RACING CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1183, 19 July 1911, Page 8

RACING CONFERENCE

RECENT ATTACKS ON THE SPORT, VIEWS OF SIR G, CLIFFORD. RIGHT TO RATIONAL AMUSEMENTS. The annual conference of representatives of Now Zealand Jockey Clubs was opened in the Town llall yesterday morning, the chair being occupied by Sir George Clifford, president. Tlio delegates present wore:—Auckland Racing Club, Mr. H. T. fiorrie and the Hon. E. Mitchelson; Auckland Country Clubs, Messrs. W. Bruce and W. H. Hcrrics, 51.1\ j Canterbury Jockey Club, Sin George Clifford, Bart., and Mr. A. Boyle; Canterbury Country Clubs (south of Hurunui Kivcr), Messrs. H. Friedlander and E. E. Guinness; Canterbury Country tlubs (north of Hurunui Kivcr), Mr. W. Clifford; Dunedin Jockey Club, Mr. P. Miller and Sir G. M'Lcnnj Otago Country Clubs, Messrs. J. Latham aud G. 31. Proctor; Hawke's Hay Jockey Club, Mr. G. Hunter and the Hon. J. D. Ormond; Hawke's Bay Country Clubs, Messrs. J. Armstrong and John 3l'Vay; Wanganui Jockey Club, Mr. E .A. CampMi; Wanganui Country Clubs, Messrs. E. 'Gofidbehero and J. 11. Perrctt; Wellington Racing Club, Messrs. J. W. Abbott and 0. S. Watkins; Wellington Country Clubs, Mr. 0. C. Cooper; Taranaki Jockey Club, the Hon. 0. Samuel; Taranaki Country Clubs, Messrs. A. W. Budge and R. H. Nolan; Greymouth Jockey Club, Air. 31. Ilannan; Greymouth Country Clubs, Messrs. J. Colvin, JI.P., and C. Hood Williams. PRESIDENTS REPORT.

In his report to the confcrenco the president said:—Tho fact of gravest i moment during the past- season had been the enactment of further legislation affecting horse-racing. So far as this reversed the previous imposition of tho baneful system of licensing bookmakers, it must meet with cordial approval. Unfortunately the Act of last session went further, and decreed a contraction of the sport by a rather peremptory process, ot which tho supposed advantages could have been better obtained by a redistribution of permits, and which in itsslf was unnecessary where tho population is so widely scattered that racing can never be more to the local participant than an occasional rccreation. It was, perhaps, hardly foreseen when the Act was drafted that there would be such a reduction of non-totalisator meetings and consequent diminution of racing, without tho infliction of other drastic measures. During the past season 25 non-lotalisator clubs did not hold a meeting. In 1905 there were 127 of these meetings, but last year only SI. Surely this curtailment should have sufficed until experience had shown opponents its effect, and until tho racing world had been given an opportunity to readjust its arrangements to tho changed circumstances. To fortify themselves against future attacks, they should aim ata higher standard in the appointments of racecourse?, and afford such provision for tho coriifort of spectai tors as would increaso tho popularity of a healthy open-air sport. It was remarkable that tho opponents consisted of most wholly of those who have no personal knowledge of the subject of their invectives. It behoved them to combine for. tho preservation of their right to all rational amusements not inconsistent with moral obligations. Their individual and corporate support was therefore duo to any adequate non-political association formed to defend privileges which woro being wantonly and slanderously attacked. Never in the history of racing had a country better opportunity for'maintain-, ing a noble sport in tho noblest manner. The chief degrading element had been hopelessly ostracised from the lawns; it might skulk for a time in secret byways, but relics of its pernicious influence must gradually vanish. They all know their attainable ideal—confidence that cvory competing horse shall bo allowed to do its best to win; that every trainer and jockey shall take such honourable pride in lii's profession, and in his personal rectitude, that uo suspicion shall attach to occasional indifferent horsemanship; (hat every owner shall feel himself bound by honourable fellowship, with honourable men, to lake no mean advantage of adversary or haudieapper. Though most surmises of corrupt practice were illfounded, the public were shrewd as a body to judge those whose actions were continuously under view. As general confidence was won, opposition would bo increasingly confined to tho ignoramus who imagined evil where there was none, or to the theorist who inconsistently condemns tho totalisator, while silently accepting profits from artificial variations of price in stocks and shares and the commodities of trade. It rested with them, released from a recent bondage, to establish their sport impregnably in the goodwill of their fellow citizens.

It might bo advisable to call attention to the rule which now renders it a corrupt practice to administer drugs internally or externally for the pnrposo of aft'ecling the speed of a horse. The owner or trainer'who, in fact of this rule, uses* these methods, or abets their use, is 011 an exact level with the scoundrel who cheats at cards, and deserves, when detected, the same contemptuous fate.

' When he referred last year to the num--1 her of so-callcd jockeys who must have : sought licenses for other than professional , motives, it was objected that some might have earned their living at nou-totalisator ' meetings. The following table comprised 1 both totalisator and non-totulisator mect--1 ings. Some small inaccuracies may possibly have crept in, but lie believed that 5 the record was substantially correct:— ! ' 1

Ho had every sympathy with the proposal to encourage longer distance raciug. Both from a spectacular and a breeding standpoint tlio lengthening of races for the older horses was desirable, but it was also dpsirablo to counteract the prevalent impression that' the stamina of our horses and their usefulness in improviug our general purpose horse was lessened by sprint, races. As a rule the most r.lassivo and muscular horses were not stayers, and rnjruy of tho most noted sires of hunters and steeplechasers had been unable to race under pressure for more than a mile. Races are now run from end to end, under such strain, and at such an accelerated pace, that probably a modern six-furlong raco needed more perfect' heart and lung than a mile course ten years ago. It was worth notice also, in confirmation of this view, that' not infrequently a horse incapable of galloping six furlongs on the flat, provled a useful steeplechaser ocvr three miles or more. Looking back they might well congratulate themselves upon the character of the year's sport, upon the standard of (he horses as indicated by the creditable performances in their various classes of those which have "raced in Australia, and by the prices realised for exported yearlings. There was every prospect, of a successful coming season, undisturbed, they might hope, by any such convulsion as that' which had so unjustly debarred them from a number of days' racing, of which the deprivation was "wholly needless.

HNANCE. TMorring lo iinanoos (ho president pointed out that tho statement of receipts and expenditure shoved, a credit of .tlllil ss. id. The accident' fund was .£11,(199 ISs. "d. in credit. Mr. Geo. Hunter suggested that (ho time had arrived when the fees to the accident fund should be reduced, ns they irere now exfracting from horse-owners ,1 larger sum than was required t'o maintain die fund, Ho moved accordingly, that in the opinion of the conference, thn amount of the fee should be rednred from lo IDs.

Tho chairman thought, the resolution required notice. 110 hold llio trustees should go into tlio matter and report to tho next, conference, on the accident and the local provident fuuds.

Several speakers referred to (ho necessity I <>r considering. the matter. Mr. h„i M'" 01 ! 10 " Bllt il be found that these latter accumulating funds coultl 1)0 used for some ether purpose which would have I.he sympathy of horse-owners. Ho lion. .1. 1). Ormond remarked that whatever was done should onlv he after giving the matter the very 'fullest; in. vesication. .

The. lion. G. M'Lean hoped that no funds be.made in any of tlio Afiur some further discussion it was dccidod Ihnt the trustees considor tlio accident fund and report fo the' next conference. 1 On the motion of the .chairman, Mr. Cellar was reappointed auApplications were received from ,T a 1 borne, and from Sam Darragh, asking for tho removal of disqualifications which' had been imposed on them. The nresi. dent was empowered to appoint judger to deal with tho applications. PERMITS. The committee appointed to consider an. plications for totalisator permits, dates, mending 0 that thWof Xltato™pe* h rath-la,en, and Pahnerstou CW there being 'no days available. DATES OP RACE MEETINGS. Jodle^ comber 7; South Club" December 14 and 15 in lim, .?n ! 1G and 17- t,».i m ~ , or December Pi„if n ', ara tahi-Carl,Erton llacimr C üb, December 26; .Maimvntu Pac S5 Club. December 26, 27:.-and 21 • wiiil a li Pacing Club. jan^vVV^i WSpS',"^ South Auckland Racing Clubito bo commended to select dates,in Septem&r subject to tho approval of thVlresident' l ' J ologa Bay Jockey Club, Sbiuary 2-'• Masta-ton Racing Club, 3%clV 2S - ami 29; Tuapeka County Ap'r 6; Auckland Racing Club, Al>r?l 6 and a and the third day Im> eliminated f' Roefton ; Jockey Club, April 17 and 'fe%oYid : -' day be eliminated; Hawke's Ahv's q \V -Maj 8 ,>nd 9, Wanganui Jocktiv'Cliib ' • rjf/ f* "."r * 5} Gwborne Racing Clulv 1 July i and 0, or othsr dates in tliat week Ll subject to the approval of thto' (iresidtnt 11 riiames Jockey Club's Juno meeting to'lyj' eliminated; Hawke's Bav Jockey CIIIII The conferenco decided that tiio'-Hawko's Bay Jockey Club and tho Napier Park' second days in October ,be eliminated nl"i; C rij ni i Ul i e rec °mmeiidcd that tho Otalu Club be granted October II and 12 of th« OT n •?' i su^ei ;t' to tlio - approval ■ of the president, ni lieu of October 23 24. This was not sat "factory' i? ?. dHr 31 T^ ley esW September , 5" j 1 " 1 ? 6 - Tll(l matter was left in' the bands of the president. The Takanuiu : Clubs objection to the loss'of .their-per-"' Hint "tl,er UO l 'i? i' >- as "commended; ' that tuej bo allowed November 29' and' December 2, January 29 and 31, or nSy l ' i pr ii ? n PP rov ed by the president ; May-meeting be , c ii minated ;. J. hi ouch the loss of their building by firo '. tlio Masterton Club was allowed. Decern-' ber 21, in lieu, of October 26 and 27. Tho • South Auckland Club was recommended to select dates in September subject to tho approval of tho president.

APPLICAION FOR REGISTRATION'. It was decidcd that certificates of registration bo granted to' all those clubs an. plying ior registration under Part II l)i nf 'k,was of opinion that th clubs which have lest (heir 10 reduction brought, about by the commission appointor! under the. Gaming Amendment Aft, 5910, upon bring reinstated their claims to then- old dales should rcccivc favourable consideration.

A special resolution as under was past, ed in reference, to non-totalisator clubs:— Any disqualification incurred under tha exceptional circumstances governing tho granting of registration during the 19111. season, and owing to a consequent irregularity in the date of applications for registration bo at onco removed bv tho Metropolitan Committeo of the district." STIPENDIARY STEWARDS. The question of the appointment oi stipendiary stewards, adjourned from last conference, was introduced when tho StipeiKuury Stewards' Coiumitloo appointed at tho last couferciic© submitted the following suggested new rule: —"Stipendiary, stewards shall bo appointed by tlio New Zealand Racing Conference, or by the committeo thereof nominated for that purpose, and with such poivers, and subject to such regulations as may, from timo to time, bo conferred or approved, by tho conference." Numerous speakers referred to the immense advantage such stewards would bo to clubs and racing in general. Tho ■ general feeling in tho racing world, it was urged by several, was in favour of tho new rule, which it was contended would be to tlio advantage of racing, ns men capable of carrying out the work could easily bo obtained.

Mr. Samuel asked 011 what principle tha stipendiary stewards were to act, and how many were going to be appointed. lf : they could get these stewards at tha' majority of their meetings ho was iij'. favour of tlio rule, but if they were only' goifl" to attend, a few country meetings 110 did not think the results would be at ail satisfactory. If tho stewards were to give tho whole of their time to tho work, a substantial salary would have fo be paid, and lie would like to know what salary was-proposed. ' Mr. 11. R. Guinness said the, suggestion had his sympathy, but ho wanted to know what contributions would havo to Iw mado by country clubs before he cast his vote.

Mr. rriedlander said the principle .had already been affirmed, and as n result of this tho cominittco_ had brought forward rules and regulations for discussion, Mr. Samuel moved a new rule: "That s committeo to be called tho Stipendiary Stewards' Committee shall be elected at each annual conference, with power' to select and'appoint, not less than two persons to act" rs stipendiary stewards' at race meetings on such terms, with such powers -and subject to such conditions ns tho committeo may prc-seribo ill' by. laws and regulations. The motion was seconded pro forma. Mr. Nolan said the idea in tlio' first placc had been to appoint four stipendiary stowards at, say, .£SOO a year' each, and that with them say four or iivo licensed stipendiary stewards should act iu tha way of understudies to attend meetings when tho stipendiary stewards conltl not bo present. Ho was sure the appointments would bo a very great deterrent to malpractices, and could be carried out without the drain 011 clubs being very scverolj felt. The president thought stipendiary stewards should bo appointed more to satisfy the public than becauso of tho nmouiit of good they would do.; The alleged evils eomplai'ml of were, in his opinion, much exaggerated. He did not believe one-tenth part of what , lie heard as to malpractices was justified. It they gave, the public what they, wanted it would satisfy them and give them confidence; if they could get tlio right men it would lie all right. At this stage the original motion vas withdrawn in favour of Samuel's amemimenl.

Mr. C'olvin asked if Iho commit tee had a«kcrt j'or n report on the working of stipendiary stewards in .Australia. 11a him read that they were not n surreys. He advised the coii'lcrencc to gnslow'y. The president said the committee had hud a report from one of its mombos who had visited Australia nnd had p:tid particular attention to the subject. In previous years they had also had reports in favour of tin; changes. Mr. Herries remarked, that the committee was to he given enormous powers: and this being so he would like to see tho committee nominated, The lion. ,T. J). Oriiiond considered t'ho time had eomo for 'tho change. They must go, in the direction of meeting publtu opinion as tho president had stated. 11l his opinion thero was a general publio

distrust existing at present and there ww a call throughout the country for this change. He could not agree that tllis would bo. committing clubs to any ruinous expenditure.- , The motion was put, the voting being 21—It. a three-fourths majority was required u carry the motion it was lost. Tho voting was as'.under ;| llti 'Auckland lt.C 3 3 0 Auckland Country Clubs ... 2 2 u Canterbury J.O ® " 2 Canterbury Country Clubs (N) 2 0 - Canterbury Country Clubs (S) 2 0 0 Dnnedin J.C. - 3 0 . « Otago Country Clubs 2 ■ Hawke's Bay.rJ.CJ <1 3 0 Hawke's Bay.rCountry Clubs 2 2 ■ 0 Wanganui J.O 3 3 -j} Wanganui Country Clubs ... 2 2 0 Wellington B.C. 3 0. A Wellington Country Clubs ... 2 2 0 Taranaki JiC. 2 .3. 0 Taranaki C6nntry Clubs 2. 2 0 Greymouth "J.C : 2,0 2 Clubs ... 2 0 2 ' Totals,' ..so"' 21 11 ENCOURAGING DISTANCE .FACING. It was decided by M to i that the programme .of every meeting, whether the totalisator is'used or not, shall include at lcastiono flat race of.not_Je.ss.than, oils mile and a quarter at eacl\ meeting. , LICENSED APPRENTICES. On .the motion of the :Cianterbury Joekey Club it was decided tjftt' All licensed apprentices under the ngo of 21 years who have not ridden five .winners shall be permitted to claim a,-';slb, allowance 'in all selling races.'and siau (ill .handicaps qf the value of not moro; than 150 sovs. to the wjfnner." . W The,-same club movedithat: Clubsnolding fo,ur or ..more i'lluys* racing . between September 1 and. JuiL? 7 inclusive, and' whose .stakes, P® l annum, shall : vprovide atr! least . on© race during the! racing- seasoii.don&ned to apprentices who-have not;more than live races . previously."' : 1 ,'i »1 , , , . The new :ruJff''*as carried by 30 to 10. ■'• ; 7-r.r /•", . '.• 'DURAMOK';OP MEETINGS.

On the nl'otion'of the president, and in the rules into line with the; Gaming!As of last session, it was decided tlvft- iiS. racu meeting advertised to be held roil 'jiot moro than fonr days shall extend ..oife a longer period than eight 'cqns&utivo days, and no race meetto be lield on not nior© than •Ehreb ; : davs, shall extend . over a longer-p«io3!:tnan six consecutive days, and 'no .w2onecHng advertised to be hfcld an liofeioie than two days shall extend'.qj.;er a'longer period than four con- .

ijTHB HURDLE KACE. . THt>-Hawke's Bay Jockey Club moved that no hurdle race shall bo under one mile: !and '[three-quarters. Mr. 'Hunter remarked that many people-thought tho present one :milo and a half liiirdle race was nothing more than an abomination, as it led To accidents' through horses being started" without hoing sufficiently proved' and " trained. The motion was lost on 1 a division, the voting being «1 1<: BROKEN ENGAGEMENTS.

Tt was decided, on the motion of the Auckland Kacing Club, to attend rule 8, which deals,-with engagements to ride, and brokon .-engagements in this connection.lhv.the following addition:—"A club may',, at.its discretion, provide boolcs_ of engagement forms, and, upon application, 'Supply one'free of charge to each jockey qualified to rido at the club's meeting. The stewards or committee of such meeting, may-refuse to cognisance of, or adjudicate upon, a.ny dispute between an owner and a jockey with regard to any engagement for riding unless there,, 13 (locnmentary evidence to support the complaint."

HELPING THE HUNTS. The appointment of a committee to coini'dcr the advisableness of supporting: the. hunts of New Zealand, and to sug- ' gest mean* by which such support can bo, i afforded was,,urged, by' the Taraiiaki ( country clubs; This was agreed to, the. •• committee set up comprising Sir' George ; Clifford, Messrs. Gorrie, Guinness, Speed, and Bidwill. ■ COUNTRY CLUBS' REPRESENTATION. , At. the instance of the Wanganui country Clubs it was moved: "That the coiiferenco is of opinion that tho N.Z. Racing Conference, as at present constituted, does not give the representation desired by the country clubs, and that they desire some Bteps should be taken by the N.Z.R.C. to set up a committco to see if it is desirable to set up a New Zealand Jockey Club." ' ' . In the course of a lengtny discussion, Mr.'Bruce said the combined clubs had no fault' to find with tho conference, but they did want more' representation. With more country .representatives perhaps the conference would bo no stronger, but it would do away with a cause, el' trouble in the past. He urged that et-erything possible should bo done, to make the country cltibs' nnd the metropolitan clubs one united body. . \ " The chairman said there was some feeling amongst the country clubs, and they should alter it if possible. He would move that a committee. of the conference be set'jup to consider its constitution and the government of racing, and report as to tho possibility of improving the government of jacing, the committco to consist . ,of Messrs. Ormond, Mitche'lson,. Guinness, : Sanjuel, M'Vay, Bidwill,. Nolan, Friedlander, and the mover. T}ie original motion was withdrawn in favour of the president's suggestion, which wa%. passed. .'*• DATES COMMITTEE. The following wore elected a Dates Committee:—Messrs. Friedlander, Abbott, Goddbehere, Allison, M'Vay, and HoodWilliams. v;. . THE PRESIDENT. 1 Sir< George Clifford was re-elected president'of the conference, oil tho motion of Sir.Georgo M'Lean, seconded by tho Hon. O. ijn'muel. Several speakers testified to th'o' ; work dono by Sir George Clifford during the time ho had been at tho'head of the,conference. " j"-',- GENERAL MATTERS. A motion was tabled by the Wellington Country Clubs that' all licenses bo granted by a licensing committee .of the conference, and issued by tho secretary. After,;a- brief discussion the motion was negatived, the voting being 22—15. 0 With tho object Of shortening tho waits after r-(iccs> the- Canterbury Jockey; Club moved;.that dividends be,paid out." ten minute^ : after tho placed . horses';, have passed the post,- instead of fifteen minutes after, as at present. Tho piotion was lost;:

The South Canterbury Country 'Clubs moved: ."That it -be a recommendation that.the'-conference approach the Government with a view to sanctioning .'racehorses'breaking their return journey for the purpose of racing .without incurring extra railage." The motion was carried.

•? £ a A a ' Metropolitan 5 S 5 M W Club. fc ' * <n M .-I Auckland M -3 0. 7 4 Canterbury ... 8 'i .4 1 .2 Dunedin " : '8 3 10 Greymouth n 2 .10 1 Hawke's Bay 5 1" . ■ 7 3 3 Tnvannki 1 -\ ■ .2 1: Wanganui — 7 . li !1 . 0 5 Wellington ... 7 1 .4 4 J Total ..... G9 2G 30 , 17 18