Mobile Start Dispute Leads To Resignation

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32082, 2 September 1969, Page 4

Mobile Start Dispute Leads To Resignation

"The Press’* Special Service DUNEDIN. Mr V. C. Anngow, acting president of the Otago Trotting Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association far the last six months, declined nomination as president, or as a member of the committee, at the annual meeting of the association at Forbury Park last week. “In a democracy the majority decision must stand. What I am concerned about is that some affiliates of this national body have advised at least two trotting clubs that should they programme for mobile starts, these will not be supported by their: members,” he said. “Perhaps by coincidence onlv. the New Zealand Horsemen’s Association have advised the clubs similarly. “As an example of the unfair attitude of the affiliates they state that they are not interested in what the North Island or Southland decide on in the way of starting techniques. “As a delegate to the national body meetings. I felt that I was representing Otago on a national organisation, but it now appears that these dominating affiliates are only interested in Canterbury and Otago. “This to my way of thinking is too parochial to be of anv consequence or for that matter to be of any help or advancement to the trotting sport in New Zealand.

“Because of my association with the Forbury Park Trotting Club I find I cannot accept an executive position on the Otago association.

"If I did so I would have two conflicting loyalties under the conditions which are prevailing.

“My time and energy can now be channelled only towards my club, thus avoiding the embarrassing and personally frustrating situations which arise when one is connected with two such similar organisations. “I cannot tolerate this dictatorial attitude towards clubs which I am sure is to the detriment of the whole sport." Democratic Manner

Mr G. J. Morrison, president ef the New Zealand Trotting Owners. Trainers and Breeders Association, said that the meeting which discussed use of mobile barriers was held in a democratic manner but some of the associations did not take the trouble to be present or represented to full strength.

The Canterbury association was weH prepared and unknown to the remainder of the meeting it had already held a meeting with the New Brighton club. With the horsemen’s association. it was against the use of the mobile barrier. Mr Morrison said the meeting

was planned for Friday, but after the meeting it-was learned that the Mid Canterbury, the Canterbury and the North Otago-South Canterbury associations had seen fit to meet the committee of the New Brighton club and issue an u9ttan*tUm regarding mobile, starts on the programme the previous day. The motion was only a remit to the Trotting Conference, but the three associations were not satisfied to let the remit follow its natural course, but again met members of the New Brighton club on the Saturday to pressure them into discarding the mobile barrier. Mr Morrison said that part of the blame for what had happened at Christchurch could be, placed at the door of the New Zealand Trotting Conference. He said: "Months ago the conference stated that it intended to hold a discussion with owners, trainers and horsemen regarding the mobile barrier but this had not been done. The result was the unhappy state of events at the present time."

Mr L. Duff, president of ths Forbury Park Trotting Club and an Otego delegate at the meeting in Christchurch, said:

“There Is a definite place in trotting for the mobile start. "At the meeting the majority of those present decided that a letter be sent to the conference asking that the mobile start be discontinued, but there was no mention of a boycott of clubs.”

Mr Duff’s motion: “That a letter be sent to the conference condemning the attitude of those seeking to boycott the mobile starting events on club programmes." was carried by an overwhelming majority.

RICHMOND HILL. Women. Fred Hamper Trophy, bisque bogey, bronze A: Mrs D. Treleaven, 4 up-. Mrs D. Stemmer, 3 up; Mrs J. Hughes, 3 up. Bronze B: Mrs K. Jameson, 4 up, on a count-baek from -Mrs M. Gibbons, 4 up: Mrs H. Scott, 3 up. C grade: Mrs J. Shaw, 5 up; Mrs R. Claxton, 4 up; Mrs B. Mather, I up. Men, stroke: N. Gray. 59, 5—84: H. Gatens, 81. 18—65; x Williamson. 78, 12 —B6. Bogey, senior: J, Wood. 4 up; T. Thin, 2 up; P. Murdoch. 1 up. Intermediate: N. Turner, 6 up; H. Weatherhead, 5 up; V. Rush, 4 up. Junior A: R. Claxton, 4 up; N. Phillips, 2 up; I. Clarke, all square; M. Shaw, all square. Junior B: D. Stammer, 8 up: J. Stevenson, 4 up; I. Smith. 1 up.