MEETINGS TO COME.

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 11, 12 July 1930, Page 23

MEETINGS TO COME.

I July 17. 19.—Giiborne R.C. | | July 19.—Watmate Dlitrlct Hunt Club. | I July 2S—South Canterbury Hunt Club. I | July SI, August 2.—Maaawalu B.C. f 3 Aug. 2.—Chrfstchurch Hunt Steeplechase. 5 3 ■ ■ S | Aug. 12, 14, IB.—Canterbury J.C. Grand : 1 National. , i S,,im.m.mmmmm,, l ,,m,,mmmm.,.m,,mmim,,.o

would be made annually, and if apprentices were adversely reported upon by the inspectors they would have difficulty in obtaining licences. Similarly the stipendiary; stewards could report, but the .nucleus of the matter was that trainers were, responsible for the tuition of apprentices. .

Dr. M'Gregor 'Grant said said that successful apprentices were soon taken away from their regular employ, with loss to the stable. ■ If apprentices received a smaller fee they would be put up to a greater degree, because they would be cheaper than regular jockeys.

In the opinion of Mr. George Gould, trainers, as old jockeys, should be competent instructors.' If they had more incentive they might take more interest in all apprentices in addition to their own boys. He suggested that trainers in the larger centres should set up a committee of three, who should watch, advise, and instruct apprentices in the practice of race-riding.

Mr. J. M'Leod denied thai: all trainers were old-time jor-keys, stating that many were not _ competent to give boys the necessary'instruction in race-riding. Races were thrown awny. to-day because boys were not given the necessary instruction in race-riding. There were a lot of horsemen to-day who were only costing the public money, and in the country districts it was very necessary to have some means of instructing apprentices. Mr. J. S. M'Leod asked whether trainers should not be instructed to Teport on their apprentices at regular. intervals. If apprentices were not given rides, the trainers should be asked why, and if apprentices were proved incompetent they would be much better away in some other occupation. There was no other way of training boys than to give them experience in race-riding. Mr. H. A. Knight emphasised the need of more apprentice races. At the present time apprentices had little opportunity against the older jockeys. The reduced fees for apprentices would not be practicable, for an owner would not be likely to consider the saving of a pound or so when it was a case of an apprentice against a leading jockey. . Sir. J. H. Perrett suggested that as there were so many views expressed it would appear wise to appoint a committee to investigate the matter.

Mi-. H. Lowry suggested that the Liconswg Committee cpuld handle this matter. Mr. Watkins, in reply, said that in the *»urse of a, month or so a complete report would be available for the chief racecourse inspector.'

Mr. W. T. Hazlett said that there would foe no riders until bitumen and petrol were abolished. The boys of the old brigade learned to ride on their ponies, whereas boys of to-day "knew nothing about riding before entering a stable. It was decided unanimously that a- committee be set up to consider and report on a scheme to improve the riding of apprentices in New Zealand. If the Executive Committee thought fit, it could add one or two of the experienced trainers. In jffect, the whole matter was left to the Executive Committee.