SPOUTING.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXV, Issue 18939, 27 July 1931, Page 4

SPOUTING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY HUNT MEETING. EVENTFUL STEEPLECHASES. President, Mr C. L. Orbell; vice-presi-dent, Mr A. S. Elworthy; stewards, Messrs R. J. Bassett, W. J. Bassett, J. Bennett, R. Burdon, A. S. Elworthy, H. Elworthy, H. H. Elworthy, H. H. Fisher, S. K. Gillingham, J. C. Guinness, M. C. Harper, H. J. LeCren, A. G. Macdonald, M. F. Maze, R. Morris, R. Murphy, F. F. Neale, C. L. Orbell, R. L. Orbell, W. D. Orbell, W. H. Orbell and T. R. Rhodes; stipendiary steward, Mr G. E. Curry; Judicial committee, Messrs C. L. Orbell, H. K. Fisher, A. G. Macdonald, and F. F. Neale; hon. timekeepers, Messrs J. O'Leary and A. Dickson; judge, Mr C. E. Hassall; handicappers, Mr J. E. Henrys (gallops), Mr G. Paul junr. (trot); clerk of course, Mr W. B. Freeman; clerk scales, Mr D. McKenzie; starter, Mr A. J. Hastings; surgeon, Dr. G. H. Ussher, M.D., F.R.C.S.; hon. vet. surgeons, Messrs C. H. Williamson and W. Smith; secretary, Mr H. H. Fraser. The annual race meeting of the South Canterbury Hunt Club was held at Washdyke on Saturday, in the presence of a good attendance. The crowd was not up to the level of many past years, due partly to the doubtful aspect of the weather overnight, and. in the early morning, but it was not by any means thin, and the receipts exceeded last year’s total. Following misty rain during the night, the morning was dull, but the afternoon was fine, and conditions were excellent for racing. The track was fast, the small amount of moisture that fell being sufficient only to take the jar out of the going. The totalisator turnover for the day was £8304/10/-, a decrease of £2339/10/- on last year’s figures (£10.643), but this Was very largely accounted for by small fields in the three hunters’ races restricting the operations of backers. More than 75 per cent, of the shortage was shown in the three events referred to. Falls were rather numerous in the jumping races, due mainly to the fast pace set, and in the South Canterbury Steeplechase, H. Anderton (Radlac) and F. C. Pratt (Diamond Jack), received injuries. Anderton was unfortunate enough to sustain a broken wrist, and the Arundel amateur was kicked on the lower part of the body while on the ground, and was sent to hospital. The programme was run through promptly, and without the Judicial Committee being called together, all the officials discharging their duties promptly and efficiently. The meeting should show a small profit. The South Canterbury Steeplechase was won by the Riversdale gelding Tunamoe, who has been more fortunate this winter than in his previous sojourn at Washdyke. Another Southlander, French Fleet, who tried to win all the way, was going well when he failed to negotiate the last fence correctly. The Craigmore mare, Silver Light, had an easy win in the Teschemaker Hunt Cup after Calham unshipped his rider half way through the contest. She overjumped some of her fences, but she should be suited by the Riccarton country next month. Rascal •prang a surprise in the Claremont Handicap, leading practically all the Way and stalling off all challenges. Two promoted hacks, Sharpthorn and Royal Love, made good showings in open company, and Charmeuse ran a good race under a big Weight round the field. The Teschemaker Memorial Cup, associated with the Hunt Steeplechase Handicap, was presented after the race to Mr E. J. Ellis, on behalf of Mr H. Elworthy, owner of Silver Light, by Mrs O. L. Orbell, wife of the Master of the Hunt. The Master congratulated Mr Elworthy (who was unable to be present owing to a family bereavement), on winning a trophy presented by one of the finest sports South Canterbury had ever known. The late Mr Teschemaker had the greatest admiration for a jumper who could go a distance and carry weight, which Silver Light had proved that she could do. Credit was due to the trainer for the manner in which he had turned her out for the meeting, and also to A. E. Ellis, who had ridden such a fine race. It was pleasing, said Mr Orbell, to see the trophy carried off by a horse which had hunted with the South Canterbury Hunt during the last few seasons. The c«p weis then presented to Mr Ellis, and cheers were given for the owner, trainer and rider. Camisader’s First Hurdle Win. The withdrawal of H. Nurse’s pair, Giggleswick and Huntley, reduced the field in the Hadlow Hurdles to singledividend dimensions. Barrington was made a pronounced favourite, carrying twice as much money as Gallivanter, who was slightly better backed than Camisader. Rameses was first away from Barrington and Camisader, and at the stand hurdle Rameses and Camisader were together, just clear of Barrington and Gallivanter. Turning into the back Camisader, Barrington and Gallivanter were together, Rameses having drifted, and they raced along the back on terms, drawing away ten or a dozen lengths from Rameses, with Storm Raid tailed off. The three leaders were still fighting round the top and to the home turn, where Barrington appeared to be squeezed slightly. Rameses then commenced a fast run, and at the last hurdle he was up with Camisader, Barrington and Gallivanter. Barrington made a bad jump, and the finish was fought out by Camisader and Rameses, the former winning by a bead. Barrington and Gallivanter were three lengths away, with only a head between them. Rameses appeared to be unlucky. This was Camisader’s first ■uccess over hurdles. A Win for Southland. Fresh Breeze 554, Calham 358, and Night Club 292, carried nearly all the money invested on the Pareora Hunters’ Steeplechase. Sir Richard led along the back from Night Club, Calham and Fresh Breeze, but Night Club lost her rider at the first obstacle. Sir Richard, Fresh Breeze and Calham were in charge at the top of the straight, where Swindasa ran off. At the stand double the order was Calham, Sir Richard, Fresh Breeze, Motukarara, Bobette, and it was the same till the seven furlongs, where Motukarara fell. Calham led up the back just clear of Fresh Breeze, with Sir Richard and Bobette following. Calham jumped away from Fresh Breeze, and gaining ground at each fence came on to win easing up by a length and a half from the favourite. Sir Richard came down at the last obstacle, leaving Bobette to collect third money, a hundred yards behind the other pair. The winner was bred by Mr R. H. Bissett, formerly of Geraldine, but is now raced by the Southland trainer W. McCarthy. His dam, Calma, was at one time owned by P. T. Hogan, and was a useful jumper. Tunamoe Wins South Canterbury Steeplechase. Snowfall 445 and Radiac 405 were a long way better backed than Tunamoe 111 the South Canterbury Steeplechaae,

in which the withdrawal of The Babe and Tuki left a field of ten. When the first fence was reached Aberfeldy ran off, and Thurina, in attempting to follow him, fell over the wing. Rea Heather led French Fleet, Tunamoe, Radiac and Diamond Jack to the stand double, but ran off at the second leg. French Fleet led along the back the first time from Tunamoe, Radiac. Diamond Jack, Fabriano and Snowfall, and this lot were bunched when they ran along the straight the second time. Diamond Jack came down at the double, from which French Fleet went on from Radiac, Tunamoe, Fabriano and Snowfall. Radiac dropped back six furlongs from home, where French Fleet and Tunamoe were clear of Fabriano, though Radiac and Snowfall were handy. Radiac fell at the second last fence. French Fleet drew away at the far turn, but Tunamoe joined him two fences from home, and at the last fence French Fleet struck and rolled sideways. This left Tunamoe with a nice lead from Snowfall and Fabriano, and he came on to win comfortably by five lengths from the favourite. Fabriano was about eight lengths away, with Oriflamb, the only other to finish, twenty lengths further back. Tunamoe carries an unsightly scar as a result of the injuries he received over a year ago when struck on the road by a car at Washdyke, but the accident has not affected his galloping or jumping ability. French Fleet appeared certain to return a dividend when he took the count at the last fence. Snowfall ran a good race, and Fabriano proved that he is not yet altogether a back number. A Favourite Scores. The well-bred three-year-old Ringing Cheer was backed with confidence for the Levels Hack, 280 tokens above Quinopal, who was a good second favourite'. After a break-away by Jason’s Quest and Solwit, which required repairs to the tape, a quick start was effected. Ringing Cheer, Miss Redowa. Jason’s Quest and Royal Amphora were quickest to move, with Palmary last to go away. When they had settled down the order was Ringing Cheer, Royal Amphora, Rosewood, Solwit, but coming to the home turn Royal Amphora shot to the front, two lengths ahead of Ringing Cheer, who was followed by Rosewood, Solwit and Owlsflight. Royal Amphora tried to run off the course, and left Ringing Cheer again in charge with a nice advantage from Solwit and Owlsflight. Ringing Cheer was not troubled to win by a length and a half from Owlsflight. -Quinopal, who got up to beat Solwit by a neck, was a length behind the second horse. Jason’s Quest and Royal Amphora were next. Ringing Cheer, who is by Hunting Song from the Australian-bred mare Smoke Concert, is a very promising galloper, but he was lucky to lose the opposition of Royal Amphora. Quinopal was restive at the barrier and was not well placed in the early stages, but he put in a strong run in the straight. Last Trot Of Season. Matchless Bingen was the only withdrawal from the Washdyke Trot, which left fifteen to line up. Reywood (M. Holmes) was a hot proposition, being backed down to nearly evens, and showing Just twice as much money as Tat Wrack. Clarice failed to go away. Ruby Silverstream soon shot to the front, but ran very wide at the turn into the straight, and when the stands were reached, Claranda, Evening Sun and Cornford were in charge from Onoto, Rough Sea, Shortly and Linella, all bunched. Cornford took charge after reaching the back stretch, from Onoto, Linella and Claranda, and at the far turn the leaders were Cornford, Onoto, Linella, Reywood, Claranda. Cornford led round the top and to the home turn from Linella, Reywood, Onoto, Shortly and Claranda, but when the straight was reached Reywood took charge. Ridden right out the favourite won by two lengths from Cornford, who was six lengths ahead of Linella. Onoto was fourth and Claranda next. The winner recorded 3.26 2-5, which gave the backmarkers no possible chance. Lord Antrim would have had to do about 3.16. Easy for Silver Light. Fresh Breeze and Sir Richard, who took part in the Pareora Steeplechase, were not able to run in the Hunt Cup, and in a field of four Calham 544 and Silver Light 494 disputed favouritism. Silver Light made play from Calham, and this pair were clear at the stand double. Swindasa ran off near the far turn, and galloped six furlongs before his rider could pull him up. Calham struck heavily at the top of the straight and unshipped his rider, leaving Silver Light a long way ahead of Seaboy. At the double the second time Silver Light was a hundred yards in front, and gradually drawing away, she won easily by a furlong. Swindasa was taken back with the idea of completing the course, but by this time Calham had been mounted by F. Langford, and Swindasa’s rider then changed his mind. With the stand double out of the way, Calham completed the course for third money 3i minutes later. Silver Light, whose preparation was largely done in the hunting field, jumped very big. Owing to a bereavement in her owner’s family, she ran in the colours of her trainer, who was also her breeder. Felony Wins Again. Another one-dividend race was seen in the Hunters’ Plate, the order of preference being Felony 767, Master Clarence 462, Soldier’s Pal 274. Blue Ray, Soldier's Pal and Master Clarence (pulling hard) were first to show, and at the stand the order was Blue Ray, Otauru Lass, Soldier’s Pal. As they swung past the seven furlongs into the back stretch, Blue Ray and Otauru Lass, and Soldier’s Pal and Master Clarence were running in pairs, but at the five furlongs Otauru Lass was leading from Felony, Blue Ray, who was third, being interfered with. Felony took charge at the top from Master Clarence and Otauru Lass, and led into the straight from Master Clarence and Soldier’s Pal. This order was not disturbed, Felony winning easily by four lengths from Master Clarence, who beat Soldier’s Pal by the same margin. Otauru Lass was a couple of lengths further back. Master Clarence was very lame in front after the race, and can be counted out again for some time. Felony has won three times since the New Year, and may yet make further amends for repeated failures earlier in his racing career. Rascal Wins on Hard Track. There were thirteen starters in the Claremont Handicap, but backers went solidly for the Great Easter winner Charmeuse, who topped the 1100 mark. Sharpthorn 485 was £1 better backed than Royal Saxon. Rascal, Starshooter, First Raid and Pakitere were among the quick beginners, but Sharpthorn was driven along on the fence, and at the six furlongs the leading division included Rascal, Starshooter, Sharpthorn, Pakitere and On Top. Rascal led round the top from Starshooter, Royal Saxon and Royal Love, and this lot ran to the straight with Charmeuse moving up on the outside, though forced to cover a good deal of ground. Rascal was never caught, and won by two lengths from Sharpthorn, who defeated Charmeuse by a head. Royal Love -was half a length away fourth. First Raid lost his rider. Rascal returned a double-figure dividend. The track was considered to be too hard to suit him, but he has puzzled everybody lately by running two fine races—at Oamaru and Timaru —on firm tracks, and failing badly in soft going at Trentham. Results were as follows:

HADLOW HACK HURDLES, Of 100 so vs; li miles. 3 P. Treacy’s b g Camisader (Trae-tor-Wiplash), aged, 9.13 (J. Kerr) 1 4 J. Lindsay’s br g Rameses, 6yrs, 9.2 (H. Anderton) 2 1— E. J. Ellis’s gr g Barrington, 6yrs, 10.5 (N. Trillo) 3 Also ran—2 Gallivanter 9.3 (D. O’Connor), 5 Storm Raid 9.0 (C. Carmont). Won by a head, three lengths between second and third. Gallivanter was fourth. Time—2min 45sec. PAREORA HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of 80 sovs; about two miles. 2 W. McCarthy’s b g Calham (Thurnham-Calma), 6yrs, 10.6 (F. Thompson) 1 I—Wm. Parsons's b g Fresh Breeze, aged 10.13 (I. Tilson) 2 6 —T. R. Rhodes’s blk m Bobette, aged, 9.13 (J. Kerr) 3 Also ran—3 Night Club 9.13 (H. Dulieu) lost rider, 5 Motukarara 9.13 (T. Silva) fell, 7 Sir Richard 9.13 (R. Beale) fell, 4 Swindasa 9.7 (D. O’Connor) ran off. Won by a length and a half, one hundred yards between second and third. Only three finished. Time—4min 6 3-ssec. SOUTH CANTERBURY STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of 130 sovs; about two and a half miles. 3 W. J. Kelly's b g Tunamoe (Bal-boa-Glenapp mare), aged, 9.12 (N. Trillo) » 1 1— M. Mouat junr.’s ch g Snowfall, aged, 10.8 (A. E. Ellis) 2 5 P. T. Hogan's br g Fabriano, 9.13 (D. O’Connor) 3 Also ran—2 Radiac 10.8 (Anderton) fell, 6 Aberfeldy 9.10 (I. Tilson) ran off, 8 Oriflamb 9.3 (R. Beale), 8 French Fleet 9.8 (H. Dulieu) fell, 7 Diamond Jack 9.0 (Mr F. Pratt) fell, 4 Thurina 9.0 (W. Cooper) fell, 10 Red Heather 9.0 (G. Robb) ran off. Won by five lengths, eight lengths between second and third. Oriflamb was fourth. Time—smin 15 2 LEVELS HACK HANDICAP, of 75 sovs; six furlongs. 1— G. Fulton's br g Ringing Cheer (Hunting Song-Smoke Concert)', 3yrs, 9.5 (M. Kirwan) 1 3 Sir Chas Clifford’s br g Owlsflight, 3yrs, 9.2 (D. Cotton) 2 2 A. C. Mills’s ch g Quinopal, syrs, 10.2 (A. E. Ellis) 3 Also ran—4 Water Power 9.13 (W. Hogan), 8 Solwit 9.6 (D. O'Connor), 6 Miss Redowa 9.3 (R. Beale), 5 Rosewood 9.1 (B. Brodie), 9 Palmary 9.0 (R. Coveny), 6 Jason’s Quest 9.0 (G. Humphries), 11 Royal Amphora 9.0 (J. W. Jennings), 10 Teresa 9.0 (P. Powell). Won by a length and a half, a length between second and third. Solwit was fourth. Time—lmin 14 2-ssec. WASHDYKE TROT (saddle) of 80 sovs (3.45); One mile and a half. I—R. W. Franks’s b g Reywood (Rey de Oro-Effie Woods Dillon), syrs, scr (M. Holmes) 1 5 T. S. Harrison’s b g Cornford, syrs, scr (A. Falrbaim) 2 6 G. Iles’s b m Linella, syrs, 36 (C. Aker) .. .-. 3 Also ran—l2 Claranda scr, 15 Clarice scr, 14 Evening Sun scr, 8 Gay Gordon scr, 11 Rough Sea scr, 4 Ruby Silverstream scr, 3 Shortly scr, 9 Zane scr, 7 Onoto 12, 2 Tat Wrack 24, 10 Tempo 48, 13 Lord Antrim 120. Won by two lengths, six lengths between second and third. Onoto was fourth. Times — 3.26 2-5, 3.27, 3.26. TESCHEMAKER MEMORIAL HUNT CUP STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; about two and a half miles. 1— E. J. Ellis’s blk m Silver Light (Tractor-Silver Patch), 6yrs, 10.1 (A. E. Ellis). 1 3 H. V. Wareing’s b g Seaboy, 4yrs, 10.9 (G. Salt) 2 2 W. McCarthy’s b g Calham, 6yrs, 10.9 (F. Thompson) 3 Also ran—4 Swindasa 9.0 (D. O’Connor) ran off. Won by a furlong. Time —smin 37 2-ssec. The third horse was ridden in after falling by F. Langford. HUNTERS’ PLATE HANDICAP, of 65 sovs; One and a half miles. 1— J. Lindsay’s ch g Felony (Boni-form-Blackmail), 6yrs, 11.4 (W. Cooper) 1 2 W. Parsons’s b g Master Clarence, 11.13 (I. Tilson) 2 3 A. L. Aubrey’s br g Soldier’s Pal, syrs, 10.7 (A. E. Ellis) 3 Also ran—4 Otauru Lass 10.7 (D. O’Connor), 5 Blue Ray 10.7 (C. Harris). Won by four lengths, five lengths between second and third. Otauru Lass was fourth. Time —2min 41sec. CLAREMONT HANDICAP, of 90 sovs; One mile. 7 Miss E. D. Robinson’s b g Rascal (Absurd-Marty), aged, 9.3 (R. Coveny) 1 2 W. Norman’s b g Sharpthorn, 3yrs, 9.0 (I. Tilson) 2 I—G. Hall’s br m Charmeuse, syrs, 10.6 (M. Kirwan) 3 Also ran—3 Royal Saxon 10.9 (D. O’Connor), 11 Taboo 10.2 (B. Brodie), 4 Royal Love 9.4 (J. W. Jennings), 10 Ranelagh 9.3 (C. Carmont), 8 Starshooter 9.3 (W. Pascoe), 9 On Top 9.3 (G. Humphries), 6 First Raid 9.2 (P. Powell), 13 Overhaul 9.0 (W. Cooper), 5 Pakitere 9.0 (A. E. Ellis), 12 Shortly 9.0 (N. Trillo). Won by two lengths, a head between second and third. Royal Love was fourth. Time—lmin 43 3GISBORNE RACING CLUB. VALSIER WINS BIG RACE. By Telegraph—Press Association. GISBORNE, July 25. The steeplechase meeting of the Gisborne Racing Club concluded in dull and showery weather, the going being heavy. The totalisator put through £4847, compared with £14,250 on the second day last year, making a total for the meeting £8959, compared with £24,076 a year ago. During the day the Judicial Committee held an inquiry into a complaint laid by Hector Gray, charging W. Wilson, owner of Autumn Sun, with making an allegation of corrupt riding by Gray in the Winter Oats Handicap on Thursday, when Gray rode Autumn Sun. Before the Judicial Committee to-day, Wilson admitted that he had made the allegation, which he had since recognised was unjustified, and he unreservedly withdrew it and tendered an apology to Gray, which was accepted. Results;— GISBORNE HURDLES, Of 120 sovs; 11 miles. 3—Princess Elizabeth, 10.4 (Jenkins) 1 I—Simeon, 9.0 (Walsh) 2 s—Blacksmith, 9.0 (Blanch) 3 Also ran—2 Battlement, 4 Whakaari, 6 Little Wonder (fell), 7 Masher, 8 Cynarta. Won by a neck, threequarters of a length between second and third. Masher was fourth. Time —2min 55sec. TRIAL HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs; 6 furlongs. I—Sunny Sky, 10.6 (Gray) 1 3—Tarcha, 9.0 (Walsh) 2 7—Hinetewai, 9.0 (C. Davis) 3 Also ran—B Honowai, 2 Velcoe, 6 Nuki Boy, 5 Sublimate, 4 Kahariki. Won by a length and threequarters, a length and a half between second and third. Kahariki was fourth. Time—lmin 18 l-ssec. WAIKANAE HANDICAP, Of 130 sovs; 1 mile. 3 Valsier, 10.8 (Goldfinch) 1 4 Malahat, 9.0 (N. Davis) .. 2 I—Kinsel, 9.0 (H. Gray) ..3 Also ran—2 White Fang. Kinsel was

the early leader from Valsier and White Fang, with Malahat well back. At the home bend Malahat ran into thud place, displacing White Fang. In the dash for home Malahat ran up to the leader, and in a great finish, Valsier passed the post a nose in front of Malahat, with Kinsel threequarters of a length away, followed by White Fang, a length and a half behind. Time—lmin 48 l-ssec. SECOND HACK HANDICAP, Of 110 sovs; 7 furlongs. s—Tama Waiata, 9.6 (N. Davis) .... 1 2 Erin’s Boy, 9.0 (Gray) 2 4—Nahi, 9.2 (Atkins) 3 Also ran—7 Huntingdon, 3 Bob In, 8 Outfit, 9 Golden Area, 1 Liona, 6 Queer Card. Won by a head, threequarters of a length between second and third. Liona was fourth. Time—lmin 32 3 TE HAPARA STEEPLECHASE, Of 120 sovs; 21 miles. 4 Kamehameha, 10.3 (Mcllroy) .. 1 3—Tall Timber, 10.3 (Walsh) 2 2 Rigoletto, 9.5 (Deslandes) 3 Also rail—l Handy, 5 Cloyne. The first time round, Handy came down at the second obstacle, leaving Cloyne and Kamehameha in the lead over the stand double. At the next obstacle, Cloyne fell, and Rigoletto took the lead from Kamehameha and Tall Timber to fight out the race, the former winning by four lengths. Rigoletto was remounted and completed the course a circuit behind. Time—smin 33 3-6 sec. None of the jockeys was seriously injured. TURANGANUI PLATE. Of 110 sovs; 6 furlongs. I—Sunny Sky, 9.9 (Gray) 1 I—Sunny Song, 9.0 (Keesing) .. .. 2 5 Black Songster, 9.3 (Young) .. .. 3 Also ran—7 Russet Moor, 7 Taruheru, 4 Megaphone, 2 Lordly Knight, 6 Stitch, 3 Innuendo. Sunny Sky and Sunny Song were bracketed. Won by half a length, a length between second and third. Lordly Knight was fourth. Time —lmin 17 2-ssec. FAREWELL HANDICAP, Of 120 sovs; 6 furlnogs. 3 Freehold, 10.1 (Young) 1 1 — Huntingdon, 10.9 (Gray) 2 4 King War.ga, 9.2 3 Also ran—2 King Peg. Won by a length, a length and a half between second and third. Time—lmin 17 2TIMARU TROTTING CLUB. The annual report of the Committee of the Timaru Trotting Club states:— Finance.—The balance sheet discloses a loss on the year’s working of £lB5 5/11. We started the season with a credit balance at the bank of £B2/3/8, and ended the year with a credit balance of £123/5/10, showing an increase of £4l/2/2, but against this we have to call in our deposit of £447/6/8. The actual cash loss on the year’s transactions amounts to £406/4/6 but against this we have spent in improvements £2ll/18/7. This amount was spent in erecting the fences, turnstile houses, and exit gates round the outside enclosure. The actual loss on the race meetings was £328/6/8. We received from the Government £250 in rebate. This amount was spent by the Jockey Club on the new fences on the Temulta Main Road, also gates at the main Temuka Road entrance and on the entrance from the Pleasant Point road. Race Meetings.—The race. meetings were again held in January and March in excellent weather, but unfortunately for the January meeting, one of the West Coast meetings had to be postponed to January 7th, three days prior to our meeting, and prevented a number of trainers and horses being able to get back in time for our meeting, with a result that a heavy loss was made on this meeting. The March fixture was very successful, a silver cup being again presented to the owner of the winner of the Timaru Cup, by Mrs John Hole, wife of the president of the Club. Railway Facilities.—Your Club is fortunate in having the support of the Railway Department. Excellent arrangements were made for both meetings. Horses were brought to the course and were unloaded and loaded at the racecourse siding. A further improvement, at the suggestion of the local stationmaster, was made at the March meeting, whereby the horse train left the racecourse immediately the horses were loaded and proceeded on its journey to Christchurch, with the result that the horse train was well on its way before it was overtaken by the passenger train. This was very much appreciated by qwners and trainers. Our very best thanks are due to the stationmaster and his staff for the interest they take in the Club’s meetings. Committee.—Twelve meetings of the Committee were held throughout the year, and were attended as follows; A. Anderson 8, F. Carter 12, W. Connelly 7, J. Gilmore 11, A. P. Greenfield 7, J. Hole 12, R. Kilgour 7, H: F. Morton 12, A. F. Stocker 10, G. T. Wardell 9. In accordance with the rules the following members retired, namely—A. Anderson, V/. Connelly, J. Hole, A. F. Stocker and G. Wardell. Mr Anderson did not seek re-election, and Mr H. E. Wilcocks was nominated. There being no more than the required number nominated for the vacancies, a ballot will not be necessary. Members.—Nineteen new members were enrolled during the year, and twenty names were removed from the register owing to deaths, resignations and other causes, leaving the present membership much the same as last year, and in keeping with the importance of the Club. Thanks.—The thanks of the Committee and members are due to the Trustees of the Timaru Racecourse Reserve, and to the South Canterbury Jockey Club, for the use of the racecourse and appliances; to St. John Ambulance Brigade; to the honorary timekeepers, Messrs J. O’Leary and J. J. Lewis; and to all the other officials who have rendered good service during the year. The work of the caretaker of the racecourse also is deserving of special mention, Mr Connolly having spared no efforts to have the tracks and grounds in the best possible order for training operations and race meetings. Our best thanks are due to the Inspector of Police and his staff for the assistance they rendered to the Club in controlling' traffic on race days.