RACING CONFERENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18617, 12 July 1930, Page 7

RACING CONFERENCE .

-1 THE ANNUAL MEETING. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 11. At the annual meeting of the Racing Conference the first business was the election of a president in succession to j the late Sir George Clifford. On the motion of Mr E. A. Campbell, seconded by Mr J. H. Ferrett, Mr Watkins was elected. Mr H. O. Nolan (Auckland), was elected vice-president. President’s Report. The president’s report was as under: By the death of Sir George Clifford we have sustained an irreparable loss, the loss of a man who, for thirty-four years as President of this Conference, devoted himself to the task of raising the character and status of racing in this Dominion. We shall miss his wise foresight, his counsel, and his great administrative ability. Those of us I who remember the conditions existing on the Turf many years ago realised the urgent need for reform. The future historian will say that with the need for reform there came the man— Sir George Clifford. It is not inappropriate at this juncture to recall the names of the other distinguished men who, for the love of the sport, and the welfare of racing, gave their services to the Conference without fee or reward. Sir William Russell was Chairman of the first meeting of delegates from Metropolitan Clubs in 1889, when the Conference was formed. The Hon. Sir George McLean and the Hon. J. D. Ormond also acted in that capacity. Among the delegates of early years are found the names of Sir Edwin Mitchclson, Sir George Hunter, Sir Francis Bell, Sir Robert Nolan, Hon. L. Walker, Hon. E. W. Alison, Hon. O. Samuel, Dr. Earle, Messrs. G. G. Stead, E. R. Guinness, H. Friedlander, E. A. Campbell, W. E. Bidwell, and many others. It is gratifying to note that the colours of our late President, and other well-known colours of earlier days, are still in evidence on our racecourses. In July, 1925, the Racing, Jockey and Hunt Clubs of New Zealand presented Sir George Clifford with a souvenir in recognition of his inestimable services to the New Zealand Turf. In reply, he wrote as follows:—“It is entirely beyond my power to express to the Racing and Hunt Clubs in New Zealand my feeling in response to their unanimous offering to me. The public statement of my gratitude seemed to me wholly inadequate as an acknowledgement of so exceptional a tribute. The cordiality and friendship it betokened has touched me more than I can say, and emboldens me to convey to them individually my heart - | felt sense of their kindly appreciaI tion of whatever I may have been able | to achieve towards carrying out their j aspirations of the improvement and ! cleansing of our great national re- ! creation. We have succeeded in rei moving from our racecourses the parasites who follow racing with entirely j selfish motives; we have abolished ' proprietary clubs which divert their profits from the advancement of the sport; we have secured to it the funds provided by the public, and by owners so far as the excessive demands of the State permit; we have established an impartial Court of Appeal open to all for the investigation of grievances. We have gained for our trainers and riders the purging of their professions from those who discredit them. In all these and other ways the confidence of the public has been ensured, and so long as the Racing Clubs of the Dominion are animated by the same experience as heretofore, so long will the confidence exist and increase.” This is a record we must try to maintain. The high estimation in which the turf in New Zealand is held, both at home and abroad, is a great tribute to our late President and those associated with him in the early days of the Conference. It remains with us to maintain that position, and to guard most jealously against anything which may tend to weaken the authority of the Conference, or to diminish the general respect and usefulness which it now possesses. By the decease of Messrs. S. Bradley, C. E. Elgar, J. B. Reid, J. F. Reid, John Marshall, E. R. Guineas, P. Miller, T. E. Upton, R. Allen, and O. R. Wise, we have lost staunch supporters of racing in this Dominion, not only as breeders and racehorse owners, but also for the voluntary and valuable services rendered by them from time to time as representatives of this Conference, and as stewards and members of Committees of Racing Clubs. During the season just drawing to a close there have also passed away Messrs. J. M. Johnston, H. L. James, W. Hall, and T. Quealy, who, for long periods as secretaries of clubs they represented. rendered signal service to the

We have to thank Messrs. H. O. Nolan, J. H. Perrett, and W. McA. Duncan for their services in acting as judges on appeals lodged with the Conference. It is pleasing to record that during the year only two appeals were dealt with by Conference Judges; this suggests that the administration of racing in this Dominion is satisfactory, and has the confidence of the great majority of those concerned in the sport. In February of this year the United Press Association Limited of New Zealand celebrated its Jubilee. The late President sent the following message:—“l desire, on behalf of the N.Z. Racing Conference, to convey to the members of the Association hearty congratulation on the attainment of its Jubilee, and to express high appreciation of the reliable and enterprising service which the Association daily renders to the Dominion.” I feel sure this message expressed the feelings of every representative of the ! Conference. Volume XI. of the New Zealand Stud Book will be published this month. It will be the most complete record of the thoroughbred stock of the Dominion that we have yet had, and I think it fitting, at this meeting, to record my appreciation of the whole-hearted zeal with which Mr A. H. Bristed has accomplished a difficult task. He, however, is not content, as he believes thei'e are still some thoroughbred mares whose foaling records he has been unable to obtain. To me, too, it seems that the late President’s repeated appeals to owners of brood mare# to make complete returns have failed to elicit response from a considerable number bf breeders. A reliable Stud Book is of the very greatest importance, both to the man who owns racehorses and to the man who breeds them. I am satisfied that the time has come when the N.Z. Stud Book can no longer be ignored by the New Zealand Rules of Racing. Provision should be made requiring from a breeder prompt returns of the year’s record of every mare he owns, and notice of any transfer or sale. With support form the Conference granted, the compiler Would find his labours lessened, and the Stud Book would contain a more complete record than is possible, under present conditions. I am pleased to state that the work of the Licensing Committee meets with general approval. It is the desire of the majority of trainers and riders to maintain the tone of -their professions on a high level. They appreciate the determination of the Licensing Committee to insist that all should conform to the required standard. The stipendiary stewards continue to render valuable assistance to local officials. A motion will be submitted to you. dealing with the constitution of Judicial Committees, the effect of which will, if adopted, be to reduce the number on such Committees from five to three, and to include thereon one or more stipendiary stewards. The work of the racecourse inspectors is producing gratifying results. This year wc have added to their duties by re-

quiring them to inspect and report upon all registered apprentices, with a view to ascertain full details'of each lad’s character, general habits, riding tuition received, lodging, etc. The employers have expressed hearty approval of the innovation. I suggest that owners and licensed trainers should inquire more carefully into the character and suitability of persons before employing them in their racing establishments. The trustees of the Accident Fund view, with grave apprehension, the large number of claims presented during the year, many of them, 1 am afraid, attributable to careless or incompetent riding. I am of opinion the penalties imposed for foul or careless riding should be sufficiently severe to bring home to the culprit the gravity of his offence, and act as a deterrent in future. It is hoped some practical scheme may be evolved, whereby the tuition of apprentices can be made more effective. Revision of the Rules of Racing.— The resolution passed at the last Conference was as follows:—“That it be a recommendation to the Executive Committee to consider the question of the revision of the Rules of Racing, and to bring down a report on the question of cost, etc., to the next Conference.” The Sub-Committee, dealing with the revision of the Rules of Racing, reports that the work could not be comnleted in time to be dealt with at this year’s annual conference. It is hoped the revision will be ready before Christmas, and it is proposed to call a special meeting of the Conference early in 1931 to consider the revised Rules, which would come into operation on the Ist August, 1931, thus giving time to all concerned to become familiar with them. The revision would first be circulated, and any club desiring to suggest any alteration would be asked to forward particulars to the secretary of the Conference, to place before the Executive Committee to decide whether the alteration should be made, or before the Conference for its consideration. By this method a great deal of time would be saved at the meeting of the Conference called to adopt, or amend, as the case may be, the revised Rules. It is customary to give the amounts of the various taxes paid during the present and previous seasons, and the figures are as follows:

1928-29. 1929-30. £ £ Tote Tax (2h p.c.) 131,528 122,562 Div. Tax (5 p.c.) 236,752 220,475 Stakes Tax (5 p.c.) 20,852 18,721 Amusement Tax 12,976 12,333 Land Tax 2,784 2,788 Income Tax on Interest 197 170 £405,091 £377,051 Local Rates .. .. £9,199 £9,000 (Shillings and })ence have been omitted from the above amounts.) We hava repeatedly asked for a revision of the system of racing taxation, but so far without success. I trust, however, that the Government may consider favourably our appeal for relief—if not at once, possibly in the near future. During the present session wc trust the Government will repeal the Statute which prevents th« telegraphing of investments on the totalisator to clubs on race days, and prohibits the publication of dividends. The passage through Parliament of a Gaming Amendment Bill, containing these long overdue reforms sought for by the public and by the newspapers, would be welcomed by all concerned with the welfare of our racing industry. Any Statute which fosters illegal betting, and creates a disrespect of the law and its administration, should be repealed forthwith. We trust our legislators will remedy the unpopular and absurd restrictions under which we at present labour. The reputation of New Zealand-bred horses in Australia has been considerably enhanced by the great performances of Phar Lap, Nightmarch, and others. We have an increasing market abroad for our stock, and it is a. matter for regret that our Government does nothing to assist the breeding industry in the manner adopted by other

Governments, i.e., by way of subsidies, King’s Premiums, etc. The Constitution of our Conference is of an essentially democratic character—more so than in any other country I know of. All clubs are directly or indirectly represented thereon. The Executive Committee is comprised of the President, Vice-Presi-dent, and one elected representative from each Metropolitan District. The Committee possesses authority in certain matters heretofore vested in the President.

Our Appeal Courts provide adequate protection to the individual who may, through an error of judgment, have been penalised unjustly. In conclusion, I desire to pay a tribut to our chief executive officers, Messrs. Sellers, Wilson and Ward, and their associates, for the valuable servicef. rendered by them during the yeai :j ' r'*ust the proposal to transfer the Confei-ence Offices to Wellington will be adopted. It -would be of material benefit to have our Executive officers ir\ closer collaboration than has been possible in the past, and it would tend jto. expedite matters requiring- prompt attention. General Business. Permission was granted Auckland to use a different kind of hurdle from the regulation fence. Owing to the unusual nature of the soil at Auckland stakes cannot be driven, and feet have to be attached to keep the hurdles steady. The Birchwood Hunt, the Oamaru Jockey Club, the South Canterbury Jockey Club, the Ashburton County and the Greymouth Clubs were granted permission for trotting events on the programmes. Messrs V/ J. Burnett and C. C. Murphy were both refused remission of the remainder of the terms of disqualification. The reports of the stipendiary stewards and chief racecourse inspectors both showed that racing was being well administered. The tipster, speiler and pickpocket criminal had almost completely been eliminated from courses, the police and racing authorities reciprocating in ridding the courses of undesirable elements. / Dates Committee. Racing dates were approved as submitted. subject to the following amendments:— Taranaki Hunt Club, August 30. in lieu of September 6. Otago Hunt, ■ September 13. in lieu of September 6. Geraldine. September 25 and 27, in i

lieu of September 25 and 26. Marlborough. February 27 and 28. in lieu of October 3 and 4. Poverty Bay. October 30 and November 1. in iieu of October 23 and 25. Waikato Hunt, October 27. Waikato Racing Club. November 15 and 17. in lieu of October 25 and 27. Banks Peninsula. November 1. Otaki-Maori. October 10 and 22. in lieu of October 11 and December 6. Oamaru refused January 2 and 3. Waipapukauri, January 24. in lieu of January 10. Woodville. February 25 and 26. Westport. March 28 and 30. Masterton, April 10 and 11. in lieu of April 17 and 18. Waikato, April 18 and 20. in lieu of April 24 and 27. Whangarei, April 30 and May 2. It was resolved that the dates of Thames be not approved unless the Club paid the outstanding levies by July 31. If paid by that date, the Club shall be granted January 2 and 10, in lieu of January 22 and 24. Remits Discussed. Mr George Gould proposed that the

majority by means of which resolutions at conferences are passed be altered from three-fourths to seventwelfths. Tfi.e motion was lest by 34 to 14. A remit which suggested alteration to rules that stipendiary stewards be given a seat on judicial committees, with equal powers with honorary stewards, was practically withdrawal. It was amended to reduce the size of judicial committees on race days from five to three honorary steward's. After a desultory discussion the remit was defeated. There was some discussion of highweight events which are now set apart entirely for hurdle race and steeplechase jockeys. It was decided to leave the rule dealing with these races as it stands. Mr J. S. McLeod spoke in favour of ; greater provision of apprentice races. It was decided to make the rule apply to clubs holding three or more meetings each year of two days, or more. Mr G. Gould spoke in favour of lengthening the distance of races. He proposed that the average distance of races at any race meeting should be not les'j than seven furlongs for all flat races. He stressed the growing public interest in trotting races run over longer courses. Several speakers supported Mr Gould, and stated that the principle embodied in his motion was kept in view, yet, owing to domestic arrangements ot clubs, they were unable to vote with him. If juvenile races were excluded from the motion, some of the North Island delegates would then be free to support him. The motion was lost on the voices. A remit by the Wanganui district Clubs was carried, fixing 9st. as the lowest weight in any fiat race between 7th June to 15th August, inclusive. It was decided that apprentice jockeys should not be entitled to claim allowances in high-weight handicaps. A new rule was agreed upon, prohibiting a trainer from giving any information regarding any horse placed under his or other trainer's care, to any person other than the owner or trainer of the horse. Authority was given for the starter to separate unruly horses from the rest of the field at the starting post, by means of hurdles placed outside of the field.

A proposal by the Taranaki JockeyClub that any club or person interested in the appeal should be entitled to be represented by a solicitor, was rejected. The present-day standard of race riding was brought up by the Wanganui Jockey Club. A remit was carried: “That a committee be set up to consider and report on a scheme to improve the riding of apprentices.”

The use of assumed names by owners was discussed by the Racing Conference. The majority opinion was that it would be a retrograde step to allow owners to use assumed names, and a Canterbury remit favouring a change on being put was rejected by 20 votes to 14.

The report of the Dates Committee recommended that* the dates of the Thames Jockey Club should not be approved unless the club pays its outstanding levies by the end of this month, and if the levies are not paid that the dates of the two days’ racing of the club be allotted to other clubs; if the levies are paid, the club to be granted January 8 and 10 instead of January 22 and 24, The application for the Brackenfield Hunt Club for a totalisator license not being received in time could not be considered. A: the result of communications with th. Minister of Internal Affairs, the twe floating one-day totalisator licensehad been permanently allocated U the Whangarei and Taumarunui Clubs The report was adopted after ar. amendment to refer the case of the Oamaru Jockey Club back to the Dates Committe was defeated.