SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 20831, 20 July 1929, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED.

There has been no racing for two successive weeks in New Zealand, an unusual thing.

The Canterbury Park Racing Club will hold a meeting in Sydney for horses this afternoon.

The annual general meeting of members of'the Southland R.C. takes place on Friday, July 26.

Smart pacer Glenelg is sound again and may be in evidence at Addington next month.

The clever pony galloper, Little Queen, is now owned in Invercargill but may race in Sydney.

Nukumai is to carry 11.9 in the G.N. Hurdle Race as against 11.11 as topweight for last August.

W. J. Tomkinson is a busy trainer with pacers, trotters, jumpers, and greyhounds under his care.

Promise of a light harness event, at the Birchwood Hunt meeting has stirred up local trotting trainers.

Mister Gamp and Overhaul are favoured for the N.Z. Grand National Hurdles, but Locarno is also fancied.

That touchy filly, The Graphic, moved kindly on the tracks on Thursday when F. W. Ellis returned to saddle again.

It is claimed that Merry Mint will rank as the Winter Cup first, fancy as far as North Islanders are concerned.

Wiltshire is making a good recovery from the effects of a chill and may yet be seen out in the Grand National Steeplechase.

Despite the fact that he has been treated to 10.4, Historic, by Nassau —Brayton, may be seen to advantage in Winter Cup race.

The gate receipts for the Oamaru Trotting Club’s hist fixture amounted to .£760, or .£2OO more than on Labour Day last season.

Latest news from Sydney is to the effect that Riccarton owner-trainer J. McCombe, was in hospital quarters.

An accident sustained some years ago in N.Z. is stated to have caused J. McCombe to undergo an operation.

Southlander Red Boa will probably disappear from the Winter Cup list in favour of minor events at Riccarton.

The tall hurdler, Magna Charta, is reported to be sound again, but can hardly be at his best for C.J.C. August races.

The promising Hawkes Bay jumper, Bon Aryon will be prepared at Riccarton by T. 11. Gillett until after the G.N. meeting.

Night March and his stablemate, True Shaft, were due to leave Wellington yesterday for Sydney under A. McAulay.

Having proved a failure- as a racehorse in Sydney, as in Maoriland, imported Greengrocer has been relegated to stud duties.

The Dunedin light harness owner, Mr G. J. Barton, for whom W. J. Tomkinson trains, heads the season’s owners' list with £4728.

The Invercargill-trained horses, King Balboa (F. W. Ellis) and. Red Boa (R. .McKay) are due to leave for the S.C.J.C. postponed Winter meeting on Tuesday.

Mark Mint is a half-brother by Catmint to Sea De’il, winner of the Great Northern Hurdle Race and Great Northern Steeplechase in 1922 and 1924 respectively.

A number of Southland-owned jumpers and flat racers have been engaged at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting at Riccarton on August 3.

It is understood that when the programme is issued by the Auckland T.C. for next season, slower class horses than usual will be encouraged by several events.

When Paganelli left for Sydney a rider had not been secured for his Australian engagements, but it is stated that L. G. Morris may cross the sea to fill the bill.

At the Oamaru Trotting Club’s Labour Day meeting the totalisator investments amounted to £29,732, which ranks as the highest figures ever credited to the North Otago body.

As he has been favourably handicapped in the Winter Cun under 9.2. a considerable amount of interest will attach to Taboo’s form at Timaru next week.

When heated up in actual competition as a hurdler, Paris may surprise his friends, but he has not had much experience of the jumping game yet, and is inclined to be rather careful.

The Comedy King gelding, Joy King, was passed in at auction on being submitted at Trentham last week. He was to be shipped' to Sydney from Wellington by yesterday’s steamer.

For its annual Labour Day fixture the Oamaru Trotting Club pays the following amounts to officials:—Handicapper, £42; starter, £25; judge, £2l; clerk of the course, £lO 10/-; birdcage steward, £lO 10/-.

It is understood that local trainer, A. McKenzie, is to have his team increased this week by the addition of the aged galloper, Poor Boy, by Fleetham or Some Boy 11 from Orderdown.

Recently purchased from her breeder, Mr A. Chisholm, by an Invercargill sportsman, the four-year-old mare, Anahera, by Borne Boy II from Hineamaru, has joined the Endeavour Lodge team. She is not a stranger at J. A. Rowland's establishment, as she received her early education from the local mentor. Well-grown and a free mover, Anahera may develop into a useful galloper, as she looks the part and is bred to perform well. When trained in the Western District the Some Boy II mare is reported to have been somewhat difficult to handle, but she has behaved well on the Southland R.C. tracks during the present week.

A Wellington telegram, dated July 19, states that the Maheno, bound for Sydney on Friday, took the following horses:—• Night March, True Shaft, Seatown, Sunkissed, Tea Queen, Dresden China, Rode Cabe, Santa Anna,' Over Cheque and Teri. The jockeys, R. Reed, T. Green and G. Ridgway also left by the same vessel. The departure of Roy Reed for Australia will leave the field for the jockeys’ premiership to A. E. Ellis 60 wins, while L. J. Ellis, equal with R. Reed at 56 successes, will be afforded an opportunity to secure second place to his elder brother during the South Canterbury fixtures next week.

The rising three-year-old gelding, Jack’a;Dandy, by Some Boy II from Eight Bells, has rejoined F. W. Ellis’s stable and is looking bright and well after his winter spell. The half-brother to the defunct Jack o’ Lantern, by Fleetham, has furnished noticeably since he last occupied a box at the local establishment and is in excellent shape to commence his preparation for next season.

. A. McKenzie is persevering with the five-year-old gelding by Some Boy II from a Mensch ikoff mare and the light-coloured chestnut has the appearance of a horse who may become useful in the experienced hands in which he now finds himself. The Rorke’s Drift Lodge trainer has also taken up the rising three-year-old filly Milliner, by Some Boy ll—Topsy Knight again. Although on the small side the latter can speed up over a restricted course and presents the look of a neat little mover.

The steeplechaser Nylotis has been turned out m the meantime to recover from a strenuous cross-country season and the effects of a severe fall sustained at the Riverton Racing Clubs Easter meeting. Kept well up in the weights by handicappers during the nnal portion ot tne closing season tne son of Obolus did not have much chance of winning even had he not been somewhat injured. As Mr G. Blanks’ lease of Nylotis will-shortly expire the pupil of F. W. Ellis may compete under another racing banner next season.

The well-bred and promising galloping filly’, Lucky Light, who has been spoiling since her series of unfortunate experiences during the currency of the recent Dunedin J.C. Winter fixtuie, has been taken up again by F. J. McKay, 'lhe Raper Money —bumper mare was on the light side when she returned from Wingatui last month, but she has apparently made satisfactory progress during her holiday term, as she looks well. As she is only a three-year-old, Mr W. T. Hazlett’s representative may furnish into a nice mare and a useful winner next season.

A useful half-mile gallop on Thursday morning created the impression that the participants, King Balboa and Red Boa, have not slumped in galloping ability since they ran at Washdyke recently. Both present a well-trained appearance at present and should leave for Timaru on Tuesday morning in excellent shape. F. W. Ellis will be in charge of King Balboa, while R. McKay will escort. Red Boa on his second venture to South Canterbury of late. King Balboa has trained on well since his recent success in the Timaru Cup and his forward condition should encourage his owner to race him at the forthcoming N.Z. Grand National gathering.

Light harness handicappers are in future to receive much-needed protection as a result of a remit passed at conference last week making it an offence for any owner, trainer, or horseman to approach a handicapper relative to the handicapping of any horse. It has been the experience of all handicappers to be annoyed and often insulted by some people who have a grievance over the handicapping of a horse and often the grievance is purely an imaginary one. The aggrieved owner has always had the privilege of asking a club for an explanation regarding the handicapping of his horse and this privilege is still extended. An annual sporting attraction set down for Wednesday next (July 24) will be the Flag Steeplechase conducted at South Hillend by the local branch of the Birchwood Hunt. The Turi sportsmen have long been noted for their annual event of the closing hunting season and the fixture of next week is expected to be equal to if not superior to any of its predecessors.

Now that the handicappers’ powers have been limited and placed trotting horses can only be penalized according to the table adopted at the Conference last week, such should remove the strong objection trainers have had in the past to the publication of times registered in trials done by horses in training, says the Auckland Star. In the galloping snort the times done in training are a feature of the reports, but because trotting handicaps have always been based upon time, and not poundage, the contention has been that no times done in training by trotters or pacers should be supplied to the public. However, this cannot hold good in future because nothing a horse may do in training can now influence a handicapper, and this being so, the public who keep the sport going may expect more particulars of what is doing on the tracks than they have been accustomed to get in the past.

The champion light harness racehorse and pacing sire, Cathedral Chimes, was railed away to Oamaru on Friday and the son of Four Chimes will be at the service of breeders in the North Otago district during the approaching season.

During the absence of private trainer F. J. McKay in the South Canterbury district next, week with his string of jumpers to represent Mr. W. T. Hazlett and Mr. J. E. Hazlett, the local mentors flat racing brigade will be kept to steady pacing. The gallopers from the Gladstone establishment at present include Speed Light, Lucky Light, Grand Razzle, Cossack Chief and a novice' gelding by Tractor who ranks as a halfbrother to -Francaisc, Frenchman, Apache, Paris, Taramoa, and The Parisian. McKay’s flat-racing pupils are all progressing favourably, and Grand Razzle in particular is doing well, while Cossack Chief is losing the somewhat mean appearance that characterized him on his arrival in Invercargill some months ago. The descendant of Chief Ruler will probably furnish into a passable racehorse next season as far as looks go and he may. also display .some galloping ability as he is cast on sprinting lines.

It is understood that when F. D. Jones goes to Sydney shortly in charge of champion Limerick and his stablemate, Paquito, he will bear a commission from the Christchurch studmaster, Mr. F. Holmes, to purchase a thoroughbred stallion. In the event of a suitable horse being secured he will be located near Invercargill and within easy reach of Eastern district breeders. The intention is to secure a sire available for the incoming season in Southland. As both Messrs F. D. Jones and F. Holmes are noted judges of horseflesh, it will be interesting to see what the result of their united endeavours will produce in the blood stock line.

During last week the Oakhampton Lodge mentor, Mr. J. Bryce visited Chimes Lodge, Mataura and purchased from Mr. James Brosnan his successful pacing sire, Four Chimes, presumably for use at Oakhampton Lodge. The success of the stock of Matchlight has evidently inbued Trainer Bryce with a desire to secure his sire. It is understood that Mr. Bryce also made arrangements to least several young pacers from the Eastern district, one from J. Reid, Riversdale, by Four Chimes—Wallace L. mare, one from J. Ray, Gore, by Cathedral Chimes —Darkstream, another from P. O’Hagen, Pukerau, by Cathedral Chimes— Trademark, and also a couple of Waverleys from Cross Bros., Otama.

The recent arrivals at Endeavour Lodge, viz., Celerity 11. and Spean Bridge, have settled down to business again on the Southland R.C. tracks and are getting through steady pacing. The former is keenly alive to the racing game and on Thursday morning, following on a smart sprint by two gallopers preparing to race at Washdyke next week, the English mare was anxious to go out and do likewise. Some difficulty was experienced in keeping her in check and as a result Celerity II was blowing hard when her pacing task was completed. Although they have had very little work yet the imported pair are already commencing to display favourable results from regular track exercise.

The Australian-bred and owned performer, Gold Cup, has made distinct improvement in condition during the past fortnight and a few gallops would soon put him in racing shape. The descendant of Woorak is an attractive mover and the chances are that he will presently be discovered as a gelding capable of recording speed on _ the tracks or in public. Should he continue to flourish as of late F. W. Ellis will be in a position to land a galloper in Melbourne almost ready to race. The Graphic is also commencing to build up nicely and the daughter of Paper Money is settling down to her tasks in an improved fashion. When first brought in to open- her three-year-old course of training the companion to Gold Cup was inclined to be flighty and highly-strung, but her manners have-under-gone a favourable change of late. The Graphic has only to continue her progress of the past spring season to become a useful winner in Victoria or this country.

At the annual meeting of members of the Southland Racing Club on Friday evening of next week, there will be an election for seven members of committee. The retiring members are: Messrs W. Falconer, W. Grieve, J. L. Hannon, E. W. Howorth, H. S. Irving, A. Macaulay and J. McDonald, and all are eligible for re-election. Messrs C. A. Davis, J. Graham and D. Kilkelly have also been nominated.

AUCKLAND TURF NEWS. COMMENT ON . WELLINGTON RACES. NUKUMAI’S FORM AT TRENTHAM. KING’S GUARD JUMPS SPLENDIDLY. MAUNGA’S G.N. STEEPLECHASE PROSPECTS. (Special to the Times.) 'Auckland, July 18. A fine type of hurdler is the Riceartontrained Amorist, who pulled off the Vittoria Hurdles on the opening day at Trentham last week. jle mid Fine Acre made the pace very sultry, both horses being ridden into the ground, with Amorist good enough to carry it out to a successful issue. It was a brilliant, performance, and even if Fine Acre had stood up it did not look as if the result would have been different. On his next appearance, in the shorter hurdle race on the concluding day, Amorist did not appreciate a 141 b rise, and he was outstayed by the greatly-improved Horomea. The future showings of Amorist among the hurdling brigade will be followed with the keenest interest, and not a little confidence, by those who saw him perform at Trentham.

Kept for the mile and a-half Hack Hurdles on the second day at Trentham last week, the Paeroa-owned and trained Waltzer put up a really good showing. He drew to the front crossing the top, and then appeared to have a commanding lead over Horomea and the other horses. He was pulling very hard, however, and this proved his undoing, for H. Dulieu was unable to give him a breather. Consequently he stopped to a walk after getting over the last fence, and Horomea soon caught and beat him home. On Saturday Waltzer was given another outing, but he never seemed to be going right, and was in the ruck for the greater part of the journey. “Every day in every way I am getting better and better.” This was the song sung by Horomea during the recent Wellington meeting. And, strange to relate, the more she improved, the higher became the dividend. On the first day Horomea got into a lot. of interference at the first three fences, still she got second. Those who observed the trouble she got into were no doubt with her on the second day, when she won very easily. ’Despite this the chestnut- mare was treated with almost remarkable leniency on the concluding day, and she won again, with the dividend showing about a 75 per cent, rise on her price when she won two days previously. Three all up bets on Horomea at Trentham would have run out at about winning odds of 23 to 1. But probably not one out of the thousands of punters at Trentham indulged in this accumulator bet 1 Actually' it was easy money.

A last minute decision was come to to take Glena Bay to Trentham to fulfil his engagements there, an injured leg having made an excellent recovery under the watchful eye of J. Howden. On the first day Glena Bay contested the Hack Hurdles, but at Die very first fence another horse banged into him, sending Jockey Foster for a skate, and that was that. On the middle day the High-Weight was his mission, and getting away badly the Romeo gelding was never in the hunt. On Saturday he was back to the batten-clearing game. He was nearly brought down at the second fence, losing a lot of ground. Half a mile from home he flashed into the picture with almost startling suddenness, running into third place. The effort took too much out of him, and sixth place was his portion. But the summing-up could be quoted something like this: —Glena Bay for a hurdle race next start, with rosy prospects for next, winter. Kamehameha was in the firing-line for the greater part of the journey in the Wellington Steeplechase, but in the last lap he tired badly, and then baulked —an incident he was guilty of in the Winter Steeplechase at Ellerslie last month. Kamehameha fenced all right, but at present it would seem as if the best jumping company is a bit beyond him. Perhaps the Demosthenes gelding would do better if kept to the smaller fences, for it will be remembered that he finished quite a good second to Bright Land in the Remuera Hurdles at Ellerslie last month. D. Moraghan’s other representative at Trentham was Master Doon, whose third placing in the Hack Hurdles the first day would assist toward paying the expenses of the trip. The Master is developing into a really smart hurdler, but it is very much against him that he cannot stay, faulty respiration’ being the cause. Once again has Nukumai failed in a steeplechase, the latest attempt being at Trentham in the big contest there last week. He was handy to the leaders for over two and a-half miles in the Wellington Steeplechase, but then did a fade-out, finishing in the ruck. This ’ performance he repeated in the Winter Hurdles last Saturday. It remains to be seen if old Nukumai will stage a come-back at Riccarton next month. , Throughout the whole of the three days racing at Trentham last week the easiest win was that secured by Paddon the first day. Immediately after that victory he was withdrawn from his remaining engagements at the meeting. Now Paddon is under orders for the Winter Cup next month, and despite his weight he should go another good race. The Winter Cup is not a good one for heavy weights, but in his present form it is going to take something pretty good to beat him. In his one race at Trentham Paddon outsprinted the opposition and then outstayed them, registering a clear cut win. It was the consistent jumping throughout the Wellington Steeplechase that gave King’s Guard the advantage over the southerner, Fabriano. The Waikato representative took every fence alike, clearing the obstacles very smoothly, and it is in this respect that he differs from his stable mate, Roman Abbey. It was generally thought that the latter was being reserved for the Grand National Steeplechase, but the splendid jumping of King’s Guard in the Wellington Steeplechase inclines one to the view that he may be a more worthy contender for the honours at Riccarton. In the early stages of the Wellington Steeplechase, indeed for a mile, Fabriano was fencing anything but cleverly, and time after time he got in what appeared to be perilous jumps, last minute take-offs threatening to see him numbered among the casualties. However the southerner then settled down, and that he ran King’s Guard to a head at the end suggested that he might have won had he not taken that extra little bit out of himself in the early part. On the final day Fabriano was going fairly well when he blundered slightly and lost his rider with exactly one circuit covered—a little less than half way. It remains to be seen whether Fabriano can negotiate the Riccarton obstacles. , In the decision of the Wellington Steeplechase last week Maunga was never a possibility. He tailed the field for the major part of the journey, and finally finished up in seventh position, having but two horses behind him. For the first two and aquarter miles of the July Steeplechase it was the same, Maunga chasing the field, but even then he was fencing so brilliantly that it was apparent that under the conditions he had a chance. At the fence nine furlongs from home Maunga must have been standing the leaders anything up to twenty-five lengths start, and in the next seven furlongs this dashing jumping had carried him up into third place. From this out it was easy for him, for he easily outstayed Matu and Alaric. Maunga s return to form is welcome at a time when there appears to be a dearth of good ‘chasers, and be is such a genuine stayer that he must not be altogether overlooked when the Grand National comes along next month. Probably never since he was put over the big fences has Kawini had such a golden opportunity of winning in this class as he possessed in the Wellington Steeplechase. Accustomed as we have been to see the Formative gelding tailing off badly in his races, it came as quite a surprise to find him right up all the way in the big event at Trentham on opening ‘day, for never at any part was he further away that eight lengths from the pacemakers. Probably it was this effort that told its tale at the end, for he could not raise that good finishing spurt to pull it off, and third was his

portion. Kawini did not do so well the last day, and his two Trentham showings lend further colour to the idea that he is merely a plodder, even more so than in previous years. Matu in his two races over country at the Wellington meeting had to concede the field big starts on each occasion, the Polydamon gelding lagging badly. He was fourth in the Wellington Steeplechase, and second to Maunga the last day; both fine performances under the circumstances. Matu does not appear to be endowed with a great‘deal of pace, stamina rather than speed being his forte. Unfortunately there are several horses that could be placed in this category contesting steeplechase events this winter.

But for rapping the second to last fence pretty hard, Brigadier Bill might have won the Wellington Steeplechase. Up to this point he had fenced fairly well, although uncertain at certain obstacles. On Saturday he tore away into the lead from the start, but he jumped badly and was soon collared, to be finally pulled up with seven furlongs to go. Brigadier Bill is not the best of stayers, but on his showings to date he is far from being the best jumper the Hunterville sportsman, Mr James Bull, has ever owned.

The good reports circulated from the south anent the ’chaser Radiate caused much interest in his appearance at Trentham last week. He was going particularly well in the Wellington Steeplechase until he blundered badly seven furlongs from home. Practically the same thing occurred in the July Steeplechase on the final day, and he was a moderate fourth. Apart from these mishaps Radiate shaped like a horse that may come good over the big fences, for he has pace and a good share of jumping ability. Radiate is just the sort of horse to capture one of the ’chasing events at Riccarton next month. At the recent South Canterbury meeting Radiate defeated Fabriano rather easily, but the latter turned the tables decisively upon the Polydamon gelding in the Wellington Steeplechase. It was difficult to account for the rank failure of Kauri Park in the Wellington Steeplechase. He jumped wretchedly throughout the contest, barely having sufficient pace on to scramble over some of the fences—and those jumps at Trentham took some negotiating on the part of the horses rising out of the muddy track. After his brave Ellerslie showings Kauri Park s display came as a shock to his northern admirers, who were sanguine of the Elysian gelding’s prospects not only at Trentham, but also at Riccarton next month. It is hardly likely that the big gelding will be asked to travel to the Canterbury meeting after last week’s display. Kauri Park was produced only once on the Wellington trip.

SOUTHLAND RACING CLUB.

ANNUAL REPORT.

Following is the report of the Southland Racing Club to be presented at the annual meeting on Friday, July 26: In presenting the annual report and statement of accounts your committee regrets to have to state that, from a financial point of view, the past season has been one of the worst in the history of the club. Bad weather was experienced at both the summer and the autumn meetings, and this doubtless accounted for the serious reduction in receipts. The summer meeting returned a profit of only £333 17/-, while the autumn meeting showed a loss of £B6B 7/8, leaving a loss for the two meetings of £534 10/8. The 1928 meetings showed a profit of £ll3B 4/4, and by adding to this amount the loss made this year there is a decrease of £1672 15/as compared with last year. On the same basis the decrease as compared with 1927 is £1435 3/8. Improvements to appoint, ments, roads and tracks were again responsible for a fair amount of extra expenditure this year, and after deducting these costs, together with the expenses of administration, it will be seen that the year’s operations show a loss of £1331 11/1. _

The figures for the summer meeting were > Totalisator £40,315 as against £47,698 last year, and the gates £1702 7/6 as against £1934 3/- last year. Profits in the previous years were as follows: £1284 13/7 in 1928; £1483 11/7 in 1927; £1607 1/4 in 1926; £1963 15/3 in 1925; £1290 15/2 in 1924; £1255 9/4 in 1923; £1729 14/5 in 1922; £3185 15/4 in 1921; £3189 10/9 in 1920; £1375 17/4 in 1919; £948 18/8 in 1918; £756 8/6 in 1917; £387 8/10 in 1916; £7Ol 0/9 in 1915; £671 11/5 in 1914; £1022 17/7 in 1913; £953 12/10 in 1912; £921 1/10 in 1911, etc.

The figures for the autumn meeting were: Totalisator £19,125 as against £27,246 last year, and gates £566 13/6 as against £772 10/10 last year. Results during previous years were as follows: Ixiss £146 9/3 in 1928; loss £582 18/7 in 1927; loss £l4B 14/7 in 1926; loss £lO2 3/9 in 1925; profit of £233 5/7 in 1924; a loss of £239 9/2 in 1923; a loss of £2OB 15/5 in 1922; profit of £458 2/6 in 1921; £721 1/2 in 1920; £8 15/6 in 1919; £243 16/- in 1918; £216 2/9 in 1917; £427 15/2 in 1916; £451 12/10 in 1915; £612 2/2 in 1914; £4OO 12/8 in 1913; £641 11/1 in 1912; £582 14/10 in 1911. The totalisator turnover for the year was £59,440 as against £74,944 in 1928; £74,842 in 1927; £81.557 10/- in 1926; £86,715 in 1925; £84,810 in 1924; £81,559 in 1923; £86,171 in 1922; £113,527 in 1921; £99,799 10/- in 1920; £77,284 in 1919; £60,882 in 1918; £56.984 in 1917, £49,888 10/- in 1916; £54,233 in 1915; £53,339 in 1914; £49,945 in 1913; £37,625 in 1912; £27,257 in 1911, etc. Below is a detailed list of receipts and expenditure for the last three years:—

During the period under review imposing entrance gates were erected and turnstiles installed. The new system was thoroughly tried out at both meetings, and on the whole proved satisfactory. However, after the summer meeting your committee realized that certain changes would be necessary but owing ot the proximity of the trotting meeting, to be followed shortly afterwards by our own autumn meeting it was decided not to take any action untir the beginning of the new season. Prior to the summer meeting all roads and approaches were given a heavy coating of gravel and despite the wet weather immediately before and during both meetings and the soft nature of the newly formed roads, they provided a reasonably good surface for cars, and now that they have been solidified by the traffic, should prove eminently satisfactory in the future. The gravelled area in front of the totalisator was also enlarged, and it is hoped to have this work completed in the near future. During the year the following amounts were paid to the Government by way of taxes: Totalisator tax £1486 0/3 less refund for permanent' improvements £250, £1236 0/3; dividend tax £2675 10/-; amusement tax £226 9/-; stake tax £384; land and income tax £3O 10/8; total £4552 9/11. It is with regret that we have to record the deaths during the year of the following members of the club: Messrs B. Bain, T. W. Edie and R. J. Hyndman. Mr W. T. Hazlett and Mr James Ritchie, being the only nominees for the positions of president and vice-president respectively, will be duly re-elected for a further term of two years. Mr D. Cuthbertson, the only candidate for the position of auditor, will be re-appointed for one year. There will be an election for seven members of committee. The retiring members are: W. Fal coner, W. Grieve, J. L. Hannon, E. W. Howorth, H. S. Irving, A. Macaulay and J. McDonald, and all are eligible for reelection. Messrs C. A. Davis, J. Graham and D. Kilkelly have also been nominated.

INVERCARGILL TROTTING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Invercargill Trotting Club was held last evening, the president, Mr J. B. Thomson, presiding over a good attendance. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet (already published), he dealt with the sport of trotting generally, and mentioned recent improvements made by the club, which is now in a fairly sound financial position. The motion was seconded by the vicepresident, Mr W. Crawford, and the documents were adopted. As only the required number of nominations were received, the following were duly re-elected unopposed:—President, Mr J. B. Thomson; vice-president, Mr W. Crawford, committee, Messrs J. H. Hill, J. E. Humphries and Dr. A. Owen-Johnston; treasurer, Mr W. Grieve; auditor, Mr D. Cuthbertson. ■ Mr M. Fitzgerald (Gore), was reappointed handicapper and Mr W. Norman (Winton) starter. After the annual meeting, a committee meeting was held, and the officials for the 1929-30 season were appointed, these being practically the same as last year. BIRCHWOOD HUNT. ' MEET AT OTAUTAU. (From Our Correspondent.) A qualifying run of the Birchwood Hunt was held at Otautau on Wednesday last to enable horses to fulfil their obligations for the various point-to-point steeplechases and club’s race-meeting. The weather was not promising in the morning, but at noon the sky cleared, and a beautiful afternoon was experienced. The hunt was held over the properties of the Otautau Racing Club, and Messrs J. A. Pears, and A. H. Lindsay, who every year kindly give their land for the occasion. Two runs were held during the afternoon, and some very difficult country was negotiated by those who took part. The horses following jumped the obstacles remarkably well, and showed great promise for the forthcoming events. To-day the final meet will be held at Wrey’s Bush, which will bring the season to a very successful conclusion. It is understood that three flag steeplechases will be held prior to the race meeting of the club, and judging by the enthuiasm displayed they should be well patronized. The first of these will take place at South Hillend on Wednesday, 24th instant, to be followed by one at Dipton on Wednesday, July 31, and Otautau on Wednesday, August 7. The following took part in the meet: — The Master (Mr H. O. Williams), on Southern Cross; the Huntsman (Mr Martin O’Brien) on Lady Chicken; the whip (Mr V. Langford), on Chocolate Soldier; Messrs A. McKay on Barn Door; J. Latchford on Swimashore; D. Sloan on Martial Law; M. Mouat on Snowfall; H. Morton on Squatter; F. Langford on Gong, and J. Langford on Ngambi.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB. ACCEPTANCES FOR LEADING EVENTS. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, July 19. The following remain in after payments of first forfeits for the leading events to be run at- the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Winter meeting on August 13, 15 and 17 GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE,

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

ACCEPTANCES RECEIVED.

, (Per United Press Association.) Timaru, July 19,

The following are the acceptances for the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting on July 25: — HANDICAP HURDLES, £l3O. One mile

CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB.

ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL RACES.

The following nominations have been received for the C.H.C.’s meeting at Riccarton on August 3: — KENNELS HURDLES HANDICAP, £l2O. (One round and a distance). —Gay Jim, Master Garland, Just John, Quilfire, Craigmore, Mime, Grand National, Barrington, Whifller, Exide, Royal Despatch, Clarenson, Scion. LAWFORD STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, £l5O. (About two miles).—Master Garland, Waitaunaha, Greenstone, Sea Boy, Bon Ayron, Fairness, Nightraid, Silver Light, Radiac, Hyperion. LONGBEACH HURDLES HANDICAP, £l5O. (Once round and a distance). — Paris, Troilus, Elysianor, Kawini, Perle de Leon, Bonogne, Projector, Lancer, Rangiawhio, Heisler, Overhaul, Aberfeldy, Gala Day. MAIDEN STAKES (flat), £lOO. (Five furlongs).—Storm Raid, Bladon, Quickplunge, Netley, Meprisant, Captivate, Haulage, Swiftray, Audience, Airplane, Kate Kelly, Marsham, Leader, The Viscount, Grand Song, Paper Money—Rose Red filly, Kilbroney—Mazurka filly, Kentish Lady, Huntley, Desert Song, Academy, Safety, Lieutenant Ulm, Painting, Dundalk. HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, £l7O. (About two miles and a-half). —Lord Ranald, Glendowie, Radiate, Young Thurnham, Maunga, Mainspring, Fabriano, Radiac, Terehu, King’s Guard. BRABAZON HANDICAP (flat) £l3O. (Seven furlongs).—Solrose, King Balboa, Bonogne, Evening, Circulation, Solferite, Rascal, Overdrawn, Sagittarius, Taboo, Gay Sonnet, Subdivision, Battle Colours, Arikiwai, Malmsey, Perle de Leon, Anolo, Royal Tractor, Black Duke, Prickles, Pangolin, Chickwheat, Royal Game. HUNTER’S PLATE HANDICAP (flat), £lOO. (One mile and a-quarter).—Gay Jim, Master Garland, Waitaunaha, Quilfire, Glendowie, Bladon, Fresh Breeze, Mime, Poetess, Fairness, Exploit, Barrington, Whiffler, Exide, Royal Despatch, Hyperion, Claranson, Diamond Jack. FLYING HACK HANDICAP (flat), £lOO. (Six furlongs) .—Haulage, Waihemo, Hounslow, The Bailiff, Huntley, Martian Spear, Morian, Phaster, Red Boa, Moy Hall, Royal Flower, Sweet Refrain, Grand Acre, Sarnia, Honeycomb. RIFLE SHOOTING THE MACKINNON CUP S REGAINED BY ENGLAND. London, July 18. Shooting at Bisley, England, after six years, regained the Mackinnon Cup with a score of . 1022. Canada secured second place with 1012, and Ireland third with 987. — Australian Press,Association. .. . .. ,

SOCCER.

REFEREES FOR TO-DAY. The following are the referees for the Soccer matches to-day:— Corinthians v. Central, Mr. Morrison. Rangers V. Invercargill, Mr. Anderson. School matches to bo played on Tweed Street. Kick off 1.30: — North v. South, Mr. Holding. Middle v. Waihopai, Mr. Galbraith. Senior match to be played on Tweed Street, kick-off 2.3 Q, Central v. Rangers B teams. Referee Mr. Holding. GOLF INVERCARGILL LADIES’ CLUB. MISS P. PILCHER WINS SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. The final of the Invercargill Ladies’ Golf Club senior championship was played at Otatara yesterday under capital golfing conditions, Miss Pilcher defeating Miss Oughton one up on the 36th green. Although the golf was not quite up to championship form, the match was closely contested throughout and, as stated, went to the home green before the issue was put beyond doubt.

RECEIPTS. 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29. Norns. and Accepts . . 2032 15 0 1732 5 0 1558 0 0 Gates .... 2801 13 0 2706 13 10 2269 1 0 Privileges and Cards . . . 433 19 0 449 7 0 354 5 7 Totalisator Com. . . . 6726 2 0 6897 4 0 5374 14 0 Members’ Subs. 212 1 0 195 15 0 198 18 0 Training fees 69 17 6 55 2 6 68 3 6 'Rent .... 228 5 3 229 12 9 253 12 9 Totalisator Tax Rebates . . 850 10 6 500 0 0 500 0 0 EXPENDITURE. 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29. Stakes . . . 8105 0 0 7775 0 0 76S0 0 0 Receipt Tax . 1947 16 11 1873 11 0 1486 0 3 Dividend tax 3368 lu 0 3373 4 0 2675 10 0 Amusement Tax 276 17 4 267 7 1 226 9 0 Stake Tax . . 405 5 0 388 15 0 384 0 0 Maintenance . 498 6 0 288 7 1 363 11 10 Salaries and Wages ...» 1075 7 4 1037 5 0 828 3 0

£1600. Three miles and a-half. st lb st lb Kawini ... 10 13 Matu .... 9 5 Glendowie . . 10 13 Fabriano . . 9 2 Wiltshire . . 10 9 Rangi Sarto . 9 0 King’s Guard 10 3 Radiate . . . 9 0 Uralla ... 9 13 Lord Ranald . 9 0 Maunga ... 9 11 Young Roman Abbey 9 8 Thurnham 9 0 WINTER CUP, £750. One mile. White Fang . 10 5 Vesperus . . . 9 2 Historic . . . 10 4 Taboo . . . 9 2 Royal Saxon 10 3 Zippor . . . 9 1 Black Duke . 10 3 Maui .... 9 0 Lady' Limond 9 13 Town Bank . 9 0 Otairi ... 9 11 Circulation 9 0 King Balboa . 9 10 Overdrawn . . 9 0 Kaiti .... 9 9 Evening . . . 9 0 Gay Sonnet . 9 9 Countersign . 9 0 Gold Cure . . 9 9 Tcheka . . . 9 0 Merry Mint . .9 6 Prickles . . . 9 0 Black Mint . . 9 3 Haze .... 9 0 Full Feather 9 3 First Raid . . 9 0 Solrose ... 9 2 Royal Game . 9 0 GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES, £1200. Two miles and a-half. Nukumai . . 11 9 Roman Abbey 9 7 Mister Gamp 11 5 Home Made . 9 6 Red Fuchsia 10 9 Horomea . . 9 4 Overhaul . . 10 9 Perle de Leon 9 4 Locarno . . .10 2 Craigmore . . 9 3 Novar ... 9 13 Mangani . . 9 2 Kawini ... 9 12 Lancer . . . 9 2 King’s Guard 9 10 Ural'a . . . 9 0 Aberfeldy . . 9 8 Just John . . 9 0

and a-half. st lb st lb Elysianor . . 10 13 Paris . . . . 9 2 Craigmore . . 10 13 Beauty Light . 9 1 Lancer ... 10 12 Zeuxis . . 9 0 Troilus ... 10 6 Gold Town . . 9 0 Projector . . 10 4 Blue Peter 9 0 Gala Day . . 9 13 Gaybird . . . 9 0 Carinthia ... 9 13 Shut Eye . . 9 0 NOVICE HANDICAP, £100. Five furlongs. El Boa ... 9 5 Dundalk . . . 9 0 Airplane ... 9 5 Morian' . . . 9 0 Bon Waif ..90 Kate Kelly . 9 0 El Nido . • ...9 0 Huntley . . . 9 0 Blue Ray . 9 0 Haulage . . Mount Boa . 9 0 . 9 0 PRINCE EDWARD HANDICAP, £200. One mile and 35 yards. King Balboa 10 11 Circulation . 9 12 Fairy Herald 10 6 Overhaul . . . 9 11 Wingatui . . 10 0 Evening . . . 9 10 Town Bank . 9 13. Equerry . . . 9 0 WAIITI STEEPLECHASE, £200. About two and a-half miles. Fabriano . . 10 13 Greenstone . . 9 3 Lord Ranald 10 5 Radiac . . . 9 3 Mainspring . 10 3 Terehu . . . 9 3 Handy ... 9 13 Mataipuke . . 9 0 TEMUKA HACK HANDICAP, £120. Six furlongs. Red Boa . . 10 6 Miss Marco . 9 9 Sweet Refrain 10 3 El Boa . . . 9 0 Night Effort . 10 3 Broadfield . . 9 0 Grand Acre . 10 3 Felony . . . 9 0 Phastar . . . 9 12 Morian . . . 9 0 CRAIGMORE HACK STEEPLECHASE, £150. Two miles. Kapuna . . 11 9 Valves . . . 9 9 Oriflamb . . 11 9 Te Haunui . Radiac ... 10 9 Master . 9 5 Taramoa . . 10 7 Garland 9 2 Hyperion . . 9 13 Fairness . . 9 2 Royal Land . 9 11 Sea Boy . . . 9 Silver Light . 9 11 Krasno . . Soldier’s . 9 0 Dream'9 10 BEACONFIELD HACK HANDICAP, £140. One mile and a-quarter. Membo ... 10 8 Ripdale . . . 9 0 Haze .... 10 8 Barrington . . 9 0 Phastar ... 9 13 Clarenson . . 9 0 Carinthia ... 9 6 Peterete . . . 9 0 Felony ... 9 0 Commentor Wrigley ... 9 0 . 9 0 SEADOWN HANDICAP, £150. Six furlongs. Taboo ... 10 8 Wayward . . 9 5 Wingatui . . 10 4 Waterlow . . 9 5 Solferite ... 10 1 Rascal . . . 9 Royal Tractor 9 11 Pangolin . . . 9 0 First Raid ..99 Martis . . Arch Arrow .95 . 9 0