THE HON. J. CARROLL ON TROTTING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 518, 22 November 1900, Page 16

THE HON. J. CARROLL ON TROTTING.

At a dinner given by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, the Elon. J. Carroll, replying to the toast of his health, said that he was proud to be present, and to be the guest of the stewards of a club in which he might say, he had always taken a deep interest. As a matter of fact, he could say, with truth, that he had really occupied the position of godfather to it. He had assisted the child to grow and he was gratified to see that the youngster had prospered and would shortly attain,, if he had not already done so, the dignity of manhood. The gentleman controlling the fortunes of the Metropolitan Club had every reason to be satisfied with the result of their combined efforts.. *He might say that he believed that the annual conferences, held in Wellington, where the,representativesi of trotting met the Minister in charge,, had effected a great deal of good. In outcome of those conferences had been the building up of the sport, especially in Canterbury, the hub of the New Zealand trotting universe. It was evident from the very large attendance that trotting was greatly appreciated by the people of Canterbury, an appreciation which it had thoroughly earned, and Which had been endorsed by the capital contests witnessed that day In discussing trotting matters with the conference, he had attempted to so hold the reins of trotting that purity of trotting —which would probably be attained by the institution of class trotting—should prevail. He believed that class trotting would place the sport above the suspicion which was at present frequently attached to it. It gave owners the privilege of making their own classes. The North Island was still far behind the south in trotting, but he had tried and hoped’in the near future to accomplish his aim to effect a considerable improvement. It had been said that he had dealt rather harshly with the North Island dubs, but his sole aim had been to improve and uplift the sport. He believed that if the saddle races were eliminated, and the sport confined to wheel events, it would be much more interesting. The latter form of racing would be infinitely more exciting, and, somehow, appeared to be the very acme of trotting. He had seen races that day which had the effect of taking an onlooker for the nonce out of himself, and there was scarcely one individual on the ground who had not entered into the spirit engendered by the splendid contests. His colleague, the Hon. J. G. Ward, now held the portfolio controlling racing, and he might say that that gentleman would at all times give them what he himself asked for: fair play Though not occupying his old position, h 3 was with them in spirit. He concludud by once again congratulating the club oi the manner in which it administered the sport, the improve

ments it had made in its appointments, and it® general prosperity. He thought it would be but fi ting for him to propose thehealth of the President of the club, Mr V. Harris. 'He knew that gentleman fairly well, and though be had no desire to unduly eulogise his efforts on behalf of the sport, he could assure them,that he was a genuine sportman. whose one object was to benefit everyone who took an interest in the pastime. Mr Harris could fairly congratulate himself upon the success of the meeting just concluded, for better sport had never been witnesed in the col »ny. He trusted that the club would continue to cater for the public in the same admirable manner.