School of Instruction

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 153, 1 July 1939, Page 10

School of Instruction

ENCOURAGING REPORTS FROM HASTINGS Special to “The Times.’.’ HASTINGS, June 30. The first report on the operation of the School of Instruction for Apprentices and Probationers, recently promoted by the New Zealand Racing Conference, was made last evening by Mr. S. J. Reid, instructor at Hastings, to a meeting of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the New Zealand Racing Owners', Breeders’ and Trainers’ Association. Mr. Reid said a pleasing and encouraging feature was the keenness of the lads to learn, and their enthusiasm was shown by the regularity with which they attended the classes. Among many subjects on tho syllabus splendid progress was made in those dealing with the care of, handling, feeding and dressing of horses, balance and correct style of riding, behaviour and discipline. The lads, said Mr. Reid, entered into the spirit of the instruction, realising that they had some responsibility in life and while many apprentices knew that their term as jockeys would not be long owing to the ever-prevalent danger of increasing weight, tho course of instruction was to them an incentive to make good with a view to later entering the ranks of trainers. Mr. Reid added that owners and trainers also displayed an interest by encouraging the lads in their employ to attend the school and he paid tribute to the assistance given by the Hawke’s Bay Jockev Club. Messrs. D. Douglas, W. McKinnon, J. M. Paul, J. Olsen, and G. McCormick substantiated the remarks of the instructor, stating that there was already a marked improvement among the pupils. Progress Very Gratifying. The national secretary, Mr. C. E. Craig, said the progress reported was very gratifying and would stimulate the school of instruction scheme in other centres. The result was also a compliment to Mr. Reid. The Racing Association, said Mr. Craig, is in whole-heart-ed accord with the movement, realising that its success will be a strong inducement for clubs to cater more for apprentice riders and will further encourage the licensing committee of the Nw Zealand Racing Conference to give preference, when granting future licenses to new applicants, for training those who have gained proficiency in the instruction schools and who have had practical experience for at least four years. OWNERS', BREEDERS’ AND TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION STEADY PROGRESS REPORTED EXCEPT IN MANAWATU Dealing with the Association generally, Mr. Craig said steady progress had been made by most of the branches, the exception being the Manawatu unit where lack of support, mainly through apathy, had caused the organisation in that important centre to mark time. After referring to the loss to tho Hawke’s Bay branch of its president, the late Mr. W. J. Wood, who was a valuable member of the Dominion, council, and a keen executive member, Mr. V. Colello, the secretary said the interest displayed by the local division was a bright feature, and, with the Hastings and Greenmeadows sections working amicably, the Hawke’s Bay branch would become a strong link in the Dominion chain. Mr. Craig gave an outline of the main business for discussion at the annual meeting of the association in Wellington next week and reported on the remit to date of the Gaming Act Amendment petition. The chairman expressed appreciation of the secretary’s action in visiting ».ue branch and gave an assurance that it would redouble its activities. Referring to the petition movement, Mr. McCormick said owners and trainers everywhere were appreciative of the assistance given by the Auckland Racing Club. Mr. McCormick was unanimously elected to the vacancy on the national executive caused by the death of Mr. Wood and he was requested, with Mr. Reid, who also represents the branch, to seek the support of the New Zealand Association in opposing the granting of “dual” licences. The unanimous opinion of those present was that when jockeys engaged in riding on the flat held a trainer’s licence it gave them un advantage over those who followed the occupation of training only.