Remark by Mr Rolfe causes resentment

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 8

Remark by Mr Rolfe causes resentment

"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND.

Strong resentment to a reported statement by the president of the Trotting Conference (Mr R. J. Rolfe) was expressed at the annual meeting of the North Island branch of the Trotting Horsemen* and Trainers’ Association.

Mr J. K. Hughes said that Mr Rolfe had been quoted in the “New Zealand Trotting Calendar” as saying that professionals in trotting were “for the money they get out of it,” when opposing a remit that professionals be allowed to become members of trotting clubs. “A grocer would not go to a draper for advice on how to run his business,” said Mr Hughes. “There are men who

have spent a lifetime in the business of trotting, yet, because they are professionals, they cannot be belong to clubs and so assist trotting.”

Messrs J. E. Davies, D. N. Hayes, C. S. Hunter, and C. M. Bumie were among the speakers who supported Mr Hughes.

Mr Davies said it was common for committeemen of clubs to approach professional trainers for their views on programmes and other matters concerning trotting. “Yet, we are not good enough to be welcome members of clubs. We only want to help and we feel we could help.” Mr Hayes questioned the position of studmasters ,who were not trainers. “Aren’t they professionals?” It was decided unanimously that a letter be sent to the New Zealand association deploring Mr Rolfe’s remarks and asking that the parent body take up the matter with the Trotting Conference.