TROTTING CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144145, 15 July 1913, Page 7

TROTTING CONFERENCE.

OPENED TO-DAY. PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, July IS. The annual conference of trotting dubs opened to-day, Air. J. Rowe (Auckland) presiding. In his address the President said there were only 23 clubs in New Zealand, and considering tiro ever-increasing papulation that was not a very -largo number. It was universally acknowledged that during tbo post decade the sport of trotting had mode gigantic strides and if the popularity of anything could bo attested by the number of ite followers it was undoubtedly to-day one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes. The number of meetings held last year was 37, tbs number of racing days 59; the stakes were £43,026, as against £36,661 last year, apart from £6OOO given by the racing clubs for trotting •vents. Dealing with the proposal to appoint Stipendiary stewards the President ■aid he was not quite sure the time bad arrived for th© appointment of there officers. Notice of motion dealing with the question would come up for consideration later. A motion to introduce class trotting would also be introduced. They had already brought trotting to a high level and their aim should b© to. lift it to a still higher grade as a sport. What was necessary was some certainty of bringing tho beat horses to closer finishes, and apparently tho only way was to classify the racing at all important meetings. The Manawatu Club’s application for A totalisator permit was granted, if a favourable opportunity should arise, also applications from Westland and Granity Trotting Clubs. A deputation was appointed to urge on the Minister of Railways that better facilities be granted for the conveyance of horses by rail. # After discussion, tho conference decided to instruct the executive to draw up a full report on a scheme for stipendiary stewards for consideration at the next conference.