TROTTING REUNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1937, Page 8

TROTTING REUNION

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION TRIBUTE TO DR. ADAMS A large and representative attendance was registered at the annual smoke concert of the Wanganui Trotting Club last night in the Savage Club Rooms. Dr. G. J. Adams presided, and opened the function with a very fine speech of appreciation of the support given the club by visiting owners and trainers.

In the course of his reply, Mr E. F. C. Hinds presented the club with a framed plutograph of the champion pacer, Harold Logan. In proposing the chief toast, that of the Wanganui Trotting Club, Mr C. E. Craig (Auckland) said he felt honoured in being given such an important subject to handle, especially as the local club was the oldest trotting organisation in New Zealand, ana reminded those present that tins was lhe diamond jubilee, as the first meeting was held in 1877. The speaker referred to the appointment on the New Zealand Trotting Conference of Dr. Adams, president of the Wanganui Club, and offered the opinion that his election to such an important position would be beneficial to trotting in the North Island. Mr Craig dealt at length with the need for more permits in the North Island, stronger representation on the conference, and more uniformity in the handicapping system. The speaker cited the fact that while there was only 31 trotting days In the North Island, the South Island had 41 days, with an addition of 120 trotting events on racing programmes. While the South Island deserved its quota, owing to the interest shown in tne sport, the North was badly treated on the basis of population. Mr Craig explained the unsatisfactory position obtaining with the application of optional penalties, and gave several comparisons of those allotted in the South. He contended the Wanganui Club was not treated as it should have been by the absence of the handicapper at a galloping meeting in Auckland.

Speaking later, Dr. Adams said he was very pleased Mr Craig had made mention of the three very important points, and stated that these questions were now under review by the conference. Concluding, the president paid a warm tribute to Mr Craig for his work in connection with trotting in the North Island, and said the Wanganui Trotting Club was grateful for the fine support he had given the club. At the call of Dr. Adams a special vote of appreciation to Mr Craig was carried with enthusiasm. During the evening reference was made to the good feeling existing between the Trotting and Jockey Clubs, to which Mr R. Mitchell, of the latter organisation, suitably replied. Donors of trophies were also toasted, and a very pleasant and successful evening wa« interspersed with musical items.