RACING INTERESTS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1926, Page 5

RACING INTERESTS

CONFERENCE OF CLUBS. The committee of the Taranaki Jockey Club held a special meeting on Tuesday evening. Present: Messrs L. A. Nolan (chairman), W. T. Hookham, F. Orbell, O. W. Sole. W. P. Nicoll, A. R. Standish. L. B. Webster, G. (Fraser and W. C. Weston. It was decided to proceed with the work of extending the sanitary arrangements both at the stands and outside, at the racecourse, and have them completed in time for the Christmas meeting. The cup to be presented to the winner of the Atiawa Hack race was selected. The race is over a mile and 110 yards for £3OO and a cup valued at £25. The cup selected is a very handsome solid silver trophy of uncommon and distinctive design. The work on the improvements and alterations at the course was reported to be progressing satisfactorily. The extension of the stewards’ stand is going on well and work on the gully has made as much progress as possible in view of the broken weather. A meeting of the district committee was held the same evening. Present: Messrs L. A. Nolan (chairman), J. McLeod, D. Malone, O. W. Sole, S. Pitt, A. Good, J. Gray, G. Fraser and B. H. Chaney. An apology for absence was received from Mr. 11. Washer. The programme of the Egmont Racing Club meeting to be held on February 2 and 3, 1927, was approved. The following licenses were considered and recommendations made: Provisional trainer’s license, B. C. Lapouple; apprentice, O. B. Hogg; gentleman rider. K. R. Radford. With a view of considering matters of common interest representatives of the Taranaki, Stratford, Egmont and Opunake Clubs met in conference, in accordance with their annual custom. The question of complimentary tickets was discussed and it was agreed to adhere to the present arrangements in that connection. Gate charges were also considered. The most important matter discussed was the question of the introduction of adding machines into the totalisator house, with a view to speeding up the adjustments after the closing of the machine, and thereby saving a few minutes on each race. A demonstration was given at the totalisator 'house at the racecourse on Tuesday afternoon, under the supervision of Mr. James McLeod, and it was agreed that with some slight adaptation to suit the needs of the totalisator work the machines should, be of great benefit in this respeot.