TROTTING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8481, 16 July 1913, Page 11

TROTTING

ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION

The annual conference of the Nev Zealand Trotting Association was hole in the Fire Underwriters’ Association’! rooms yesterday morning. Mr John Rowe presided. The following gentle men representing the various trotting clubs throughout the Dominion were present: Ashburton (Mr A. A. lookes), Auckland (Mr John Roe), Canterbury Park (Mr R. Uallaue;, lorbury Park (Mr W. J. Gore), Gore (Mr R. F. Wallis), Greymouth (Mr D. H. Roberts), Hutt Valley (Mr S. V. Burridge), inangahua (Mr B. P. McMahon), Marlborough (Mr J. H. Pollock), Nelson (Mr J. Glynn), Oamaru (Mr H. F. Gibson), New Zealand Trotting Association (Mr P. Selig), New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Association (Mr T. Wallace), New Brighton (Mr F. T. Pannell), Otahuhu (Mr H. R. McKenzie), South ■Wairarapa (Mr W. Armstrong), Wanganui (Mr C. E. Mackay), U estport (Mr J. E. Collier). AN ANNUAL REVIEW.

The president stated, inter alia: — There are in all only twenty clubs in New Zealand, and considering the over-increasing population of this country, that is not, I am sure, a very large number as the sum total of trotting clubs existing in the Dominion at the present time. It is universally acknowledged that during the past decade the sport of trotting has made gigantic strides and, if the popularity of anything can be attested by the number of its followers, it is undoubtedly to-day one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes. The operations ol the clubs for the past season show that there are 37 meetings, 59 days’ racing, and 451 races. The total stakes paid amounted to £43,026, against ’£36,661 5s for the previous year, being an increase of £6365. The iiguies in connection with trotting events o i racing clubs’ programmes are also very satisfactory. No less than 163 events 101 trotting horses wore placed on such programmes by 71 clubs. Approximately the sum of £6OOO in stakes was provided as prize money tor tnesc events. The result of such encouragement given to the utility horse is too obvious to call for comment. To return to the trotting clubs, where all have done so well it would be invidious to make comparisons,- but 1 think 1 can heartily congratulate the lovers of oUr sport on the enthusiasm and ability displayed by the gentlemen who are guiding the destinies of the various clubs, in improving the sport they nave made haste not slowly, but nevertheless, very . solidly—both in the increasing of their stakes and improving their appointments, and I feel sure that the tifue is 'not far distant when ail our larger clubs will have conveniences equal to liny course in the Dominion. The executive of this conference or the • association should report at intervals on the courses and appointments of the various clubs so that we may know if they are kept up to a proper standard, and 1 would suggest that the executive for the coming year confer with the president of the association with a view to arranging for such a report. The Mpnawatu Trotting Club, ■' as you 'will see from a letter that will come up later, is making an application to the, Government for a totalisator permit, and asking for our support in the matter. This club, which has a very strong membership, and has held two successful meetings, has certainly some claims for consideration. The district serves a most populous area, being the junction of the, largest railway service in the Dominion, enabling Sportsmen from distant, points to attend its meetings and return home on the same day. 1 At last year’s conference, as a result of a similar application from this club, a deputation was appointed to wait on the Minister of Internal Affairs in the matter of totalisator permits. Mr Beil gave us a very good hearing, but, although he had discretionary powers under the Act, he was not at that time prepared to use them. Should he do so at any future time he assured us that the claims of trotting clubs would receive proper consideration. There are a number of other districts entitled to consideration in the event of any increase or 're-distri-bution of permits, notablv Southland, Taranaki, and Waikato, all solid breeding centres, and all anxious for the improvement of the iTght-har-ness horse. Happily all the objectionable practices which followed in the train of bookmakers are things of the past. Before the abolition of bookmakers. when all the energies of the stewards were taxed to the utmost, the employment of paid officers to safeguard the sport from contamination by all the evil influences which then existed was very necessary. Under the last Gaming Amendment Act it became the duty of every racing and trotting club to use all reasonable ana lawful means of preventing bookmakers from plying their calling on racecourses. For that reason, and for .the purpose of excluding all the undesirable element, the employment of such officers still continues, and it is scarcely necessary to say that on all racecourses, as at all other places where people in large numbers are gathered together, the officers of the law are there to keep order. To-day will be the, first time that we shall have before us something definite in the shape of a notice of motion regarding the appointment of stipendiary stewards. In weighing the matter I am not at all sure that the time has arrived for the appointment of these officers, but since it is a proposal at this conference I will place some points before you. 'We must ask ourselves these questions:— Are the duties in relation to the running of meetings becoming so onerous and responsible as to warrant the engagement of paid menp and, are the duties proposed to be given to stipendiary stewards essentially different from those which the present stewards are expected to perform ? I would suggest that where trotting events, are outside the control of trotting clubs, the programmes should only be passed on condition that all the races, so far as supervision is concerned, will bo treated alike. As I have said before-, the most important meetings, as a rule, are managed by : men thoroughly acquainted with the rules of trotting, and quite competent to carry out tile duties expected of them, but at smaller meetings it is sometimes different. There can be no question that in a variety of ways stipendiary stewards would carry out certain classes of work, upon which the officials of clubs are not supposed to be authorises, and by the nature ol their duties would be continually travelling up and down the country and become acquainted with all those closely connected with the game. Where I think they would be of great use is in the stamping out of the practice of what is commonly called “running dead.” Those who are responsible for this sort of thing know

1 ow difficult it is to prove fraud, and if no steps are taken to check this ■evil in trotting it will only bo a marker of time when there will be a reaction against the practice. If the time has arrived for us to appoint stij eudiary stewards, then it is our duty to see that they are appointed, no matter at what cost. The only other notice of motion that is likely to cause much discussion will be the proposal to introduce cJasstrotting. This is one which the association brought up three years ago. In view then of probable legislation by the Government which might have affected tho clubs at that time, the matter was allowed to stand over. It was brought up the following year, and was again postponed for the same reaSm. If the proposal becomes law, the n atter should be taken up wholeheartedly by the foremost clubs, and although it would only ajiply to meetings at which the totalisator is used, there are only seven clubs which would he compelled to comply with the fresh conditious. We have already brought trotting to a high level, and our aim should be to lift it to a still higher grade as a sport. What is necessary is some certainty of bringing our best horses to closer finishes, and apparently the only way is to classify the racing at all the important meetings. Tho (introduction of class-trotting would assist to do away with the necessity of ihandicapping in class events, for tho horses would start almost together. It ! would also solve, to a very great extent, the problem of starting. This is an important matter wherein there is soma room for improvement. No doubt, a better method of starting is needed, for at many meetings the present method is neither fair nor satisfactory. I notice that the association proposes to deal with one aspect of the matter, that is, the risk of accident in a onemile harness race where there are short Junits and big fields. At the present time if more than nineteen horses start and the limit is anything under 16sec, the race is divided into heats. It is proposed to alter the rule so that if more than nineteen, start they shall run in heats, whatever the limit of handicap might he. There is undoubtedly a very grave danger under present conditions, and there have been some very narrow escapes from serious injury. It is surprising to mo that so few accidents of a serious nature have been recorded. One point in regard to wnicb blubs should adopt some uniform procedure as to starting is the treatment of unruly horses at the post. I think it is only right that some fixed policy should be laid down and adhered to What ,1. particularly wish to speak about is what is called the “moving up” start, about which there seem' to bo a general feeling of dissatisfac tion. It seems difficult to suggest a remedy; but if the horses were compelled to come more slowly to the mark it might be more satisfactory. Another matter which is on the order paper is a proposal to bring in a new rule affecting the present composition of the association. It is excellent in principle, and one 1 should like to see in practice ; Jn fact, J. would go further and debar any p'efson who is connected in any way with a club, that is, if i were not convinced that the present system cannot be improved upon. We all know how difficult it is to get men who are entirely disinterested in clubs, and if, as we believe, those we have been fortunate in getting are men ot the highest integrity, and it’ is impossible to reach the ideal state of things, fresh Titles' will 1 not help us in the matter. At our last conference reference was blade to the Sports Protection League of New Zealand. I am pleased to say that since that time considerable advance has been made in the organising of that body, but much remains yet to be done. We must have, before the next triennial election comes round—il our sports are to be protected—a branch of our league in every town and village in the Dominion.

APPLICATION FUR PERMITS. Considerable discussion took place witn idiea-iaiico to a leugtny fewer received li'om uue M.ana i.atu Uiuti applying tor a permit, jurat bouy oulnplamed. Uii.it more were too many peruuus granted to Auomand and unit enuron,. and it proposed. Unit a day mould be taxon irexn one ot the metropolitan cuius and granted to Alanavvutu.

iiU -D. H. Roberts (Greymouth fretting dub) objeoted tnat one' oi the other clubs should lose a day. idir ineiig (N.A. Trotting Association/ said the Aianawatu Club had been managed badly in the past, but it did not lollow the same state of affairs would continue in tho future. He was in. favour of Manawatu’s application being granted. The coulereuco decided to grant a permit in the event of fresh legislatin'!! being introduced and favourable opportunities arose. Applications for permits from the Westland and Granity Trottoig Clubs were dealt with in the same manner as Manawatu’s request. A letter from the Westland Trotting Club and Geraldine, dealing with the same matter as Palmerston North, was received. It was resolved to treat the request similar to previous letter. Mr Selig moved that a committee, consisting of the chairman (Air J. Rowe), Messrs ‘ McMahon, Roberts, Gore, Fooks, Pannell, and the mover, wait upon the Minister with reference to the representations of several clubs re the transit of racehorses. Mr -_D. H. Roberts seconded, and the motion was carried. STIPENDIARY STEWARDS.

Mr T. Wallace (N.Z. Metropolitan Club) moved that a now rule providing for the appointment of stipendiary stewards by the.executive be adopted. The mover said that the appointment of such stewards would to a certain extent prevent “crook” racing. The matter needed careful consideration, as tho clubs did not know what the cost would be. About £6OO, exclusive of travelling expenses, would have to bo paid to such stewards appointed. Mr F. T. Pannell (New Brighton Club) seconded the motion.

Mr A. A. Fookes (Ashburton Club) moved an amendment to the effect that the executive draw up a full report on the scheme for consideration at the next conference.

The amendment was seconded by Mr H. R. McKenzie (Otahuhu Club), and was canned, the motion being lost. Mr S. V. Burridge (Hult Vahey Trotting Club) referred to rule 3oa that “no person acting as a paid official of more than one club (other than as secretary) shall be eligible for nomination, or a seat on the board of the association.” The motion was rejected.

Mr Selig (New Zealand Trotting Association) moved that the following clause be inserted in rule 50, “or a race meeting held subject to the rules of racing, at which the totalisator is not used and not more than three races are trotted in one day.” The figures 311 were substituted for the figures 369 in rule 51.

In rule 104 it was decided, to strike cut the words “in which the limit is

,15 seconds or less.” Tne motion was .loot by ten votes to eight. Kulo IXS was amemicu with the ink.osion of the following clause at the tad of the rule: —"But. the fact that a trainer receives in pan payment of urn torvioes a commission on tne amount of the winnings of a horse shall not constitute a joint interest provided tuat such commission does not exceed 10 per cent of the winnings.”

T-io New Zealand Trotting Association (Mr P. Selig) rule 116 was amendtd with the following words added: 1 And the name of the person with, whom the power of entry, acceptance, withdrawal, or declaration of forfeit, rests, and such person shall, for the time being, and tor such purposes, be deemed to be the owner.”

By the Auckland Trotting Club rule 139, which reads as follows, was deleted : —“The age of a horse shad be .reckoned from August Ist next before the date at which it was foaled,” and the following clause was substituted: ‘‘Rule 129.—The age of a horse shall be reckoned as beginning on August Ist ia the year in which it is foaled if foaled on or after that day; if foaled before that day, it shall be reckoned as beginning on August Ist in tho previous year.”

Rule 274 states: Every objection and complaint other than tho one made by a steward or other official of the club in his official capacity, shall hi ia writing by some person having an interest in the stake, or his agent, to the secretary, and be accompanied by a deposit of 5 sovs., which deposit shall be forfeited if such objection or complaint he not sustained. On ;hc motion of Mr Selig (New Zealand Trotting Association), it was decided to add tho following clause after the word sovs., in the sixth lino; “at a meeting at which the totalizator is used, otherwise 2 sovs.” TOTAIjISATOR permits. It was moved by Mr T. Wallace that the totalisator permits bo granted tho same as last .year. Seconded by Air J. Rowe (chairman) and carried. DATES OF MEETINGS. Air W. J. Gore moved the dates bo left the same os last year witn tuo exception of tne touowiug: —uaugauui 1.U., April lltn and loin; boaimauu T.C., April lltn; and Aiauawaui, fiom i’ebrua'ry Horn to iuaren lltn. The dates now will bo: —N.Z. Metropolitan T.U., August 11th, 13th, and loth; Auckland T.U., October lotn and 13th; Oamaru T.C., October 27th; " Groymouth T.C., October 27th and 30th; N.Z. Aletropolitan T. 0., November 11th, 13th and 14th; Inangahua T.C., iSpvemher 19th; Otahuhu r.U., November 19th and 22nd; Forbury Park T.C., November Urfth and xm-n; New Brighton T. 0., December 13th and 16th; Gore T.G., December 2btn; '.Vestport T.C., December 26th and 27th; Hutt Valley T. 0., December 26th; Ashburton X.C., December 26th; Auckland T.C., December 27th, 30th, and 31st; Granity T.C., December 29th: Greymouth T. 0., December 30th and January 2nd; Canterbury Park T.C., January Ist and 2nd; Westland T.C., January 6th; Forbury Park T.C., January 28th and 31st; Nelson T.C., February llth; N.Z. Aletropolitan T. 0., February 14th; Alarlborough T.C., February 18th; Otahuhu X.C., February 25th and 28th; Alanawatu T.C., March llth; Auckland T.C., April Ist and 4th; Southland T.C., April llth; Wanganui T.C., April llth and 13th: N.Z. Aletropolitan T.C., April 15th and 18th; Forbury Park T.C., April 29th and Alay 2nd; New Brighton T.C., Alay 14th, and 16th; Canterbury Park T.C., June 3rd and 6th; South Wairarapa T.C., June 3rd; Ashburton T.C., June llth. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for ensuing year:—President, Air John Rowe (re-elected); vice-president, Mr W. J. Gore, executive, the same as last year; dates committe, Messrs C. E. Mac Kay, F. T. Pannell, and D. H. Roberts. It was decided that the conference should meet in Wellington next year.