SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17237, 17 April 1930, Page 13

SIR GEORGE CLIFFORD

EACING PIONEER PASSES LONG AND USEFUL LIFE (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The death has occurred of Sir George Clifford, 83, president of the New Zealand Racing Conference. His illness had lasted for more than two years. He was fully conscious towards the end, and passed away peacefully. The late Sir George Hugh Charles Clifford was the second bolder of the baronetcy, to which he succeeded in 1893. His name ill recent years has been associated with every important change in racing legislation and control, and ho has been consistent and energetic in his efforts for the. purification of the, sport. Himself one of the most successful breeders and owners in New Zealand over a long period of years, lie- has had several first-class representatives within the last three or four seasons, and the quality of the Clifford stud is recognised everywhere throughout the I loruinion. The late Sir George held with a firm hand the reins of racing control, and though on occasions his methods were subjected Lo criticism by clubs and individuals opposed for the time being to the conference, lb.' happy results which ! hat. body lias consistently procured with regard lo the spoil, is regarded ar, a sufficient warrant, for the policy which Sir George followed. Born in Canterbury in 1847, the deceased was educated at St.unevhurst College, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He succeeded to the ownership of Stoneyhurst station, Ambcrley, the propel ly originally taken up by Sir Chas. Clifford and Sir F. Weld, and his management of the properly lias been a model for many of the younger members of the farming fraternity. Among his activities the late Sir George numbered several directors' appointments, and he was chairman ol directors of the Canterbury Frozen Meat, Co., as well, as of several other commercial concerns. He took an active, share in public life at one time, and his kindly nature and happy disposition were distinctive features of a character which in any environment would have achieved success.

Deceased was thrice married, his first wife being a. daughter of the late Sir John Dawson, who died within a year of her marriage. Ifo later married Miss Janet Burnett, a member of a Nelson family, who died in 1885. His third wife, who survives, was a daughter ot the Rev. Mr. Dennis, of Canterbury. Sir George's family comprised three daughters and one son.

ALL HORSES SCRATCHED

C.J.C. EASTER MEETING

fPnr Th-mH Association.) CII.RISTCm'BCH, this day. All the horses of the late Sir Ceorge Clifford engaged at the Canterbury Jockey ('lull's meeting i exl week were, scratched at 11.30 a.m. to-day. Those affected on the first day are Winsome Hind, in the Champagne Stakes, ami Russley Plate: Straight Course in the Aiitun.ii Plate: Semper Paratus. in the Gimcrack Handicap: Waterline. in the Sockburn Handicap: Full Feather, in (lie Coiiriuiay Handicap. Waterline also drops out of the Great Autumn Handicap on the second day.