POLO.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 297, 2 April 1896, Page 3

POLO.

NEW ZEALAND POLO ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of delegates to the New Zealand Polo Association was held at the Club Hotel, Palmerston North, on Tuesday, 24thult. Present— Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes (chairman), 11. N. Watson (Poverty Bay), S. J. Bennett (Wharerangi), N. Gorton (Feilding), F. White (Ruataniwha), H. P. Harrison (Warrengate), E. D. O’Rorke (Auckland), W. R. Blomfield (Kihikihi), J. G. Wilson (Rangitikei), J. C. Patterson (Wanganui), R. H. Rhodes (Christchurch), B. L. Lane (Ashburton), G. Gould (North Canterbury), E. P. Symes (Waverley), A. S. Baker (Manawatu), D. J. Cooper (Wellington), A. Strang (Oroua), J. B. Chambers (Hawke’s Bay). An application was received from the Mahia Polo Club for affiliation, and unanimously granted. The requested registration of light blue colours was refused, the reason assigned being that these were the colours of the Association. The colours of the Ashburton Club —white shirt and cap, with green sash —were ordered to be registered. The matter of Wellington having been granted light blue as a portion of their colours, was brought up for consideration, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr J. G. Wilson, that the Association regrets that colours, containing light blue, were granted to Wellington, and requests them to alter their colours. Mr O’Rorke moved that the next annual tournament be held at Auckland. —Seconded by Mr Symes. Messrs Wilson and Cooper spoke in favour of Hastings or Wellington, but it appeared that the grounds at these places would not be in proper order for tournament playing. The motion was carried without dissent. The election of officers resulted as follows:— President, His Excellency the Governor ; Vice-president, Lieut. Colonel Dawson; Committee of Management, Messrs J. Higgie, E. D. O’Rorke, R. S. Abraham ; T. Crosse, and R. H. Rhodes. The appointment of secretary was discussed, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes intimating his intention of not standing for re-election. Highly eulogistic reference was made to the services rendered by Mr Rhodes, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him for the manner in which he had discharged his duties. Eventually, Mr Rhodes consented to hold office for three months ; in the meantime, circulars to be sent to the various clubs, asking their opinions as to the best and most suitable centre for the headquarters of the Association, and the appointment of a successor to Mr Rhodes. The question of continuing the junior cup competitions was discussed, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr Baker, to continue the cup, the voting being—for, 10; against, 5. Consideration of the rules for the junior cup was referred to the various clubs. The Hawke’s Bay colours—white shirt and Zingari sash — and Ruataniwha colours —white shirt and pink sash —were registered. Mr Wilson thought the rules should be altered so as to prevent second teams’ ponies being used by the first teams and ponies being purchased during a tournament. He certainly favoured the limitation of the number of ponies to be used, as was done at Home. The matter was deferred for consideration. Other minor business having been transacted, the meeting concluded.— Manawatu Standard.

In another column will be found the programme of the annual sports and races in connection with the Auckland Polo Club, which takes place at Potter’s Paddock on Saturday, 18th inst. Eight events, consisting of a bending competition, urdle Race, Polo Ball Race, Auckland Polo Cup, Ladies’ Bracelet, Cigar and Umbrella Race, Steeplechase, aud the Slow ’Uns’ Stakes (for a cup presented by Mr E. D. O’Rorke, for ponies owned by mtmbers of the Auckland Polo Club), come on for decision, and an interesting afternoon’s amusement should result. Entries for all events close with the hon. secretary, Mr W. Read Bloomfield, on Friday next, by 5 p.m.