THE TURF.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 865, 11 July 1910, Page 5

THE TURF.

N.Z. JOCKEY CLUBS. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. THE GOVERNMENT OF RACING. The annual conference of the New Zealand Jockey Clubs is to bo held in \\ ellington on Thursday week, commencing at 10.30 a.m. Tlio statement of receipts and expenditure of the New Zealand Racing Conferei.ce for the. year ended Juno 30 last shows a credit balance of £84-1 lGs. 10d., as compared with the balance of £212 35.. Bd. on the correspondiug date of last year. The chief items of expenditure were those incurred in advertising and printing, postages, telegrams, and travelling expanses. Tha accident fund is also in a very healthy condition. After claims amounting to £2125 16s. 9d. were paid, there is ii credit balance of £9747 12s. 6d., as against £BSOG log. a year Tho following balances appear to credit bs follow:—Distressed Jockeys' Fund, £260 Is. 6d. (£259 3s. 6d. hst year) ; Trainers' and Jockeys' Disabled Fund, £364 7s. Id. (£350 19s. 4d. last year); Trainers' Provident Fund, £305 18s. Bd. (£292 17s. Bd. last year); Jockeys' Provident Fund, £554 Bb. Bd. (£533 4s. 7d. last year). Full particulars of the varions club provident funds arc also given. Tho balances of the Wellington Racing Club's funds on May 31 are as follow :— Trainers' Provident Fund, £297 7s. 7d. (£3Ol ss. Bd. at end of May, 1909); Jockeys' Provident Fund, £122 16s. 4d. (£l3O Bs. 4d. last year). The chief subject of interest in connection with the conference will be the consideration of the regulations governing tho rule appointing stipendiary stewards. These are set out below, and should be of interest to all sportsmen. The notices of motion, of which there are forty, mainly relate to minor alterations of the rules. Among them nre two motions from tho Canterbury Country Clubs (North) which should evoke "discussion. One of these is: "That the conference take steps to induce the Government to amend the low re bookmakers." The judges appointed by the New Zealand Racing Conference to ' decide upon the petition of Louis Harris for remission of 1 a disqualification imposed upon him arc not unanimous a-s to whether the Rules of Racing give them power to remove such disqualification. They therefore refrain from considering the petition, but recommend that the rules be so amended as to remove any uncertainty on this point.

STIPENDIARY STEWARDS,

THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS. At the annual conference of- New Zealand Jockey Clubs to be held in Wellington on Thursday, July 21, the Stipendiary Stewards' Committee will move as a new Rule 3: —

Stipendiary stewards shall be appointed by the New Zealand Eaemg Conference, or by the committee thereof nominated for that purpose, and with such powers and subject to such regulations as may, from time to time, be conferred or approved by the conference.

The following aire the regulations proposed to be attached to the foregoing rule: —

1. Tho stipendiary. stewards shall be appointed by a committee of tho Racing Conference elected for that purpose by the representatives present at each annual conference. The said committee (hereinafter called the Stipendiary Committee) shall consist of three members. By resolution of the Stipendiary Committee the said committee may delegateto its chairman all or any of tho powers hereby conferred upon them other than the power of appointing stipendiary stewards.

2.'The comraitteo shall have tho power to-discontinue at any tinio the services of the stipendiary stewards, or either of them, on giving one month's notice, or to dismiss them without notice for inefficiency, irregularity of- conduct, disobedience of orders, or infringement of the rules and regulations, or by-laws, and also for (a) the corirtiptly instituting or threatening to institute any inquiry into the running of any horse, or the conduct of any person, (b) The corruptly accepting or offering to accept any money present ehare in a bet, or other benefit as payment for (1) instituting any such inquiry, (2) refraining from instituting any such inquiry. 3. The stipendiary stewards shall be ex officio stewards of every race meeting officially attended by them, but shall not exercise any of tho powers of a steward other than those hereby expressly conferred upon them. ■4. The stipendiary steward shall, whenever requested by the stewards of any race meeting at which he is officially present, give evidence whenever required.

5. The stewards of any club where a stipendiary steward acts, shall, atiis request, investigate any nnitor reported to him. 6. Stipendiary stewards shall be entitled to call and examine witnesses, and to give evidence, but shall not be entitled to vote upon any such inquiry. 7. If the stipendiary stewards shall assign reasons which, satisfy the Stipendiary Committee that a decision arrived at is unsatisfactory, the Stipendiary Committee may direct that the said decision shall be referred to tTie body which, under the rules of racing, would deal with an appeal from, such decision. Such reference shall be carried on in all respects as if an appeal had been lodged against sucii decision, except that the stipendiary steward shall be entitled to attend, and take part in such appeal as if he were a party interested therein under the rules of racing. '

8. The stipendiary steward shall report to the Stipendiary Committee and the chairman of the conference any matter connected with tho racecourses, racing, or conduct of any race meeting he may consider should bo reported. 9. The stipendiary stewards shall, as far as possible, make themselves conversant with and shall report to the Stipendiary Committee and the Licensing Metropolitan Club any improper conduct of any person licensed under the rules of racing, or any matters which the stipendiary stewards may consider might influence such committee in granting, suspending or withholding licenses to the persons in question.

10. The Stipendiary Committee- shall determine the remuneration to lie paid to the stipendiary steward or stewards, such remuneration shall be provided proportionately by the clubs on the gross amount of the fees received from licensed bookmakers added to ono-teiiih of the respective gross totalisator investments during the preceding racing season.

11. The secretary of every club shall furnish to the secretary of'the Racing Conference a statement showing the amount received by his club as fees from bookmakers during the period from August 1 of the then preceding year to July 31 of the then current year. The regulations for the the conduct of stipendiary stewards provide that no itipendiary steward shall engage directly or indirectly in any business connected with the sale, lease, breeding, or management of racehorses or blood st.-ck; directly or indirectly bo interested in the ownership of any racehorse; hot on any event to bo determined at any race meeting*

V.R.C. MEETINC

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLES. NUMEROUS FALLS. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Eec. July 10, 5.5 p.m.) Melbourne, July 9. At the Victoria Racing Club's Grand National meeting, concluded to-day, the following was the result of the GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, of IoUO sovs. Three miles and a furlong. Mr. J. P. Cox's br. g. Grafnax, by Grafton (imp.)—Xantippe, aged, list. 1211) 1 Mr. G. Smith's Generality, lOst, 81b. 2 Mr. E. Morgan's Lycaon (itio. 71b. pwialty), 9sl. 121b 3

Also started: Kipon, 12st.. 01b.; Confederate, 12st. Gib.; Nigel, 12st.; Workmaster, list. 101b.; Seymour, list. 51b.; Harvest, list. 3b.; Kororoit, lOst. lOlb.; Stately, lOst. 31b.; Rannock, lOst. lib.; Squirm, 9st. 71b.; Dovonport, 9st. 71b.; Eyot, 9st. 51b. ; Billiards, 9st.; and Hiverbank, 9st. Bannock, Squirm, and Grafnax wero first away. Grafuax took the lead over the first 'obstacle from Billiards, Generality, and Squirm. Thero was little shaiige at the seven furlongs, Grafnax being still in charge, with Kororoit- and Billiards as bis nearest attendants. Billiards fell at the noxt jump. Approaching the treble Harvest, joined Grafuax. v.-ho was leading from Workmaster, Eyot, and Kororoit. Tko last jump of the treble proved disastrous to Harvest, who fell and brought down Eyot and Itiverbank. The latter was so badly injured that he had to be shot. Grafnax was going splendidly, and continued to lead, the nearest to him being Kororoit, until the latter ran off, Grafnax, increasing the advantage, led by three lengths at the six furlongs from Eipon, v/lu, w:<s loilotved oy Squirm, Workmaster, and Confederate. At this stage Stately and Nigel fell; and Eipon came down at the next fence. Half a mile from home Grafnax was showing the- way to Lycaon, (.'■merality, Seymour, and Workmaster. They crossed tlio last fence in that order, and then Grafnax drew away and iron by five lengths, with oipht lengths between second and third. Time, 6inin. 35scc.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

(Bγ Ulencoe.)

Grafnax, who won the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase on Saturday, started in last year's contest for tho same event, but fell when going well half a mile from home. He had previously won the . Maiden Steeples at Flemington. Subsequently he finished third Co Confederate and Bribery in the Australian Steeplechase. This season he won both steeplechases at the Randwick meeting in June, and has since then been ii wann favourite for the big event at Flemington. He is trained by F. M'Grath, at Randwick.

Generality, who finished second to Grafnax in the V.R.C. Grand National, is a weil-known performer at the South Australian meetings, where-he has won several good cross-country events. His most important victory w.is in the Great Eastern Steeplechase, three miles and a quarter, last Easter Monday, when lie carried lOst. and beat 15 others. Ho

was a rank outsider, only three carrying loss money on tie machine.

Tawhaki has not been Jong out of tho paddock, so cannot be nearly at his best. This being so, he will probably start in the Trial Plate at Ircntham, and not in the Parliamentary Handicap.

It is understood that Mr. J. B. Reid, 'who is at present in England, has purchased a. couple of stallions there. Presumably one will, go to the Waikanae Stud, and the other to Canowie. With the arrival of this pair, in addition to the several recent importations, breeders will have no lack of blnod to choose from.

The Dunedin-owned Tawhaki, Stayboy, and Pinul were brought to Wellington by tho Maori yesterday, and will be railed to Trentham this morning. Tawliaki and Stayboy are in charge of J. M'Combe, and Pinul is being looked after by J. Riitlcdge. E. Lowe will ride Tawhaki, and F. Douglas Stayboy.

Owing to Mahuta's usual pilot, W. Young, being engaged for Paisano, the Auckland horseman C. Cress will ride Mahuta in the Winter Hurdles.

The Parliamentary Handicap candidate, North East, has arrived at Trentham and looks very well, though a trifle on the big side. Ho will be ridden by W. Young.

The Martinborough-owned Sir Lethe is a certain starter in the Wellington Steeplechase and will be ridden by C. Cochrane.

It is understood that so far no jockey has been engaged for Penates who is one of the favourite selections for tho Parliamentary Handicap. Tho names of C. Jenkins, A. Oliver, and R. Hatch have all been, associated with the big Ruenalf horse, but this time theso riders have other engagements.

The following aro some of ,tlic probable riders for candidates in the Parliamentary Handicap next Saturday: California (J. Griffiths), North East (\V. Young), Sir Frisco (B. Hatch), Tiptoe (S. Reid), Xgapuka (M. Ryan), Bolliu (I'\ D. Jones), Truganini (\V. Ryan), Tawhaki (B. Lowe), Ambrosian (A. Oliver), Gold Battery (H. Gray), and St. Felix (C. Jenkins).

The- committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club has arranged with a Christchurch firm for the building of a horse ambulance, and it should be ready for use at the Grand National meeting next mouth.

One of the most remarkable records in the whole of turf history is that held by the chestnut gelding Dean Swift, in connection with the City and Suburban Handicap, one mile and a quarter, decided at Epsom each year. Dean Swift is a nine-year-old, by Childwick, from Pasquil. He has contested the- City and Suburban in seyen consecutive seasons. His first outing in this particular event was in 1904, when second to Robert le Diable, beaten three lengths and receiving 231b.; he subsequently ran third to Pharisee, beaten a length and a half by tho winner) and receiving 51b.; won in 1906, beating Golden Measure, Donnetta, and fifteen others, then carrying 7st. 111b.; was unplaced to Velocity, who gave 01b.; won in 1908, beating Simonson, Snow Leopard, and thirteen others, having Bst. 121b. up; ran second last year to White Eagle, who received 91b. and scored by a length and a half; while this season with 9st. 51b. ho started favourite, arid finished third te Bachelor's Double and Mustapha.

Tho veteran Victorian horseman, Dick Walkor, will celebrate iiis 58th birthday this month. AValker is still a regular visitor to Flcmington in the mornings, and daily lakes a mount or two at exercise. Ho .won Hid Australian Cup on I'ollio as 'far back, as ISB2, ami again won tho big long-distance handicap on Ayrshire nearly 20 years later.

Mr. Newton- King is to sell tho wollknow7i mare Lady Fisher by auction, afc Mrs. Stewart M'Guiiincsi's farm, Mangaraka, Waitara West, on Wednesday, July 20. Lady Fisher is the dam of that sterling performer Maniopoto. Another of Lady Fisher's progeny, by Birkcnhead, recently brought 700 guineas in Sydney.

ARMS AND MEN.

OUR DEFENCE FORCES. DEPARTMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of tho Council of Defenco on the progress and condition of the New Zealand defence forces for the year ended February 28 last, was presented to Parliament on Friday. A considerable portion of the report deals with matters with which tho public has already been niade familiar. Under tho provisions of the Defence Act of 1909, the reorganisation of the coast defences and tho mobilo field force was practically ready for issue in March last, but the subsequent report by Field Marshal Lord Kitchener upon the defences of the Dominion arrested the development of the new scheme under the proposals of the Act of 1909, and matters since that date have been practically in abeyance, pending tho necessary legislation required to give effect to Lord Kitchener's proposals. From such porti""= of the Council's report as have not been traversed by the Prime Minister in his speech at Winton or in published announcements referring to tho results of the efficiency competitions carried out among the garrison and field artillery companies and the field engineer companies, the following excerpts are reproduced as being of general interest: — Strength of the Forces. Of all ranks, the total number of men under arras in the defence forces is 22.313. In the previous year the total was 20,428, so that the strength of the forces has increased by ISSS. Tho distribution of the forces at tho four principal centres is as follows:— AVeilington 7,242 Auckland 4.850 Canterbury 3./06 Otago ." 4.430 Nelson _2>OSS Total 23,313 Adult volmitoors to tho number or 10.629 qualified for capitation; allowill" for outstanding roll sheets (14), it was expected (in May last) that this number would be increased to 11,400. In 1909 the number capitating as efficient was returned at 10,356. Of tlio 4000 odd defence cadets returned in the strength, 3046 capitated as efficient; seventeen roll sheets outstanding were, in May last, expected to increase this number to 3800. In connection with the Kitchener camps, the total muster for the Dominion was 12,096— Wellington, 3492; Otocro, 2557; Auckland, 2973; Canterbury, 22G3; Nelson, 776. The Easter manoeuvres of 1909 were attended by 5389 volunteers and 855 defence cadets. Referring to the rifle clubs, the report states that "it is most difficult to obtain musters for drill and instruction.' It is not considered that any or the rifle clulis arc efficient in this respect. It is intended to increase the ammunition grant and further extend tho privilege of cheap ammunition; also, in view of the general training coming into effect, to cancel the drill parades now required for riilo clubs."

Training and Education. The pending augmentation of tho genera! instructional staff by the appointment of 28 adjutants and 28 noncommissioned officers will, stateSj tho report, ensure much more efficient training in all branches of the forces. District classes wero lield throughout each district under district instructional officers and non-commissioned officers with good, results. It is fully apparent that until permanent officers and noncommissioned officers aro attached to each regiment and battalion little advance- can be made in general instruction.

The Staff Officer (Lieutenant-Colonel E. W. C. Chaytor), who underwent two years' course at the Staff College, England, has roUimeu to duty, and with the return this year of the four exchange oflicers, special general continuous courses of instruction for the field force will again bo attempted. Tho training and education of the artillery and engineer brandies nro quite satisfactory. It is also pleasing to note from reports of . officers commanding districts that generally more interest is taken by tho mounted rifles and infantry in musketry practices, and that there is a considerable improvement in this most important portion of training. The training carried out at camps is not considered sufficient, and an increase in field-work in the daytime is absolutely necessary if real efficiency is to be looked for, and it is essential that theso camps should be continuous. "Officers' training corps have been formed at Otago University, Canterbury College, Victoria College, with a junior division at King's College, Auckland. These corps have held camps, and tho work in all cases has been carried out satisfactorily; the results have been good. Tho constant endeavour has been first to train members of theso corps as men in the ranks, and then require them to act as instructors and leaders. Tho corps should therefore furnish a valuable source for the supply of citizen officers, and if the improvement at present pbservable continues, the formation of the corps should be fully justified by the results."

During the year 263 officers presented themselves for examination!, and 58 of these failed or partially failed. The. percentage of failures in 1907 was 19.91. In 1909-1910 the percentage had risen to 22.06, the reduction in the number of successful candidates being no doubt due to the. fact that a higher standard of efficiency has been enforced. Appointments mado during tho year totalled 342; resignations, 179; promotions, 237; nine commissions were cancelled. Seven Colonial Auxiliary Forces offidecorations, 36 Colonial Auxiliary Forces' Long Service Medals, 46 New Zealand long service medals, and 80 New Zealand service medals were awarded. The discipline of tho Permanent Force is reported to have been good, while the force generally; has done excellent work. New Zealand Medical Corps. In the course of a reference to the medical services, the report states that the field ambulances in tho several military districts are in a good state of efficiency,, each unit having well maintained its nominal strength during tho year. "A number of lectures," says the- Council, "have been given to the different units by various medical officers on the subjects of 'Sanitation' and 'Prevention of Disease'; and the giving of these instructional lectures is being encouraged in every possiblo way. Tho plan of training bandsmen for first-line strctchor-work is now on a definite footing, and works well. All units of the Medical Corps aro striving hard to bring themselves up to a high standard of efficiency. Officers generally, both those attached for special duties and those unattached, have taken a keen interest in thorr work. Every endeavour is being mado to encourage and foster this branch by inducing its members to tako pa.rfc _ in staff rides, war games, and the various fiold evolutions, etc. Taking all things into consideration, the Medical Corps of the Dominion is in a- good state of efficiency, and is working oil a system that promises extremely well. Supplies of 'Royal Army Medical Corps Training Manuals, 1909,' and also tabloid medicine- chests have been imported and issired to the various field ambulance units, tho equipment of these units l>oing now completed according to scale. Ambulance- wagons manufactured in tho Dominion have been on service at the various manoeuvres during the year, and have given every satisfaction, proving superior t<l the imported vehick , . I Additional supplies of stretchers hare

been made locally during the year, and tho Public Works Department are now working oa another order, which, when completed, is intended for tho equipment of battalion and other bands. Maltcso carts having been lately added to the equipment list, and a sample cart has been ordered from England, with a view to having any further necessary supply made in the Llominion."

The Work of "Vets."

"During the past year," continues tho report, "further advances have been made in the organisation of the veterinary services, and provision is being made- under the now scheme for further progress in this direction. Reports show that veterinary officers have bcon very zealous as regards attending the camps of mounted corps, and imparting instruction in the care and management of horses, and also in giving instructional lectures to the several field batteries. This instruction has already proved most useful in cases of injuries received by horses from kicks, accident, saddle and girth galls, colic, and general sJckness, etc. Veterinary officers have rendered valuable service in assessing the value of horses whose loss is sustained through accident whilst on duty, and also in ascertaining th» nature and extent of injuries received, so as to adjust the amount of compensation payable, and expedite payment thereof. '

Finances. The statement of finances shows that the amount voted by Parliament for the year ending March 31, 1910, for expenditure in connection with the Permanent Force, volunteers, stores and magazines, and miscellaneous defence, service, amounted to £204,297, of which the sum of £190,347 was expended. Some of the principal items are as follow :—

■Salaries and pay: Headquarters, £G194; Permanent Force, £-!l,Goo; volunteer force, £10,065; stores and magazines, £4449; ammunition and cordito, £21,101; arms, equipment, ordnance, and other warlike stores, £10,108; capitation, £23,480; Easter manoeuvres, 1909, £13,101; efficiency foes, badges, and daylight parades, £7401; freight, cartage, and shipping charges, £5378; railway fares and charges, £5580; maintenance and launches, etc., £1787; travelling allowances and exr/ensis,

The sum of £10,00(1 was voted last year in the Public Works Fund, contingent defence, and £4977 was expended, tho chief items being: Drillsheds, etc., £2378: rifle ranges, rta. ; £1124. An amount of £372 was expended upon the harbour defences. Arms and . Ammunition. Referring to the supply of arms and ammunition, the report states that a further supply of M.L.E. short lilies (Mark 111), is on order from England, and when these come to hand the whole of tho mounted corps in the Dominion will then be armed with the new short rifle. An additional supply of M.L.E. long rifles is also under order.

The number of carbines for use by cadets in the Dominion has been augmented by the conversion of one thousand M.E. rifles, the work of conversion being carried out by the local armourer's staff. Iu order to cope, with demands for arms for cadet corps it lias been necessary to equip senior corps with M.L.E. rifles, and withdraw- the carbines for the equipment of junior corps.

Additional Maxim machine guns, on tripod mountings, with pack-saddlery complete, have boon placed on order from England, and when those arrive it is proposed to convert tho Maxim guns at present in the Dominion from tho Dimdonald carriages to the tripod mountings, it having been found that the tripod mountings are much more suitable for transport purposes in this noun try than the Dundonald carriages. The reserve of small-arms ammunition, which is composed of. .recent improved manufacture, is being steadily increased, having due regard to ■ the stand of arms in the Dominion. The .303 ammunition as manufactured by the Colonial Ammunition Company continues to give every satisfaction. Over two and a half million rounds were expended during tho year, and no complaints havo been made. Competitors at the recent Dominion Rifle Association meeting generally testified to the excellent quality of the ammunition supplied them. A now contract, on a satisfactory basis, has been entered into with tho Colonial Ammunition .Company for the supply of this ammunition, under which a sufficient quantity for present requirements is amply provided for, as also exceptional extra supplies should occasion arise therefor. Clothing and Equipment. "All corps," continues tho report, "aro fully equipped with accoutrements, the replacing of the buff with brown leather, which is more serviceable, being generally appreciated. One thousand sets of brown leather accoutrements were added to stock during tho year. Provision has been mado on the Estimates to stlil further increase this reserve, and to enable the increased establishment of territorials and cadets under the new defence scheme- to be equipped. Further supplies can be readily obtained as required, a contract having been let in the Dominion to meet necessities as occasion may demand."

Tho stores ordered from England for field engineers and signalling units aro coming to hand, and those required for training will • shortly be issued. All bull's-eye signalling lamps have. ■' been converted and fitted to burn acetylene gas, with satisfactory results. Experiments are being inado with a view of similarly converting the Begbie lamps. Bridging stores will bo required under tho reorganisation of the engineer companies, and a complete set, when procured from England, will be used as a pattern to have other sets made locally. With regard to transport, arrangements are being made for an additional supply of water-carts, and a sample general-service wagon, latest pattern, has been ordered from England, with the object of having any further requirements in this direction made in the Dominion. A proportion of transport wagons, small-arms ammuniton carts, and water-carts, with harness complete, and also pack-saddlery, are no won issue to the several military districts.