SPORTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7180, 15 January 1892, Page 4

SPORTING.

a TROTTING OWNERS* ASSOCIATION. The meeting convened for the purpose of forming an Association of owners and trainers of trotting horaes, and which was held last evening in the Empire Hotel, was very largely attended. Mr T. W. Beece, on being voted to the chair, called on the convener, Mr M. Taylor, to state the objects of the meeting. Mr Taylor said that he had been spoken to by several owners of trotting horses as to the advißableness of their banding together to endeavour to obtain more liberal treatment from the Trotting Clubs. As things were at present worked, all the profits derived from the meetings of two or three of the Clubs went into the pockets of a few persons. He thought it bigh time for the owners to do something to get a little better recognition. It was then unanimously resolved, on the motion of Mr Clarkson, that an Association of owners and trainors Bhould be formed. After some discussion, in which several took part, it was decided that the annual subscription should be five shillings, and forty-two of those present at once joined the Association, the great majority handing in their subscriptions. Mr Beynolds hoped that one of the first things the Association would take in hand would be the handicapping question, which at present was most unsatisfactory. He thought representations should also be made to the Clubs to have the totalisator closed when the limit was despatched. On the motion of Mr Mulholland, seconded by Mr W; Kerr, it was resolved — "That a Committee of seven should be appointed to draw up rules and arrange other matters in connection with the formation of the Association." On a ballot being taken, the following gentlemen were elected members of the Committee: — Messrs Recce, Duncan, Reynolds, M, Taylor, Barns, Connell and Mulholland. The Chairman said that he thought the owners had taken* a very necessary step in forming an Association, for as far as he could see trotting was at present juat on the balance — as likely to go to the wall as not. From the recent experience he had gained in America he was satisfied that, in order to make the sport boom, it was essential that class trotting ehould be promoted. He would also like to see more truly membership Clubs set up. The present paltry stakes given were no encouragement whatever,andeventosecurea£2oprizeamanhad to start his horse, before being given a show to win it, three or four times. All his winnings went to the totaliaator, from which he gained nothing, as it appeared that all the money derived from that source went into the pockets of the few persons guiding the Clubs. A resolution was carried to the following effect : — " That seeing that amendments are being proposed to the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association, it is desirable that the Owners' Committee should have an opportunity, of expressing its opinion concerning the same." The Committee was instructed to bring up a report of its proceedings within a fortnight. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Recce for presiding brought the meeting to a close.