RACING CLUBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 7

RACING CLUBS

DELEGATES MEET ANNUAL CONFERENCE DISCUSSION ON DATES ( Per Press Association. J WELLINGTON, July 12. The, annual meeting of delegates to the New Zealand Racing Couferoncc was held in Wellington to-day. Mr. Oliver Nicholson (Auckland), vicepresident, presided in the absence through ill health of the president, Mr. O. 8. Watkins (Wellington). All clubs were represented, forty-one delegates being present. The report of the chairman of stipendiary stewards (Air. (J. Gomer), stated that the management and control of race mootings generally hud been satisfactory. There were, however, one or two mutters which appeared to require closer attention, in sonic instances jockeys had come to the scales not properly attired, and better attention and discipline in this respect should bo exercised. Unruly horses at the starting barrier also required more attention, and starters should bo compelled to exercise the ample power vested in them to prevent such horses disturbing and delaying starts. Strong measures had undoubtedly resulted in few cases of jostling, crossing and interference, and riders were not now resorting to any extent to those dangerous and troublesome practices. With few exceptions, the behaviour of trainers and jockeys had been exemplary. Racing generally had been conducted on strict lines, and instances of foul and corrupt practices were the exception rather than the rule. Clubs had endeavoured to conduct their meetings in accordance with the best traditions of the turf. Tho chief racecourse inspector (Mr. A- Ward), reported that during the year 198 persons were warned off race and trotting courses, as against 205 during tho previous year. Offences committed on courses during race meetings had been negligible, although at certain places illegal betting in small amounts had been a nuisance. Those in control of racing and trotting in New Zealand had the reputation of possessing an effective system, un equalled in any other part of the world, anti they had, as in preceding years, endeavoured to maintain the high standard expected. In connection with serious breaches of the Rules of Racing, Mr. Ward expressed the opinion taut where it was clearly shown that a person had repeatedly offended and was repeatedly under giavo suspicion, ho ought to bo permanently exiled from any connection with racing. it was reported that the amount of outstanding levies was £BU6 ; as against £2149 for the previous year. Mr. D. G. Juiinstoii (Wellington;, was reappointed auditor. An application by it. A. Powell (Dargaville) lor remission of tho balance of tho term of three years’ disqualification imposed upon him in connection with tho running of the horse Bronze Tray was refused. A similar application by ,L. 11. Watson, jockey, who had been disqualified fur life 111 connection with the Royal Survey case, was also declined. The motion for the adoption of the dates committee’s report approving the dates submitted by clubs with a num bur of amendments led to a discussion on two of tho recommendations. Un behalf of the Wairarapa Racing Club, Mr. J. W. Card protested against the recommendation that the Hawke s Bay Jockey Club be again granted March 31, Easter Saturday, in view of the feeling expressed in some quarters at tho annual meeting last year that the gran ing of the date was not to be taken as a precedent, but was only tc assist Has* ie’s Buy Chit, which had sulf: -j 1 t hough the earthquake. Tho chairman said that the commit tee hud given most careful consideration. to tho position, and hud como to the conclusion that Hawke’s Bay had put forward a strong case, ana the granting of the date- would not harm the other clubs interested in the date. The recommendation was not made on the ground of sympathy. An amendment that the report be approved with tho exception of the Easter Saturday date v'f;*- h Lt. Another amendment, t.iat the dates committee reconsider the granting of October 14 and 16 to the Avondale Jockey Club in view of an objection by the Waikato Trotting Club, was carried by 31 votes to 16.