THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CLUBS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 521, 19 July 1900, Page 13

THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CLUBS.

The Annual Conference of delegates from trotting clubs in New Zealand was held on Tuesday. Mr P. belig, the President of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, in his report, stated that trotting on the whole had been raised to a higher standard during the last season, but he dwelt upon the necessity of clubs acting promptly and fearlessly in cases of fraudulent practice, and also strongly deprecated stewards adjudicating on cases of protests in races in which they are momentarily interested.' Referring to the latter question, he thought an expression of opinion from the Conference might have a beneficial effect. The report made reference to the successful manner in which the Hon Mr Carroll had coped with all the difficulties that presented themselves when assisting the Conference to a happy solution of totalisator allocation business. It was decided that rule 7 be amended so as to proviie that it should not be necessary for clubs to accept appeals from the decisions of stewards for incorrect descriptions of foul riding or driving. The idea was to prevent the totalisator money being locked up and a case to remain undecided for perhaps two months. It was decided to amend rule 68 eo as to provide that a man disqualified may also be fined It was resolved,' “ That any rider or driver speaking to any person' or persons with the exception of the starter or the clerk of the course on the course after leaving the saddling paddocK may be disqualified for the race in which he is engaged to ride or drive, or fined, as the stewards may direct.” “ That all trotting clubs shall have patrols round the trotting track to watch the running of horses during a lace.” “ That the Conference expresses gratification at the action of the Trotting Association in regard to interested stewards adjudicating in cases of protests.” When the delegates resumed business in the evening the Hon James Carroll addressed the Conference. He said that the efforts they nad made to regulate the conduct of the sport met with the commendation of all right-thinking people throughout the colony. He himself had been very pleased indeed with the work performed by affiliated bodies in that direction. It had been a source of delight to him to note the improvement in trotting throughout the colony, and the avidity shown in tracing or sheeting home misdemeanours or wrong-d nng perpetrated on various trotting courses. This marked an advance on the part of the authorities toward the desired goal Mr Carroll dealt fully with the question of permits. He said that as far as the Canterbury and New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Clubs were concerned, he ha i endeavoured to induce them to amalgamate, but without success. Gentle pressure had been put on the Canterbury Club, and he was prepared to go still further and inflict further penalty. He intimated that in future the Hon Mr Ward would have charge of

the permit department, and they would find him liberal, firm, and just. ... . : After Mr Carroll’s little speech the Conference proceeded to allot totalizator permits for the coming season. This business necessarily occupied a long time. The applications of the Northern Trotting Club (Auckland), Gore Trotting Club, and Wairau Trotting Club for permits were not granted, it being decided that they be placed on probation for a year. The following permits were recommended :—Temuka, one; Auckland Trotting Club, three; Ashburton, two; Greymouth, two ; Masterton, one; Nelson, one; Tahuna Park, three; South Wairarapa, one ; Westport, one; Otahuhu, two; Hawke’s Bay, one ; Canterbury Trotting Club, one permit on condition that it trots on the Metropolitan Club’s course and takes steps to amalgamate aa soon after the Meeting as possible; Inangahua, one; New Brighton one; New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, three; Plumpton Park, two; Wellington, three ; Southland, one. . The President moved the following resolution :—“That as this is the first meeting of the Conference since the Hon J. Carroll has relinquished control of the Department that issues totalisator permits, a hearty vote of thanks be recorded on the minutes to him for his valuable assistance to the sport.” - This was carried unanimously. Mr F. P. Selig was re-elected Chairman, and Mr W. Rollitt Secretary of the Conference. It was decided that next year’s Conference be held in Wellington. The Conference, then closed.