RACING CONFERENCE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1847, 31 July 1907, Page 56

RACING CONFERENCE

ANNUAL MELTING. Tli© annual conference of representatives of New Zealand Jockey Clubs opened at the Chamber of Commerce on July 22nd. Sir George Clifford (president) occupied the chair. The delegates present were : —Auckland Racing Club, Messrs J. F. Hartland and Mr F. Bari; Auckland country clubs, Messrs E. W. Alison, M.H.R., and W. H. Herries, M.H.R.; Canterbury Jockey Club, Sir George Clifford and Mr F. H. Pyne; Canterbury country clubs (south), Mr H. Friedlander; Canterbury country clubs (north), Mr H. D. Vavasour; Dunedin Jockey Club, Hon. G. McLean and Mr P. Millar; Otago country clubs, Messrs J Latham and C. W. Reid; Hawke's Bay Jockey Club, Hon. J. D. Ormond and Mr G. Hunter; Hawke e Bay country clubs, Messrs E. J. Gothard end J. McVay; Wanganui Jockey Club, Messrs D. Campion and J. H. Nixon; Wanganui country clubs, Messrs Donald Fraser and E. Goodbehere; Wellington Racing Club, Messrs J. W. Abbott and H. F. Johnston; Wellington country clubs, Messrs W." E. Bidwill and O. C. Cooper; Taranaki Jockey Club, Hon. O'. Samuel; Taranaki country clubs, Mr R. H. Nolan; Greymouth Jockey Club, Mr J. Petrie; Greymouth country clubs, Messrs W. Coleman and C. Hood Williams; Mr W. H. El Wanklyn (secretary). PRESIDENT'S REPORT. The chairman (Sir George Clifford) delivered 'the following address: - During the twelve months which have elapsed since this conference last met, all indications show that the sport of racing has steadily advanced in popularity and those selected, whether locally or as members of the conference, to govern the sport, have certainly made every effort to secure the increasing confidence of its supporters. No trade or profession or pursuit which admits of monetary profit has ever been wholly exempt from isolated attempts to reap the golden reward of success by forbidden or even fraudulent methods, but assuredly in this country the turf does not furnish an undue proportion of such cases. There are many deterrents which are practically operative upon the minority whose inclination leads them to the bye paths of dishonesty. Every move in the game of racing is taken under the keen inspection of thousands of interested eyes and minds, watching from every point of view. Impartial officials to whom it is a matter of duty, enthusiasts resenting foul play as an interference with their pleasure, jealous rivals keenly watching their adversary's tactics, journalists guardedly reproving suspected offenders, all combine to render malpractice so riskful that he who resorts to it must add folly to roguery, and it is open to doubt whether either the fool or the rogue is ever destined to prosperity amongst us. The fierce questioning light which beats upon each action of each owner may have the effect of creating false suspicion occasionally, but in the main it renders continuous illegality certain of detection.

In tlie cases where evasion of the rules of racing is plotted there are certain' difficulties' in bringing the suspected offenders to account, which proposed amendments may help to overcome. For instance, where horses have been suspiciously run at one meeting in order to secure a' lighter weight at another, the offence is so divided in action that one set of stewards is not cognisant of all its details, nor is such conduct readily traced to design. It is, however, desirable that owners who persistently find their horses thus surprising the public should be warned by some authority that this special habit should be eradicated from their stable. Again, it may be a matter of common notoriety that certain owners or even officials disregard the provision in the rules which makes the laying or accepting of wagers to be determined by the totalisator dividend a corrupt practice. A wider authority than a merely local one is need.ed to investigate such matters, for it is conceivable that- if laxity should creep into any such local tribunal it might create very false impressions .as to the general administration of racing law. There is no rule of racing which has done more good, or of which ..non-ob-servance involves graver suspicion, than that compelling the. registration of all individual interests in a racehorse,: Ke-

gistration is so simple in itself, and so wise a precaution against misunderstandings, that its omission almost amounts to a confession of culpable intention. The offence is a peculiarly mean one, inasmuch as it implies the shielding of the principal partner against possible consequences of his acts, by the sacrifice of the nominal owner. It deserves and receives no condonation except under circumstances of unusual ignorance. I would warn trainers specially to be careful not to endanger their livelihood by entering into agreements liable to be construed as undisclosed partnerships. Attacks upon the totalisator are still occupying the prejudiced and the misinformed. To the former, argument is inapplicable, but the open-minded inquirer will find little in the conduct of our race meetings, or in the effects of the totalisator to warrant the abolition of an amusement affording much innocent pleasure. The majority of those who spend health-giving afternoons at our open-air gatherings are very mild patrons of the machine, as is evidenced by the slight difference which wet weather and a sparce attendance causes in its receipts. The spendthrift and the gambler may force upon us his unwelcome presence, but ho will live his brief hour of stupidity somewhere in his own fashion, and we are not responsible for his constitution, nor are our absolute fairness and stern requirement of prepayment adapted to his methods. The substitution of the totalisator for the bookmaker on our courses has lessened his temptations, and diminished his opportunities, and its removal would produce an effect diametrically opposite to that sought for by its misguided opponents.

I open the official callendar , with shame every month, when the long list of so-called forfeits thrusts itself into view. I would once again appeal to the patriotism of committees to enforce the payment of entry .and acceptance fees in cash, or its equivalent, at due date, and so obviate the publication of a catalogue of petty debts which could not exist except by their connivance or negligence. I would ask the offenders to study the names of those pilloried for non-payment, and to consider whether the support of such men is worth the trouble involved, to say nothing of the groundless disgrace caused by a publication so certain to be misconceived abroad, and perhaps at home. I will, at any rate, ask the conference to divide the unpaid forfeit list into two classes of legitimate forfeits and uncollected fees.

The publication of supplementary nominations or acceptances has become too frequent an incident. In every case a spacious excuse is forthcoming, but the occurrence is not creditable to the office of any racing club, and inevitably gives rise to suspicion of collusion or unfairness. It can never be necessary if due care is taken in issuing lists to the press, and if the slovenly practise should continue, the rules should be amended to insure greater accuracy. We owe our thanks to Messrs R. S. Abraham, 11. D. Bell, E. Goodbehere, E. It. Guinness, G. Hunter, and It. H. Nolan for their services as judges in appeal cases, which required and received very patient investigation. The appeals did not bear upon interpretation of the rules, thus confirming the hope that the new code would prove complete and readily intelligible. Several of the clubs not having a totalisator permit, and who give over .£IOO in stakes, do not consider they are required to comply with the provisions of Part XXIII., Rule 13, but it. seems clear that they are bound to supply the programme and list of jockeys riding. If not, there would be no means of checking their returns, as few of them advertise in the official calendar in accordance with the rule. In general, there is difficulty in getting the nontotalisator clubs to send in their returns, and I trust the .conference will emphasise the fact that the rules must not be ignored by their secretaries. The work of our office is very greatly increased by the issue of reminders to negligent clubs, which, in many cases, have to be followed up by further notices before attention is secured. Secretaries are still lax in sending the results promptly to the official calendar, and it is quite impossible to keep a reasonably accurate record of jockeys' mounts, owing to the omission of the jockeys’ initials, as several jockeys have the same surname. There are 359 jockeys registered, 67 of which did not ride in any race, 44 rode in one race, 27 rode in two races, and 21 in three It would appear that some j ockeys rode without licenses. The fault lies pri-

marily with the clerk of the scales, but secretaries should check his work, and metropolitan committees should call upon the clubs in fault to disqualify any winners so ridden without waiting for a formal objection.

I would impress upon secretaries that the accident fees should be promptly forwarded. Names have been wrongly placed in the forfeit list through their dilatoriness, and as very serious consequences might result from such carelessness, it is obviously important that payment should be notified as quickly as possible for publication in the official calendar. ■ „ . . In conclusion, I believe it may fairly be said that in no country in the world is there a more effectivo system tor controlling and purifying the spore or racing, whilst affording to persons accused of offences an unimpeachable remedy against local prejudice or hasty conclusions. There may and must be such small defects in administration as I have endeavoured to point out for the purpose of suggesting remedies or improvements; but it is the function ox this conference to lessen such drawbacks. Its work in the past, and the contrast between the regulation of racing before its institution and at the present day, constitutes an assurance that it will prove equal to the maintenance of a standard of conduct worthy of the best traditions of the turf. The statement of receipts and expenditure for the year, showing a credit balance of d£27o 2s 7d, was approved and adopted. ACCIDENT FUND. The statemuit of receipts and expenditure in connection with the accident fund was submitted. The receipts, including <£4500 brought forward, amounted to <£7557 Os Id. Claims paid amounted to <£7B6 6s lid; claims not settled were estimated at <£594. The credit balance, including ,£6IOO on fixed deposit, amount to <£6522 11s 6d. The chairman explained that the conference had been fortunate in not having any large claims to meet during the year. Under the circumstances the fund had increased, but he had been advised bv actuarial experts that the time had not yet arrived for reducing the fund.

Mr G. Hunter thought the fund was sufficiently strong to make some concession to owners, from whom it was not right to extract more money than was necessary.

| The lion. O. Samuel wanted to see the j reserve in connection with the fund made strong before any alteration in the existing conditions was made. It was no hardship to owners, and, therefore, there was no necessity for immediate reduction. lie thought reduction should be made to owners who paid for a large number of horses. He suggested that the funds should be distributed a little more liberally than hitherto in special cases. The lion. J. D. Ormond thought the conference could reduce the fee by half. He did not agree with the suggestion ! of the previous speaker that the pre- ! sent svstem of distributing the fund ! should be altered. I Mr Friedlander thought that one im- ! per taut matter had been lost sight of. | That was the funds accumulated by the j metropolitan clubs to the amount of ! about .£6OOO. They could get over the difficulty if the metropolitan clubs could be induced to vote half their funds to ! the accident fund, which would bring that up. to ,£9OOO. Tie thought steps i should be taken in the direction named, i The chairman explained that the funds held by metropolitan clubs were expended in the purchase of ambulances and other needs on country as well as me- , tropolitan courses. They could also be bused in another way, the relief ot j jockeys who were suffering in other I ways than would bring them under the ' provisions of the accident fund. Ho pointed out that the rules fixed the contribution at c£l, and notice of motion i would have to be given, j Mr Hunter pointed out that the j Ilawke’s Bay Jockey Club had started j the widow of a jockey in business. He gave notice that the amount paid be reduced to 10s

After further discussion the report was approved and adopted. Affiliation was granted to the British East African Turf Club. DATES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE.

The next question was the appointment of a committee to consider the question of totalisator permits and dates of meetings. Last year the committee consisted of Messrs Friedlander (chairman), Alison, Goodbehere, Stead, Johnston and McVay. Mr Pyne was suggested to act

m Mr Stead’s place, but that gentleman retired in Mr Hood Williams's favour, the latter gentleman having more experience in conference matters. Mr Johnston being unable to attend in the evening, he suggested tlio substitution of Mr Abbott, which was agreed to. Mr Bidwill suggested that the Dates Committee be appointed for this and the following conference. He expressed the opinion that the committee should meet ie night before the conference met to hear deputations. The present system f rushing the business through in an hour or two was very unsatisfactory. People came a long distance and had to hang about all day, not knowing when icy would be beard.

The chairman explained that it was proposed that the committee should meet in the evening, and bring down its report the following morning.

Mr Nolan mentioned that the delegates of the Manawatu and Wellington Clubs on the committee were interested in the question of dates, and he suggested other delegates should be appointed.

Mr Hunter thought it better to appoint disinterested delegates to the committee. Mr Goodbehere said he was willing to retire.

Mv Petrie was of opinion that the gentlemen who had previously acted had done good work, and he thought they should leave well alone. •dr Herries was of opinion that the proposal brought forward by the Wellington country clubs’ delegate (Mr Bid,ill) was very desirable. Mr Abbott thought notice of motion would have to be given. He pointed out {-hat the committee was constituted of five country delegates and a metropolitan one—a very unfair proportion. Mr Hunter also thought that if the committee was to be permanently appointed the metropolitan clubs should i;? ve further representation on the committee.

Mr Nolan believed it would be better leave the committee as at present constituted, and after further discussion r Bidwill's motion was lost by 24 to

Mr Friedlander asked for tlie ruling of the conference oil a matter that would come before the committee. He said that each club had to send in the dates on which it proposed to hold meetings. The Wellington Racing Club ~ad not submitted dates of meetings, f another club was granted dates about ilie time of the dates fixed by the_ Wellington Club there might be clashing. The chairman thought that clubs should state in their applications the dates on which the meetings were;to be held. Such application should be in the hands of the committee. REGISTRATION OF OWNERS. The chairman moved to add to part 111. a new rule:—ln pursuance of the following resolution of the conference: “ That the executive bo instructed to take into consideration the advisablenesa of providing machinery by wiucii suspected cases of malpractice maj be investigated and dealt with by a permanent tribunal of the conference, - the following proposal will be submitted by the president for consideration: “ That the Racing Conference shall annually issue owners’ licenses subject to such conditions as the conference shall from time to time direct to be endorsed thereon, and no person shall be entitled, save as’ hereinafter mentioned, to run a horse in any race unless he shall be the holder of such a license. The conference shall annually appoint a committee of five members, of whom three shall form a quorum, who shall have,, power to issue, cancel, or suspend such licenses, either on their own. accord, or on the report or recommendation of a metropolitan committee. Such licensing committee shall have power at any time to call upon the holder of an owner s license to explain the running of his horses, or any circumstances in connection therewith, or in regard to their ownership or management. The licensing committee shall annually renew tko license of every person who has raced horses during the preceding racing season, and shall issue a license to every applicant except in such cases as it may reserve for consideration or explanation. Temporary licenses may be issued by the stewards of a race meeting for such meeting only to any owner within one month of his purchasing or commencing to train a racehorse in any season, always provided that no such license shall bo issued to a porson whose license has been previously suspended or cancelled.”

Speaking to the motion, the chairman earn that such, a proposal as that moved by him did not exist in any country in the world. The English Jockey Club had the power to issue and withdraw licenses. It might be possible for such a committee as that proposed to exist without doing anything. In cases where stables or individuals were pursuing tactics which did not bring them within the scope of race meetings such a committee would operate. He did not think many owners were guilty of malpractice. There were men supected of pulling horses and winning at some other meeting. If the proposal was carried there would be some power to pull up such individuals and investigate. Another matter that seldom came before stewards of clubs was hidden ownership and evasion of partnerships. _ This sliorild also bo dealt with by some power interested in the purity of the turf. There was a suspicion that some owners notoriously infringed the regulation in supporting horses away from the course at totalisator odds. All these things were details which could not be attended to by stewards, but would come under the jurisdiction of such a committee if appointed. Unless the proposal received almost the unanimous support of the conference, perhaps it would be better to defer the matter. He had been deputed to do something, and this was the best he could devise.

Mr Vavasour seconded the proposal. Mr Alison said generally he supported the proposals brought forward by the president. However, he thought the motion was far too drastic, and it was not advisable that it should exist in this" country. It was no doubt intended to get at the unprincipled racing man. He was of opinion it would cause no end of trouble.

Mr Samuel .sympathised with Mr Alleon that the proposal was too large an order. At the same time they were all of opinion that something should be done. It was true that the English Jockey Club -had power to' take .action to keep the sport pure. Here the Metropolitan Club Committee had power to investigate and take action. The conference thought it was desirable there should be influence outside the clubs to deter men from corrupt practices. He

considered any method of licensing owners should be avoided, and could not think of anything more dangerous. It could not possibly be done under the conditions existing in this colony. He had drafted a resolution which might meet the case. He moved—(l) That a permanent committee of five members be appointed to make inquiries and take such means as may be expedient to deal with any circumstances coming to its knowledge that jnav be deemed worthy of consideration in ‘regard to any corrupt practices in relation to racing, and to take such steps thereon as it may think appropriate; (2) to investigate into and report to the conference on any conduct on the part of any club or person which, in its opinion, renders action by the conference desirable for the more effectual prevention of corrupt practices in relation to racing.

In reply the chairman said he considered Mr Samuel's motion entirety eatisfactory. He would have great pleasure in supporting it. As the proposition required consideration, he thought it would be desirable to take it as the last business this afternoon or first tomorrow morning. Mr Hunter thought the chairman was an titled to the thanks of the conference for the trouble he had gone to m the matter It was decided to further conSder the matter next morning. STIPENDIARY STEWARDS.

Mr Nolan moved to delete part V, mile 2 and substitute the following :-The Racing Conference shall appoint four stipendiary stewards. Such stewards shall be stewards ex officio_of all clubs racing under the Rules of Racing. Such fetewids Shall bo appointed from year to year at a salary to be fixed by the conference. Such stewards shall hold office during good behavioui. If any such. ■ stewards shall be proved, to the satisfaction of the president, to have been guilty of improper conduct in con-

nection with his official duties, then the president may dismiss him and appoint a substitute The salaries or the stipendiary stewards shall be borne by the various clubs in proportion to their gross totalisator earnings during the previous season, and the proportion due from each club shall be a debt of such club to the Racing Conference In speaking to the motion, the mover said the time had arrived for the appointment of stipendiary stewards. One of the arguments used against it was that it was not a success. That probably emanat'd from the press, which was not always infallible. In Australia, the system had been a success. Mr By-ron-Moore (Victoria Racing Club) wrote that the result was very satisfactory and generally approved. Mr Clibborn (Australian Jockey Club) wrote that the system was very successful and a great benefit as to expense; he had advocated raising the salaries from <2700 to .£IOOO. The Australian Jockey Club paid from AJ4OO to <£soo, the Victoria Racing Club ,£450, and in West Australia £7OO was paid. Ho thought, if the system were started here, <£soo a year for four officials should be paid, the cost to be a charge on the ; totalisator returns of the clubs. He estimated the tax at from four to fivesixteenths per cent. It would do more to purify the turf than any other proposal. Mr Johnston seconded the motion pro forma. Delegates were not in sympathy with the proposal, which was lost on the voices. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE. Mr Vavasour n oved to amend part V, rule 1, making the appointment of a judicial committee compulsory instead of optional, as at present. Mr Bid will seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr Johnston Messrs Henries, Earl, and Samuel objected to the motion. Mr Reid thought the proposal a good one, because it would make a great saving of time on r ice day it. The chairman spoke iu a*our ot t«e proposal, and thought it was better to have five good men from their number than a greater number who were not so

competent to adjudicate. He hoped the proposal would be carriea. The motion was negatived by 24 votes to 16.

Mr Ormond moved to amend part VI, rule 6, in the direction of providing that the programme of every meeting shall include a flat race of not less than a mile and a quarter. Mr Hunter strongly supported the mo tion, as it would improve the breed and stamina of horses. The motion was negatived 25 re 15. LENGTH OF MEETINGS. Mr Ormond moved to amend part VI., rule 8, referring to days over which, meetings shall extend, as follows.: A two days meeting shall not extend over more than three days; three days not more than five days; four days not over more than eight days. Mr Ormond pointed out the inconvenience owners were put to over the Wellington meeting, which began on a Saturday and ended on a Saturday. This meant that visitors had to leave home on Wednesday, and were away nearly a fortnight. This was undesirable in the interests of the public and was an undue tax on owners.

In seconding the motion, Mr Campion expressed the opinion that meetings strung out over several days were a great hardship on owners. Mr Johnston hoped the conference would not carry such a proposal. No club desired more than the Wellington Racing Club to meet the convenience of owners and the racing public. The YVellington Club had not many holidays, ad it had to race on days when it could get the public to attend. He hoped jhe conference would not pass a rule which would be detrimental to some dubs. Messrs Fraser and McVay supported e motion. Mr Samuel would support the motion if it was amended in th» direction

of extending two days’ meetings over tour days.

The mol ion was lost by 22 to 13, PARTNERSHIPS. ,

On the motion of the president, it was unanimously agreed that on part 'ill., rule 6, “registration of partnerships,” for a breach, of the rule, unless the Metropolitan Committee certify that such breach was not wilful, a ficaticn for not loss than twelve months diall follow.

HURDLES, Mr Nolan brought up the question of •. regulation hurdle. He pointed out that a resolution had been passed at a previous conference, but had not been put into effect. Mr Goodbehero supported the proposal, consideration of which was deferred till to-morrow’s sitting of the conference. On behalf of the Canterbury country c.’ubs (north), Mr Vavasour moved—-" That oi;y horse having once run at a meeting which has a totalisator permit, and afterwards running a.t any meeting which has no totalisator permit, shall not again bo allowed to run a.t any meeting which has, a totalisator permit. —Lost on the voices. Mr E. H. Pyne (Canterbury Jockey Club) moved to amend part XXI., rule 3, to debar the issue of dual trainers and jockeys’ licenses to the same person. Messrs Bidwill and Samuel objected to the proposal, which was supported by Mr McLean. Lost. PAYMENT OP JOCKEYS. A motion for payment of jockeys’ fees at scale was moved by Mr Pyne and seconded by Mr Earl. Mr Samuel strongly supported the proposal, as did Mr Campion.—Motion carried on the voices. The new rule reads as follows: No jockey shall be ■ weighed out for any race unless the amount of his minimum fee as for a losing mount in the race has been previously deposited with the secretary or clerk of the scales, or other official appointed by the stewards for that purpose. If he wins, the balance of his fee shall be deducted from the stakes otherwise payable to the owner, and shall be paid to him. The club shall be responsible to the jockey for his minimum fee under these rules, less

per cent, thereon, to be deducted by the club for collecting and paying, and for the responsibility hereby imposed.” MISCELLANEOUS. Mr Earl (Auckland Racing Club) moved the following new rule : —“The stewards of any club having a special reason shall have the power to call for scratch ings for any race or races at an earlier time by notification in the race-card, and any owner failing to comply shall be fined a sum not exceeding 100 sovs, or may be disqualified, at the discretion of the stewards.”—No seconder. Mr Nolan moved that- the time of starting of all races be advertised in the official programmes of all race meetings. Seconded by Mr Goodbehere. —Lost on the voices. Mr Hunter moved to amend the rules of starting—that any jockey fined for misconduct shall be immediately reported to the stewards. —Carried by 32 to 8.

Mr Earl moved to amend rule 5, part XXVI., that jockeys must ride their horses out when they have a reasonable chance of running second.—Carried on the voices.

Mr Bidwill moved to add to the rules of totalisator : “Dividends will be paid on the first and second horses in the proportion of 75 per cent, to the first and 25 per cent, to the second horse when the second dividend is paid.” — Deferred for redrafting. The president moved to amend part XXXII., rule 6, to read —“No arrears due on account of any horse permitted to start at the meeting at which such arrears were incurred shall be placed in the unpaid forfeit list.” —Carried. A proposal to appoint a paid judge at all meetings using the totalisator was withdrawn, as were also notices of motion by the Waiganui county clubs, referring to the uniform measurement of racecourses, and the appointment of a committee to report upon the possible reduction of meetings heid by registered clubs not entitled to use the fota liw.tr. r.

The conference resumed its sitting at 10 o’clock on Tuesday morning. Consideration of the notices of motion was proceeded with. METROPOLITAN COMMITTEE.

Mr Hunter moved to amend rule 1, of interpretation, “Metropolitan Committee.” Mr McVay seconded the motion, which was opposed by the lion. G. McLean.

Mr Hunter, in reply, was strongly of opinion that tno proposed amendment was highly desirable. The chairman tno light it was most important tnat delegates of country clubs should attend meetings of a metropolitan committee. He thought if the motion was carried it might be put under a special heading, and he would support it. After further discussion, tho motion was put and carried by 29 to 9.

The amended ruie leads as follows: In tho month of may in every second year the committee of the totalisator clubs in the metropolitan districts shall elect two duos to represent them on the Metropolitan Committee. Voting papers shall be issued by the president, not later than the 31st May. The voting power shall be pro rata to the number of race meetings held or to be held by each club during the current racing year, at which meeting the totalisator has been or is to be used. In the event of no nominations being received, or only one nomination, the vacancies or vacancy so caused shall be filled by the president. REGISTRATION OF OWNERS. Mr Nolan supported the motion brought forward by the president, concerning the registration of owners, adjourned from, the previous day. Mr Samuel said it meant the issue ot a new license to owners, without which a horse could not be nominated. The committee proposed to be set up would have to consider whether people who had nominated a horse this year were entitled to a license or not. He thought the establishment of such a tribunal would cause trouble. It was neither expedient nor wise that the proposal should be

passed by the conference. With reference to his alternative motions, he said something should be done. There were corrupt practices in the colony that were not dealt with. The Permanent Advisory Committee, which he proposed, should be formed of discreet men of the highest character, to whom they could look for advice and communicate to the metropolitan committees. He thought the double totalisator was doting a lot of harm. It was a red-rag to people who were against the machine. A committee could go into the matter and help to stem the tide of opponents against the totalisator. Such a body* appointed by the conference, would, in dealing with the double totalisator, go far to secure them from the mischievous efforts of a number of philanthropists. Mr McLean regretfully opposed the motion. Mr Samuel had mentioned the double totalisator. It did not pay, and he would be glad to see it done away W Mr Herries could not support the chairman's motion, which gave the committee power to disqualify without appeal. He thought Mr Samuel's motion could not do any harm, but might do good. Mr Friedlander supported the president’s motion, as against the amendment, which really dealt with corrupt practices. Mr Hart!and opposed the motion, which he considered would drive owners who raced for sport off the turf. He considered the amendment was the better proposal of the two. _ After further discussion the motion was withdrawn in favour of Mr Samuel's proposal, which was negatived by 25 t 0 lo ‘ A UNIFORM HURDLE. Mr Nolan moved a new rule referring to a uniform • hurdle, as follows: —“No hurdle shall be of a less height than •S-fc Gin perpendicularly from the ground

when in position, and it shall have a lean of not less than 12in from the plumb; it shall be constructed of timber not less than one inch in thickness, the top bar of which shall be not less than eight by one, and be braced on each side from the bottom to centre stay, and lower bt hall be not more than four inches from the ground." Seconded by Mr Vavasour. Mr Nolan was given leave to withdraw his motion and substitute a resolution giving the metropolitan bodies power to refuse to pass the programme of any club when hurdles did not correspond with the conditions. Carried by 28 fre 8. The resolution is to take effect from May Ist next. THE STUD-BOOK. The chairman brought up the question of remuneration to the compiler of the stud-book. He moved that the sum of <£loo be voted to the compiler. Seconded by Mr Samuel. Mr Hunter moved ae an amendment that the sum was insufficient, and considered <£lso should be voted. This was agreed to on the voices. TOTALISATOR DIVIDENDS. On the moticn of Mr Bidwill it was agreed that dividends be paid on the first and second horses m the proportion of 75 per cent, to the first and 25 per cent, to the second horse. DATES AND PERMITS COMMITTEE. The committee appointed to consider the question of dates and permits submitted the following report Totalisator Permits. Application for new and additional permits were received / from Papakura Racing Club, Shannon Hack Pacing Club, Taratahi-Carterton Racing- Club,and Wairarapa Pacing Club, but there being no permits available the committee cannot make any allocation. The application of the Dannevirke Jockey Club for an additional permit, and suggesting it should receive one of the permits at present held by the Waipa*p . County Racing Club, was considered. 5n the absence of a recommendation in this direction from the Metropolitan Club, and inasmuch as the Waipawa County Pacing Club had not been advised of such proposal, and consequently was not'~represented, your committee cannot make any. recommendation. The Palmerston Pacing Club, having complied with the conditions proposed by the Dunedin Jockey Club, will be granted the permit this season.

Dates of Race Meetings.

The dates of race meetings ana approved, sub] ect to the following exceptions and amendments : .. „ The Avondale Jockey Club to select other dates to the approval of the president.

The Wellington Racing Club spring meeting to have. October 17th and 19th;summer meeting, January 22nd, 24th, and 25th; autumn meeting, April 30th, May 2nd; winter meeting, July 18th, 22nd, and 25th.

The North Canterbury Jockey Club to be allowed to select another date, subject to the approval of the president. The Manawatu Racing Club to be permitted the third day at its Christmas meeting, the days to include December 26th and 27th, and a date prior to' those days. Applications of dates of racing, sports clubs, etc., for registration : —Auckland district—That certificates be granted to the Hnntly Racing Club and. the Hukurenui Racing Club. That the certificate pi the Hikutaia Racing Club be , cancelled. Canterbury district—St. Andistrict sports certificate be granted. That the Metropolitan Club not having recommended the Karamea Racing Club and Mokoreta and Redan Sports Club, no certificate be issued.

The secretary of the conference reported upon registered clubs not entitled to totalisator permits as follows : —That the certificate of all those clubs mentioned in the report as not having held race meetings during the season 1906-7 be, and are hereby, cancelled. With reference to those clubs who have held race meetings but have not complied with the provisions of Part XXIII., rule 13, your committee recommends that the respective metropolitan clubs be requested not to approve of any future programmes until the rules have been complied with. The Matamata and Cheviot Racing Clubs and Wairarapa Hunt Club having complied with the rule their names are withdrawn from the list. CHAIRMAN.

Sir George Clifford was re-elected chairman of the conference by resolution, carried unanimously.

A QUESTION OF DATES

THE MANAWATU CHRISTMAS

MEETING

The Manawatu Racijig Club applied for a three days’ meeting at Christmas time (the same as last year) the aates submitted being December 26th, 27th, and 30th (Monday), the Ashhurst Club having applied for December 28th (Saturday). The committee appointed by the conference to consider dates recommended that the Manawatu Club be permitted to have a third day at its Christmas meeting, the days to include December 26th and 27th and a date prior to those d ays. Discussing the report of- the Dates Committee, the chairman of commit tee (Mr Friedlander) said, with regard to the applications for permits by several clubs, there was only a limited number of permits, and, they had been allot ted to clubs already m existence. ih committee had no recommendation to make, and that portion of the report was adopted without further discussion. With regard to the application by the Manawatu Club, discussion took place upon a communication asking tor a ruling pon the question of whether, m the even of the club deciding not to race upon the three days allotted it, it would he compulsory for it to frame its programme for a two days meeting upon the net receipts from the totalisator on a three days’ meeting. The chairman of the conference said that under the circumstances and the dates allotted, it was a very proper reference to the conference. He did not think the club should he bound to frame a two days meeting upon the result of its tniee days’ meeting. Probably the conference would give special permission to act m the way suggested by the club. Mr Samuel said an alteration of the rules would he necessitated, and. lie thought it would prove inconvenient. The club could, however, spread the amount necessary to be given m stakes over the whole year. Mr Alison thougnt it would be grossly unfair to compel the club to give stakes for a two days’ meeting based on tfie returns from three days. He thought some resolution should be proposed to prevent the club being injuriously handicapped. Mr O. Cooper also supported special action under the circumstances. Mr Priedlander said a way out of the difficulty would he to grant the days applied for. The chairman said the club had held a very successful three days’ meeting last year, and it would he a distinct hardship to compel it to" give stakes out of proportion to the days raced. He thought the conference should find a way out of the difficulty if possible. (Hear, hear.) Mr Goodbehere thought the circumstances warranted an alteration in the rule, otherwise it would be almost impossible for a club that had been racing upon, three or four days to revert to two. if desired. ; Mr Samuel said there was very strong cause for action, but it would be impossible, in view of the fact that notice was necessary of proposed alteration. a result of further discussion, it was decided to leave the matter to the metropolitan club < to determine when the ALanawatu programme is submitted.