ONSLOW TROTTING CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 55, 13 August 1891, Page 4

ONSLOW TROTTING CLUB.

The Committee of the Onslow Trotting Club met at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel on Friday evening last. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The question of affiliation having been brought up, the chairman (Mr. Mcßride) said the N.Z. Trotting Association was formed as a governing body for the management of trotting clubs generally ; they had no race meeting of their own, and did not run trotters. The secretary (Mr. Goldsbro’) and himself had visited Mr. Marks of the Auckland Trotting Club, who at once took a decided stand, and told them the Onslow Club could not possibly race without them, as they had been appointed the Metropolitan Club ; they knew their position exactly, and were prepared to stick to their opinion on the matter. It was stated that a third club was likely to be formed, which would work harmoniously with the Onslow Club. Mr. Quinlan said that Mr. Carter of Cambridge would join the Club and do all he could for it, but he (Carter) would not consent to have anything to do with the Auckland Club. Mr. Tom Halstead also spoke strongly in favour of the Southern institution. Mr. Trubshaw also was in favour of it, but thought they ought first to make sure that they would get a totalisator permit before deciding. The chairman read an extract from the Weekly Press bearing on the matter. Mr. D. Harford was in favour of joining the Auckland Club, and gave some good reasons for his contention. The point is still in abeyance. The following programme was passed for the Club’s first meeting:—(l) Maiden Trot 40 sovs., (2) Maiden Pony Flat, 14 hands, for amateurs, 15 sovs., (3) Handicap Trot 6g sovs., (4) Onslow Steeple or Hurdle Pony 30 sovs., (5) Onslow Pony Stakes 30 sovs., (6) Pony Trot 30 sovs., (7) Selling Race 20 sovs. On the motion of Mr. Tom Halstead it was decided to include in the Club’s programme a 14 hands and under pony race, to encourage boys to possess ponies and learn to ride; the race to be confined strictly to amateur riders. This was seconded by Mr. Quinlan, and earned unanimously. f “ The matter of' a racecourse was''next discussed, and .it was stated there was some obstacle in the way of getting Bollard’s paddock at Avondale at present, and it was therefore decided to hold the first meeting at Potter’s Paddock.

Sir G. M. O’Rorke wrote saying he would be glad to accept the presidency of the Club, although he thought it more in his son’s line than his. His Excellency the Governor had declined the above honour, as he had previously declined similar requests. Messrs. J. Lumpkin of Newmarket, Ralph of Huntly, and Walker of King, Walker & Co., were elected vicepresidents. Mr. S. C. Caulton was elected a steward. Mr. Trubshaw strongly objected to the principle of handicapping by committee, and moved the previous resolution be rescinded and a handicapper advertised for. Mr. D. Harford also said that on every occasion handicapping had been tried by a committee it had given dissatisfaction, but Mr. Quinlan retorted that it did not apply to trotting handicaps, and if the resolution were carried he would withdraw. Mr. Halstead objected, and he also would retire. Mr. Trubshaw withdrew his motion, the principle having been discussed.

Messrs. Morley, Quinlan, Mcßride, Halstead and the secretary were appointed a sub-com-mittee to carry out all the details for the forthcoming meeting. Throughout the meeting the discussion became very animated and at times most amusing, but at the same time the exceptional tact and ready wit of the chairman was the means of a large amount of solid business being got through.

We are in receipt of a very attractive brochure called “ Casual Ramblings Up and Down New Zealand.” by A. Tramp, Esq. As it is published at the moderate sum of one shilling, it should have a ready sale. Claude, while exercising at Caulfield, broke down in both fetlocks. This is an accident that does not often happen. He had to be destroyed. Claude was by Proto-Martyr— Claudine, by St. Albans—Queen Mary, and was bred by Mr. Jphn Field, of Tasmania.