TROTTING RULES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 11

TROTTING RULES

NEW DRAFT ADOPTED SPARE PERMITS ALLOCATED NO AGE LIMIT FOR DRIVERS TRIBUTE TO MR. KITCHINGHAM [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Tributes to the work of the president, Mr. M. F. Nieoll, in the interest of trotting, were paid at the annual meeting to-day of the New Zealand Trotting Conference. The draft of the revised Rules of Trotting, which had been forwarded to all clubs for consideration, was unanimously adopted. It was decided to accept the proposal of the Gore Trotting Club that Rules 197 and 198 be amended by reducing the ago at which horsemen could secure a licence from 18 to 10 years. Much discussion followed the proposal of the Manawatu club that no driver's or rider's licence be issued to any person of over GO years. Mr. A. H. Manson said his club did not mean to disparage the older generation of horsemen, but it considered greater encouragement should be given to younger men.

Mr. J. F. Thompson,' Wairarapa, contended that trotting was a physical test for drivers as well as horses. In most walks of life GO years was considered a retiring age. Messrs, P. F. Ryan, . Canterbury Park, and 15. J. McKcnna, New Brighton, opposed the proposal and cited instances. Mr. A. M. Carroll, Greymouth, and Mr. TV H. Hampshire, Cambridge, considered that while the veterans proved capable there was no need to put them aside. The licensing committee could determine when a driver's term should cease. The motion was lost. Draw for Post Positions ' Delegates from the Gore and Invercargill clubs made a plea for reducing the time necessary for a liorso to be in the hands of a licensed trainer before a race meeting. The proposal was defeated. The Winton club suggested, through Mr. W. G. Clark, a rule allowing for post positions of horses on the same mark to bo drawn and announced prior to a meeting. Mr. C. J3. Gallagher, Auckland, said his club had given the proposal a trial, and it was found that it was mainly, an advantage to "offcourse" speculators. Mr. Njcoll said the objection in many cases was that owners drawing a bad position would be inclined to scratch their horses. Mr. McKcnna raised tho question of the power given the stipendiary steward under rule 105 and considered offenders should bo given a chance to be heard before being fined. Mr. Nicoll replied that no official would ipflict a fine before making full inquiry. Ho contended that the rule gave ample protection, and ho would like to see the stipendiary stewards given more power, as in other countries. Mr. Nicoll explained the allocation of tho 1939 inter-State Championship Meeting to Tasmania. That State had decided to go on with the project and he would make an early visit to Tasmania to assist in the arrangements. Services Recognised

The president announced that clubs throughout New Zealand had contributed £350 toward a testimonial to Mr. F. W. Kitchingham, Greymouth. The conference was pleased to increase the amount to £SOO. The cheque and an address in appreciation of his loyal services would bo duly forwarded to Mr. Kitchingham. On the motion of Mr. E. G. Bridgens, Auckland, it was decided to request the Government to set up the promised commission to review the trotting and racing position as, early as possible. Officers were elected as follows: — President, Mr. H. F. rsicoll; vice-presi-dent, Mr. B. S. Irwin; executive and dates committee, Messrs. H. F. Nicoll, B. S. Irwin, F. E. Graham, E. G. Bridgens and Dr. G. J. Adams. The following recommendations were adopted:—Hawke's Bay permits (two) to go to tho Manawatu and Wellington clubs; the Northland permit to go to the Thames club, and tho Te .Aroha permit to go to the Waikato club. The committee regretted that it could not grant one to Cambridge this season, but tho Thames club had stated it would not apply next year.

RACING AFFAIRS

MEETING OF ASSOCIATION GREAT PROGRESS REPORTED [by TELEGRAPH—OWN COIIUESrONDENX] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The first annual meeting of the Now Zealand Racing Owners, Breeders and Trainers' Association to-day was '..rgely attended. Mr. W. J. Wood, Hawke's Lay, presided. The secretary, Mr. C. E, Craig, read tho following report from tlio president, Dr. E. 11. E. Milsom, who was unavoidably absent; —The president and secretary of tho Racing Conference had personally expressed appreciation of the assistance rendered to the cause of racing by the organisation and they conveyed tho best wishes of the conference executive for its future progress. Many racyig clubs had welcomed the association's efforts, and this has beoji the means of many requests of a domestic nature being acceded to. Tho thanks of tho executive and of members generally were duo to Mr. C. E. Craig, the secretary, for his untiring and honorary efforts. Tho treasurer lias been able to show a credit balance of £42, in spito of a heavy first year expenditure. Remits sponsored by Mr. W. R. Shattock, Hamilton, relative to subscriptions and tho consultation of the executive were discussed, and are to go before the executive for further consideration. The question of dividing the area covered by the Manawatu branch was similarly dealt with. Mr. J?. S. Bagby, Auckland, introduced the remit in connection with a petition to the Government asking for amendments to the Gaming Act to permit of tho double totalisator, publication of dividends in tho newspapers and the provision of some means of directing "oll'-coursi;" betting through the legal channel. The proposals were adopted unanimously. Mr. A. Syme, secretary of the Canterbury branch, forwarded particulars regarding the agreement arrived at between his association and the Stable Hands' Union, and the Hon. G, R. Hunter traversed the negotiations. Members expressed appreciation to Mr. Hunter and the executive of tho Canterbury branch. The following oificers were elected:— President, Dr. E. H. B. Milsom; vicepresident, tho Hon. G. I?. Hunter; secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. JO. Craig, all re-elected; executive, Messrs. W. R Shattock, R. S. Bagby, M. J. Carroll, Auckland; A. I?. Standish, R. Johnstone, Taranaki; C. W. Boyd, L. G. Morris, Manawatu; W. J. Wood, S. J. Reid, Hawke's Lay; A. Symo and H. Nurse, Canterbury.