CANTERBURY DOINGS

Otago Witness, Issue 2676, 28 June 1905, Page 51

CANTERBURY DOINGS

By Fbitz.

Chatting with Mr W. Franks, who is- m charge of Mr G. G. Stead's Ftud establishment, he ]r.forme;l me that the young stock, especially some, of the. foals, were ocirang on nicely, and all going well witli them, he thought that in a year's time some would carry th? yellow and black creditably.

Mr J. Lewis, who unfortunately came under the ban of the Christchurch Eacing Club ir connection -with the running of Manjess at the autumn meeting of that club, has purchased a largo livery stable business at Ashburton. He ia we'll known in the district, and should do well. It is possible, at tho end of his enforced absence from the course, he will take :n hand a few horses already promised him by well-known patrons of the turf.

I hear that Mt F. Claridge, formerly rrame-r for Mr J. Buckley, of Oamaru, has purchased livery stables in Christchurch.

Despite fears to ths contrary, the nominations received for events to be decided at the Canterbury Jockey Club's Grand National meeting are all that cbuid possibly be desired, and if patrons -of the winter sport could only see anywhere n-ear one-half of the horsea ei.gr.ged in the respective raws go to the National Hurdle Hace has drawn, a, particularly fine entry of 47 culled from all parts of pest they would be delighted. The Grand t the" colony; aha fh'is is> very satisfactory, inasj much -as many keld the opinion that very feiv horses were being educated to hurdle work. At ordinary meetings clubs are thankful, especially iji this island, to receive a diczen entries for their hurdle races, and although the national meeting naturally does and should secure a good response from owners, there is little doubt that the valuable stakes offered proves a most attractive draw. Tho list shows that ths hurdle, entry is in excess of the numbers -received in any other race »for which, nominations were due last week, as the following figures -will show: — Grand National Hurdle Race*, 47; Grand Na<tional Steeplechase, 26; Winter Cup, 45; Sjdenham iaurdle E-ace, 35; Lincoln Steeplechase, 29; Beaufort Steeplechase, 25. This niokes th-e fine total of 207 entries for six rp.ces. As usual, the bulk of the nominations for the jumping events emanate from the North Island, only 14 of those entered for the- Grand National Hurdles being trained in. this island. Amongst the 47 candidates are many tried hurdlers, notably Waiwera, Huku, Tupara, Trumpery, Catherine Gordon, Levant, Cav*lry_. Sleep-well, Wind, Exrnoor, Handsome E/ose, and Hagriificent. Then there are several minor quantities, and, what is mcxc pleasing still, nrany fast horses on the 1 -flat, have been entered. Amongst these are Convoy, one of the best handicap horses in tihe colony, and the same caai also be said of tlhe northern representatives Borneo and Regulation. The Mohican has only to improve ever so 'little to make him a proficient hufxller. Bagpipes, who is jumping- well, J.s certainly speedy, whilst Secret Society, Wet Blanket, and Heroism are a trio who only need jumping ability to make their presence felt in any field. In the Grand National Steeplechas* «ntry there are a number of approved cro3s-country 'horses, many of them having had some experience of the Uiccarton course. Slow- Tom and Hay<3ii have ep^ch. •won the lepping blue ribbon, whilst the unlucky Pipi, who has thrice ran into a place, is a proficient fencer. _ Nor'-west, though getting on in years, is not yet a past quantity, and 2£adtere recently showed' in Auckland that lie is in good form by winning tihe 'Great .Northern Steeplechase. Sjome of tihe others have developed fair form over the big obstacles, and, taken altogether, and remembering that several unknown quantities iaav exhibit latent power, we can safely look forward to a contest equal to those witnessed in t"he past. SoTith Island sta.bl°s show up much better in the Winter Cup, Canterbtiry providing her fair share of horses who have proved themselves pretty- good over a. mile. Class is well .represented 1 by Convoy, Shrapnel Shell, Ghoorka.; Golden Knight, Kremlin, Master Alix, Pallas, Oannie Cihiel, Eegulation, Golden Vein. Savoury, Bed Gauntlet, Exmoor, axwl Shrapnel, whilst several of those engaged are 3ioniina<fced for the New Zealand Cup, and it is possible that the ioTm shown on the Winter Cup may give at least a slight line as to the prospects of some of these in the big two-mile race.

Tupara, Pipi, Phaeton feu,, Kaitere, Slow Tom, and Haydn have been backed to win the Grand National Steeples," coupled with Convoy, Secret Society, Esmoor, Thei Mohican, Catherine, Gordon, and Handsome Bos*. A f.air amount of wagering has transpured in connection -with the New Zealand Cup, Maniapoto, Sungod, 'Golden Knight, Tiroic, Sir Tristram, Melwood, Gold Crown, Achilles, Ghoorka, Joe Chambarlain, Veneer, and Maiukwaxu all being 1 supported. Lee Side, Phaetontis, Secret Society, and Eongoa hare all performed fairly over the obstacles during the week, but the weather lias again been v-ery -wintry, and the tracks have not been suitable for much interesting work.

C. "Piper, the 'well-known trainer, recently purchased Lonsdale Lodge from Mr D. O'Brien. Piper has resided at this establishment fox some time, and now owns one of the most np-to-date establishments in the colony. A few "weeks ago I mentioned that the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club would shortly discuss proposed amendments to the rules, the main feature being an alteration providing that three members of the commdttee should annually retire, but be eligible for nomination. A meeting was called and the subject discussed, but owing to a. flight informality in the procedure a notification, has been seirt i- members that the -election will bo carried out under the old rules.

The following is the report and balance sheet which will be submitted' to the members at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Olub. —

Your committee has much pleasure in placing before you the yearly statement of accounts showing laflrfc year's operations. The business of the club for the year has been highly satisfactory. The total receipts reach £13,780, and the expenditure (including stakes, £9499) totals £15.081; included in this is the cast of improvements, £2000. The amount expended to date on buildings, etc., amounts to £11,152. The assets (after writing down buildings, etc., £33G7) stand at £8000; included in this is a fixed deposit of £515. The erection of caretaker's cottage, boxes, cloak room, lavatories, telegraph office, and the Te-fornring of the racing track, as suggested by your committee, have been completed. Your committee segrets that a loss .was made over the August" meeting, owing tt bad weather, and not being able to hold the meeting on our own course. The chairman and committee 1 of the Canterbury Jockey Club came to our assistance and generously placed the Eiccarton Kacecourse at our disposal, which was accepted. This kindly act was much appreciated. The club has sustained a loss by the death of two members, Messrs Hugh M'llraith and "\V. B. Clarkson. Mr M'llraith took an active and prominent jjsut in thg administration of the fl.ffair.s. fi|

trotting from its earliest stages, and soms years ago was made a life member lor valuable services rendered. Mr Clarkson always took a keen interest in the welfare of the club, and was a valuable patron of the sport. No other nomination than Gilbert Hamilton M'Haffie being received for the office o1!'o 1 !' president, he is duly elected. No , other nomination than L. Wilson being received for the office of hon. treasurer, he is duly elected. The requisite number having been nominated for committee, there will be no election. Eleven members have been nominated for stewards. Ballot papers for the election of 10 have been issued, and must be returned by those who cannot attend the annual meeting, not later than the hour for which the meeting is convened. No duplicate papers will be issued. BALANCE SHEET FOR SEASON. 1904-5. Receipts. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Balance .... " 1.232 14 11 „ Nominations .. 1,419 17 G „ Acceptances .. 1,028 0 0 „ Members' S v Inscriptions . . „ 193 4 0 „ Tofcilisator .. 7 956 11 G „ Gates .. .. 2,103 7 9 „ Privileges .. 565 0 0 „ Cards (less printing) .. .. 452 4 G 13,778 5 3 „ Nominations collected .... 2 10 0 „ Balance « 68 8 0 £15,081 18 2 Expenditure. £ s. d. £ B. d. By Stakes .. .. 9,499 0 0 „ Government Tax 1,251 6 6 „ Rent — Course . . 145 15 0 „ Advertising and Printing . . . . 196 8 1 „ Incidentals and Sundries .. 57 6 1 „ Stationery .. 19 7 10 „ Secretary's Salary 300 0 0 „ Handicapper .. 200 0 0 „ Starter .. .. 80 17 0 „ Clerk of Scales . . 37 13 0 „ Clerk of Course.. 23 2 0 „ Gatemen and Course Officials 241 3 6 „ Detectives .. 109 S 0 „ Luncheon .. 92 18 6 „ Band .. .. 75 2 0 ; , Totalisator Clerk 352 10 0 „ Caretaker .. 127 10 0 „ Judge .. .. 57 15 0 „ Timekeeper .., 34 13 0 12,601 15 G „ Office Junior .. 26 10 0 „ Delegate to Conference .... 10 0 0 „ New Zealand Trotting Assoc. 13 6 0 „ Auditor .... 19 16 0 „ Office Rent, etc. 88 1 9 „ Plant .... 40 5 0 „ Buildings, etc. . . 1 649 18 6 „ Law Cost? . . 20 3 0 „ Insurance and Rates .... 80 2 0 „ Conference Expenses and Levy S6 0 0 „- Ground Improvements .... 8 16 0 Other Expenses — By Track .... 226 11 7 „ Interest, ' etc. . . 4 0 3 Ground Expenses 160 7 7 „ Asphalting . . 11 19 6 „ Forming Training Track .... 55 1 0 „ Paintings .. 29 4 6 £15.081 IS 2 Receipts. £ s. d. First Meeting .. : ... .. 3,129 14 9 Second Meeting 5,433 14 6 Third Meeting 1.778 17 9 Fourth Meeting ..„ .. . _.. 3,384 14 9 £13,727 1 9 Expenditure. £ s. a. First Meeting .. ... .„., 3,253 5 9 Second Meeting 4,225 10 10 Third Meeting .. .... .. 1,981 7 2 Fourth Meeting „,. „« ». 3,170 9 7 £12,630 13 4 LIABILITIES AND ASSETS. Liabilities. £ s. a. To National Bank of New Zealand 68 8 0 £68 8 0 Assets. Written offCost. 1901-5. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. By Plant— Dray, Harness, Tools, Mowers, etc. .. 189 12 8 89 12 8 100 0 0 „ Stands. Furniture, Fittings, Crockery, & Cutlery 445 4 3 95 i 3 350 0 0 „ B v i 1 dings — S t ands, Tote House, Fencing, etc. .. 8,952 18 1 1,952 18 1 7 000 0 0 „ Office Furniture and Fittings €7 2 0 S2 2 0 S3 0 0 „ Track & Training Track . . 734 14 5 734 14- 6 -.v „ Ground Improvements .. 636 10 10 636 10 10 ks „ Asphaltang .. 126 10 3 126 10 3 £11,152 12 G 3,667 12 6 7,435 0 0 „ Fixed Deposit at National Bank 515 0 0 £8,000 0 0