N.Z. Harness Horse Association seeks representation again

Press, 2 July 1986, Page 44

N.Z. Harness Horse Association seeks representation again

By

G. K. Yule

There is growing opinion that the New Zealand Harness Horse Association will after this year have the right to be represented at annual meetings of the Trotting Conference with the same voting rights as full totalisator and on-course only clubs.

Twelve months ago the association, through remits sponsored by the Marlborough Club, was unsuccessful in its quest to secure even wider rights. Again, at next week's annual meeting of the conference to be held in Wellington, the Marlborough Club will sponsor a series of remits aimed at securing the right to be represented at annual meetings in the same manner as registered clubs. The association was formed to represent the three national kindred bodies covering standardbred breeders, horsemen and owners, trainers and breeders. The conference executive said at the time of the formation of the association that it would

receive representations only from one body on behalf of interested groups singly or collectively. This would take place subject to the three bodies “putting their houses in order.” If that still applies the chances of success of the remits this year must be in the balance. The problem appears to arise in the ranks of the national organisation, the Trotting Owners, Trainers and Breeders’ Association. The Southland branch has for some time refused to participate in national affairs, while the Canterbury and Motukarara groups have given notice of withdrawing from the New Zealand association. The Canterbury and

Motukarara letters of resignation will not be considered until the annual meeting of the national association in November. The president of the Hamess Horse Association, Mr Bevan Smith, has spoken extensively to Southland and Canterbury splinter associations and feels he has made some progress towards having them rejoin or remain with their national body. Mr Smith pointed out that many of the members of the splinter owners and breeders’ groups had joined up with his association. The president of the national owners, trainers and breeders’ organisation, Mr Kevin Ryder, feels that all is not lost

concerning the breakaway groups. “It is quite possible the Canterbury and Motukarara groups will not proceed with their resignations,” said Mr Ryder, who anticipates greater difficulty in encouraging Southland to reioin. The membership of the Southland, Canterbury and Motukarara groups probably accounts for more than half of the national total. The most difficult task facing supporters of the Hamess Horse Association and the Marlborough remits, will be to convince delegates to next week’s annual meeting that there is complete accord within the ranks of the kindred bodies.