and gives the mind a few hastfr> v during which its daily preoccupatibtiU are banished. Even when to-day is assured by Government regnM-f tions, the need of a complete chaSSIW, of environment and thought is * itffo; antidote to fanaticism- Fanatics ptpf 8 solitaries, people who brood problem; but when they come- l -W|L mingle on the racecourse they not really hate one another becraf** they enjoy racing in company. Racftjk% is a prime safeguard of nations unity, and a specific against revtifeJl tion. Racing and trotting have prawrijjj themselves in New Zealand. It is'zwf lised that the administrative live to provide clean sport, though abuses may occur they cannot flourish or continue untief" * the supervision constantly; pjQfperatlnS- & Time has judged the work dtthis coo- t ference, which is ever exercised in tbe f desire to elevate and strengthen -V traditions of sportsmanship, wnicb-lfi® the heritage of our people." General Business. \§|v The interpretation of the word "•WiSfe dicapper" was altered to read: "Haiijpf' capper means a person to whomi|rap annual license for the purpose of'nfgllf dicapping is granted by the stipei§||p ary stewards committee on or mBS August 1 of any racing year." The following addition was rule 11: "Every club shall be rejjJjflgl® sented at meetings of the by one of its own members or afßqi§«i§s but with the permission of the ference it may be represented by soM|| other person." - ' r !^Sa The question of the regulation of Jj||i system of win and place totalisw«Sl betting was left in the hands of executive to negotiate with the ertW® tive of the Racing Conference, the view to establishing a uniform tem of dividend-paying, in respect of the pool in the cases|® dead-heats. • . The conference gave power toJflpß stipendiary stewards' committee point one or more persons to handicapper or handicappers for riffliS on such terms, with such power* subject to such conditions as the cartjjffi mittee might prescribe. A Hawke's Bay remit was cancW® that, subject to the approval <rf Racing Conference, any club shall-.fcgj§| entitled to include not more than hack races for gallopers on each programme. f * J Mr J. Rowe, of Auckland, elected the first honorary life of the conference. It was decided that the totalisator licenses be on the sMSip basis as last year. yk* j i Election of Officers. 1 The following officers were electedtv. President, Mr H. F. Nicoll ton), re-elected for the twelfth yearJN? succession; vice-president, Mr B. w*' Irwin (Dunedin); executive, Messi? ? W. Perry (Wellington), C. M. OlUvk* (Christchurch), and H. MoriWT (Auckland). £ Mr J. P. Stratton, president of t»s West Australian Trotting Association.:? said he had been wonderfully with the harmony In which men coo* $ trolling trotting in New ZealMw/ 1 I worked. In Western Australia the'W* $ 1 sociation worked on similar lines I®jjt New Zealand, and it also looked w New Zealand as the light by which w| could be guided. He appreciate J deeply the very true sense of sporte- » manship which had been instilled trotting in New Zealand, and he wouMi go back to Australia with a highe* k opinion than ever of New Zealand 1 ! trotting £