MR W. R. JONES DEAD

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28616, 19 June 1958, Page 4

MR W. R. JONES DEAD

Well Known In Southland The death has occurred at Gore of Mr W. R. Jones, one of Southland’s best-known lacing and trotting personalities. He was 7<i years of age. He was also keenly interested in agricultural shows and was an exhibitor and judge for many years. He judged at two Royal shows— Palmerston North and Invercargill. Mr Jones was a first-class amateur rider on the flat at the turn of the centurv. He always rode horses trained hy his father. These included Vixen, Waimea and Port Fire. He was credited with nine wins from 10 rides, including seven in one day' at Cattle Fiat. Mr Jones did most of the riding and driving for the late Mr W. N. Wilson, a well-known trotting owner, and he won many races in his colours. In 1915 he won the Gore Handicap with Quadron. Mr Jones was also associated for a time with Cathedral Chimes, and won six races with him.

From 1935 until 1957 Mr Jones was a member of the committee of the Gore Trotting Club, and he was its president for the 1941-42 season. For 18 years he was the club’s starter, his successor being his son. Mr A. I. Jones. His other son. Mr J. Jones, is starter for the Roxburgh Trotting Club.

Mr Jones was also starter for seven years for the Gore Racing Club, and acted in a similar capacity for the Beaumont. Tapanui and Cromwell clubs. He was elected a life member of the Gore Trotting Club in 1957.