SPORT OF TROTTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24220, 12 February 1940, Page 11

SPORT OF TROTTING

A RESPECTED ADMINISTRATOR DEATH OF MR J. H. WILLIAMS (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 11. The death occurred this morning of Mr J. H.. Williams, president of the New Zealand. Metropolitan Trotting Club and until recently president of the New Zealand Trotting Association. He was a highly respected administrator of the sport and had played a big part in making, trotting as popular as it is to-day. '

Mr Williams, who was educated at Christ's College, was a member of the legal firm of Messrs Meares*- Williams, and Holmes. On leaving school-he took a prominent part in cricket in Canterbury, and was secretary of the Canterbury Cricket Association at the time of the visit-of Lord Hawke's team more than 40. years ago. He represented Wellington on the New Zealand Cricket Council. He/was also a prominent lawn tennis player. : Mr Williams was elected vice-pre-sident of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club in 1915, and held that position until 1924, when, on the death of the president, Mr C. Louisson, he was elected president, a position which he occupied until his death. In 1916 he was elected a member of the Trotting Association, and had been a member ever since. On the retirement of Mr P Selig in 1925, he was elected president, and held the position until his retirement a few months ago. He was a. member of the Racing Coninnssion set up by the Government in 1920 to consider a redistribution of permits. Mr Williams was one of the most popular figures in trotting, and he enloved the whole-hearted confidence of men engaged in every department of the sport