SPORT OF RACING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1496, 19 July 1912, Page 2

SPORT OF RACING.

THE IROMMA^?.

JOCKEY CLUBS , CONFERENCE

THE SEASON'S TEST. LAW AND FALSE ANALOGY. The annual conference of representatives of New Zealand Jockey Clubs was held at the Town Hull yesterday. The president (Sir Goo. Clifford) was in the chiiir miii there were also present tho following delegate?:—Auckland, Messrs. H. T. Gorrie and E. A. Price; Aucklnnd country, Hon. W. It. Retries and Mr. E. W. Alison; Canterbury, Sir George. Clifford and Mr. C. G. Dalgety; Canterbury country, Messrs. E. }?. Guinness, T. B. Upton, nnd H.' D. Vavasour; Dunedii), Hγ. 1 , . Miller; Olago country, Messrs. J. Latham and G. M. Proctor; Hawko's Bay, Hon. J. D. Ormoml and Mr. G. Hunter, M.l'.; Hnwte's Bay conntry, Messrs. J. Armstrong and John M'Vny; Wangnnui, Messrs. K. A. Campbell and H. M, Speed; Wangamii country, Messrs. E. Goodbeherc ami J. H. Perrett; Wellington, Messrs. J. W. Abbott and W. H. S. Moorhouse; Wellington country, Messrs; W. E. Bidwill and 0. C. Cooper; Tarannki, Hon. 0. Samuel; Taranaki country, Messrs. A. W. Budgo and It. H. Kolnnj Greymouth, Mr. M. Hannan; Greymouth country, Mr, Irvine and Mr. S. L. P. Free.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT. "WE HAVE HAD A SEASON'S TEST." In his annual report tho president said: "We have now had one complete season's- test of tho ill-advised legislation, which so unduly restricted tho "days of racing ivithin the .Dominion. Even if we admit that some few of the ninny racing clubs abused their trust, or failed lo justify- their existence, or were in undue proximity to neighbouring courses, no justification existed in this widely distributed and growing community, for a cast-iron legislation, curtailing tho recreations of the people and preventing their legitimate expansion in proportion to increasing population. This hysteric law-mnking must finally result in depriving many country districts of an annual holiday, or in seriously injuring those greater meetings which aro chiefly instrumental in encouraging the breeding of the best class of horses. Let ns hope that saner oounsels will prevail, and that our legislators may learn in the near future that an ample supply of high-class thoroughbred sires is essential for breeding good cavalry and general utility horses. The restrictive enactments have been based on want of knowledge and false analogies. The average inhabitant of New Zealand, with its many centres of population, cannot attend one-tenth of the race meetings ava'lable to tho Englishman with his perfect system of race trains, or lo the dwellers in the principal Australian cities whuse opportunities recur almost every week. I maintain that we need more racing and more weight-for-ago contests of tho best class. Crush down abuses with tho firmest of hands, but do not involve in one common ruin tho imperfections of a great industry and its undeniable advantages to the State.

Alleged Parasites Attacked. "This conference has now met for 25 years, and I believe that it is not itself conscious of tho extent of the reform it has, during that period, gradually but surely effected. Its early career was n. strenuous strugglo against almost forgotten evils of long standing, while it had to smooth over jealousies which sprang from the inovitablo surrender of local privileges. In time tho advantages of concentrated control became too manifest for resistance. Small differences gave way to large aims, and delegates lent', cordial co-operation, .in- the fight against tha influences most detrimental to pure sport. The two parasites so attacked were the bookmakers with all their antagonistic interests and the proprietary clubs draining into private pock-' ets the profits of whnt should bo public institutions. The merest suspicion of proprietary interest would now bo regarded as shameful by any racing club in the Dominion. The bookmaker, formerly predominant on tho turf, is no longer one of its supports, but lurks- illegally on its outskirts, banished from our enclosures and plying a surreptitious trade to which can be traced tho occasional downfall of an eminent jockey, or the suspicion which grows round an owner who is known to patronise it. Nowhere exists such freedom from tho fundamental causes of decadence. Elsewhere the sport is almost universally exploited by proprietary clubs or their equivalents, anil vested interests have become rooted which strangle reforms nnd perpetuate abuses. These obstructions no longer retard us from devoting our energies and our funds wholly to tho provision of pure and healthy recreation. Therefore I say, and I say it with tho. utmost emphasis, that, your hands in New Zealand grasp an opportunity unique in {Iμ? history of the world for regulating your sports, and primarily that of horfp-racing, in such fashion as may satisfy (he most sensitive conscience, nnd the most subtle code of honour.

"Not a Tithe Havo Truth in Them." "Two classes of offence stand out for repression:— (1). Attempts by owners or trainers to cheat haiulicappers and the public; (2) conspiracies between jockeys and others to defraud. Not n tittio of tho innuendoes spread broadcast by inngus and pen. have truth in them; but when they exist tho first and most efficient preventative will spring from the' effective suppression of the already illicit source of temptation; a second remedy which 13 only a palliative, is suggested ill 'lie appointment of stipendiary stewards; nnd these policemen of the turf, if possessing tho requisite knowledge and force of character, may be a secondary help towards purging us of the- perilous stuff which we so earnestly strive to eliminate. As to the Fecond class of offence, resulting from dishonest combinations of jockeys and others, its suspected existence is in great measure attributable to the false mercy which has granted another and yet another chalice to offenders and so wrought mischief to them and to tlie reputation of tlie.entire body of deserving horsemen. For conclusive victory, over these accusations aeainst us we appeal, first, to the authorities to enforce flic law by stopping its systematic , defiance by bookmakers; and, secondly, to our own friends to refrain from 'so dubious a method of speculation as they afford. Attack the poisonous fruit at the very root of tho tree. In passing, I may protest against the seniles* '-prohibition of the nublication of totalisator figures and dividends after the rnco. This Ecrves no purpose except to abet tho schemes of the professional trickster as aeainst the straightforward sportsman, and reaches its climax of absimlity when npplied to such races as tho Epsom Derby. The diminution of racing consequent upon tho Gamin? Amendment Act, 1910, is --Jiflwn as follows:— Eighty-one elnljs h"]iU 12" meelin(;s {'212 days' racing) in 1.010-11. Sixty-six dubs l:"]d 108 meetings (109 dflv*' racing) in 1911-12. ■ The increase of totnlßttor investment* may be prvrtiallv enn?ed hy this decrease nf citnpftiHnn. but must have bfen mainly diverted from ftie-banMied bookmaker.', us indicated by the large sums formerly paid by them in f«3=. . .

"Against That Surging Intoiecance." "I Miuiot conclude without n word of commendation for tht SpcvU Probation Lon'iie. It promises, with its ling-;, inonibor*!iip, to lie ii l>nl\vnrk of ilelenre tor all our .s|wrt.-f nml |instiinc.<, n-?;»iii*t tlml sin sin;; intolerance which -pii-*'Mil in She innocent rcMi'iition.'s which aro ils best nntiilotf. Tlio nn»ml>rr~" hnlwcriplions to I lie league will prnljiibly supply it with iiinple I'll mis. l>lll if more should be needed [ will ask your authority lor a special lpvr for the purpose. Lovers of all lejriliinatc sport.s mint combine to rlffcnd Hiein=e|vpi= both by nrcitinsnt ?nd l:y a boM politicjl frnnt. for-in "iich a unicD is streiHth, It is a truism th.it tho reoreatjopa of a nation tie gakias

of its manhood, and no sUilr.Mnnn worthy ol ilit' name would fail to tu-tvr ran'us; as one t>f them. .Nut only is it a healthy t.utdeor relaxation, but it i< I he. ecnhv t>f a large industry, employing about SUOO' ot our follow it is a source of considerable revenue directly in taxation, anil iiiiiirecliy tlmmjli tltp'nilwav*; th ■ cxpori. of horses to' Australia ami India far raciiv* and for military u-e is a colonial awtt; mid, iibnvc all* if our defence scheme is to I)'' duly organised Hit- lilootl of tlii> thoroughbred in us): supply llio essential endurance tn our cavalry iemuunts. In combating tho opponents of racing we are c-lialloiisinr; the mt -t unjtiitritilic ami shortsighted of our follow citizens, and playing no igiiolilp i:art in the service, of n United Uritish Empire. A Protest-"The Way in Which Successive Governments Have Ignored the Conference." "licforo we proceed to further business, J foci it my duty to enter a respectful protest against the way in which mic.cp.s.sivo Governments have ignored the conference when dealing witli matters of l."!K> greatest moment to thor-c institutions of whose interest? the conference is the elected guardian. Prior to decisions on the readjustment of racing days and racing permits, i consider that in view of the record of this conference in thp improvement; of the turf for the past quarter of a century it would have been but courteous to it whether personally or informally to invite its su.iecstions, or ascertain its opinions in order to give thorn due weight before committal to alterations winch are pregnant with results of a pave character sncli as may alter the whole conduct of racing in the Dominion."

CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. S. Darragh, of Tauranga, petitioned for a lcinissioii or reduction of tlie term of. disgiinlifieatioii of five years imposed b,v thn' llncing Conference in connection with the. Tauriki case. . On the suggestion of the president, tho matter was referred to a committee of judges, to be appointed by the president, to consider it.

TOTALISATOR PERMITS. The Totalisator Permits and Dates Committee could not consider applications for additional or new permits from the. Northern AVaii'oa, Tnk.iip\ina, Thames, Christchurch, North Canterbury, VfestJiorr, Waipawa, County, Hawk'e's Bay Hunt, Taieri, Palmerston, Kiverton, I'atea, R-aiigitikei. Ashlnirst, Ix>wer Valley, Pnhintun, and M'airarapa Clubs, three being no days available.

RACE DATES. The dates of race meetings' were approved, subject to -the following exceptions and amendments:—The Uanncvirke Hiicing Club bo allowed September 11; the AvomUile Jockey. Club, be- allowed September 25 and 28; the MarlborouHi Racing Club be allowed to change from October 1G and 17 to November 20 and 21; the Masterton Tiaeing Club lie allowed October 17; the South Canterbury Jockey Club bo allowed to change from October 21 and ,22 to November 20 and 21; the Auckland Itacing Club be allowed November G nnd 0; the Taratahi-Car-terton Pacing Club be allowed December 26,-the North Otago Jockey Club be allowed January 2 and .1; the Takapuna. Jockey Club be allowed January 2!) and February 1; the To Kuiti Pacing Club be allowed February G; the Canterbury Jockey Club be allowed February G and 8i the Kotonia Jockey Club be allowed February 12; the Gisborne Eacinj Club be allowed February 13 and 11; the Tologa Bay Jockey Club be allowed February 22. The objection of the Napier Park Racing Club to the Masterton Racing Club's March 13 and 14 dates be sustained, but that the Mastertori Club be granted April 21 and 25: the Auckland Racing Club.bo allowed March 22 and 2-1; theKumara Racing Club bo allowed March 24; tho'Westlnud Racing Club be allowed March 26; the Reefton Jockey Club he allowed April 2; the South Canterbury Jockey Club be allowed April 1G and I", in lieu of April 3 and 10. The Otago Hunt Club was granted registratico, but tho application of the Fortroso Hack Jiacing Club for registrnjtionj/was refused.

RESTORED PERMIT. Mr.' J. H. Perrott" .(Wanganui) referred to the decision of tho Government to restore twodays' racing to the Rangitikei Club. Hβ. had been, instructed to apply for January 1 and 2, the dates, originally hold. .•■■■.■ ■ ■■-~-. As no official announcement had ■ been received of tho decision, of Cabinet, it was decided to refer the matter to the president, to take any.action necessary. WELLINGTON SPRING DATES. The Dates Committee retorted that after hearing an objection by tlia Canterbury Jockey Club to tho date? 'applied for by the Wellington Racing Club for its wiring meeting, viz., October 2fi and 2S, the committee recommend that tho Wellington Club Taec on October '2'.\ and 2G, thus leaving a week between the two meetings. Mr. J. W.'Abbott (Wellington) moved ns an amendment to the report of the Dates Committee, that the Wellington Club be allowed October 2G and 28, tho dates originally applied for for the Spring meeting. Ho contended that there was nothing in the suggestion that if those dates wore granted it would be disastrous to the Canterbury Jockey Club in tho matter of getting horses to their meeting, or interfere with the publication of the weights for tho first day of the Canterbury Club's fixture. The Wellington Club had had to fight for a long time to get Labour Day, and now, it seemed as if they were going to lose it straight away. " If the club were allowed to race on Labour Day, ii meant that the Spring meeting, from being not payable, whs changed into the second best paying meeting of the year. Mr. R. 11. Nolan (Taranaki) seconded tho amendment, and Mr. G. Hunter ('Hawke's Bay) and Mr. W 11. S. Moorhouse (Wellington) also supported it. Mr. J. M'Vay (Hnwke's Bay) and Mr.. P. Miller (Dunedin) objected to tho amendment. If it were allowed, any small club might, raise a similar protest in future years. Mr. W. B. liidwill (Wellington Country Club') said he would support the committee in. this matter, because he was of opinion the horse-owners were entitled to fome consideration in the matter. Mr. E. W. Alison (Auckland Country Clubs) staled that, ns a member of the committee he would not vote, on the question. The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was carried by 21 points to 11. ASSISTANCE FOR HUNT CLUBS. The Hunts Committee reported ;—The committee are much impressed with the advisability of assisting recognised Hunt Outs in such a monnef as may enable them to continue the promotion of to manly an exercise, and the supply of competitors in hurdle races and steeplechases. There are several methods of affording such assistance— By making a grant from the- funds ot the Racing Conference to the New Zealand Hunts Association for distribution where required, (b) By dividing the Dominion into district*, the racing clubs within which should contribute-to the support of the local Hunt Clubs, (c) By voluntary subscriptions from tho racing clubs to a fund for the promotion of tho sport of hunting, a return of such voluntary subscriptions to lie laid annually before the conference. It is considered by tho committee that if any of the.se schemes are carried into practical effect, the assisted hunt club should before participation, show that it has acquired reasonable support fioii! its active and honorary moinIjers- within its sphere. .The committee, submit the nbovo alternatives to the conference, with the recommendation that tho one most acceptable to the conference bs adopted. The report was adopted on the understanding that clause- (e) is the method recommended by the conference. The president mentioned that during the past year racing clubs had practically assisted hunt clubs to the extent of iISOO.

ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION. 'Tho committeo appointed ' to. consider On:- constitution (if (lie New Zenlniul "llaeilly lloiil'i-renc? failed to coni« to any unanimous decision, but by a majovih-'iMil)-niillfil nmoiulmiMils IVv I hi , n'n>id: ; r<i!ion «:' Ih'.'. conty-rcnoe. AfU-r bi-icf discussion it was dccidwl tn imikc certain nmeiuinipnls lo the ruli-s. l'rovioimly the Metropolil.irr t'onunitteo coiisiitcd of the whole camiuitta; of the Metropolitan Club and ol two (lolr>Kiitc-, tho counlrv clul> within the district of Iho Metropolitan Committ"p. T!i? ainendnient incve:is:s the niimlrr of countrv clubs' del". f:at?s from- twfi to five.-onn niter* the uiuae of llfllxorolitna Oommittse ta that

of District Committee. Jn regard to re|irr?pnt«tioit at the conference, ihe ain-'nd-iiiMit will equalise voting power. Jn Iho past six metropolitan chilis had (lirro volts eiii'li, and t.hfl other two melTHpoliian clubs mid all tlistrict chilis had tsvo votes each, hut tlic amendment now giws all metropolitan chilis and all district clubs cr|i»il voting iK)\ver. AMENDMENT TO RULES. An alteration was made to Hnle H, Part VI, <o that in cf a diminution oi' the number of days on which the toUilisator is ite-od by any club, il shall not bo coinl.ul.ssry to give in stakes a sum eijual to the net amount ileriycd from the totalisator during thn previous year. On the motion of the president, the rule relating to apprentices' allowance was altered, .-o that the allowance can only hi! claimed in. selling races and in handicaps of the value of not more than 1110 covs to the winner. The rule was iiUn transferred from I'art VI to Part XIX. Au alteration to Part XT was made, so that a horse shall not be deprived of his hack status by rcn.-on of winning a race worth more than 100 sovs., if (he advertised value of Unit race for the first horse wa.s less than 100 sovs. In regard h> I'art XXIV, llulo 8, it was decided to,strike out the. rule and, substitute Ihe following:—"The cleric of the scales, before passing the jockov's weight as correct, shall satisfy himself that it does not exceed his correct weight by more than 2lb in a tint race, or Jib. in a hurdle race or slr-eplechase." Part XXVI, liule 2, was aliered, to bring it into line with a recent amendment made by the English Jockey Club. Tho alteration gives the stewards more discretion in disqualifying for jostling. Part. XXXI. Kule 7, was amended, so as to make the finding of tho stewards conclusive, and not subject to appeal, in case of (a) short weight, (b) a cross or jootlc, (c) a start in front of tho post, or on a wrong course, or before tho appointed time, ((i) an obvious pull. Certain, alterations were- made to Part XXXV, giving the general trustee of the Accident Fund wider power in the matter'of investing funds. Thn fee in connection with tho fund for the ensuing .year was fixed at. XI. On tho motion of Mr. G. Hunter (Hawke's Hay), alteration was mode to tho form of "application for gentleman rider's cwtiiieato," adiling certain n,uestious for answer.

REGARDING TAXATION. Mr ]j. K. Guinness (South Canterbury) moved: "That the conference consider tiio necessity of taking llio requisite steps lo alter tl'io incidence of taxation, so that Hit! tax bo payableon the net profits of a meeting only, instead of as at present; on the gross turn-over of totalisaitor, gale receipts, etc." This was seconded by Mr. H. D. Vavasom, (Marlborough). Mr. G. Hunter considered that the new Government should not be approached on the question yet. Everything was going smoothly, and the matter should bo allowed to rest for the present. Mr. E. W. Alison referred lo the. law as a discredit to Parliament. It should never have been passed, and now that thero was a new Government that Government should be asked to abolish a law which should never have been placed on the Statute Book. . Mr. Bidwill (Wairarapa) and others also spoko in favour of a movement in the direction of. having the law abolished. Eventually the motion was amended so as lo admit of the conference making representations in the proper quarter, with a view to having the taxation reduced. The conference approved of the resolution as amended by 31 to 6.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Tlio Hon. 0. Samuel moved the re-elec-tion of Sir Geo. Clifford, Bart., as. president- of the conference. ' Tho mover referred to the pleasure they all experienced at having Sir George to preside over their operations, and specially referred (o the president's great quality rf placing his finger upon (he weak spots that tiail from time to time been iliscovored in the organisation. By acting honourably, jus-tly, ami fearless! v, . Sir Gcorgo had gained, the esteem of all with whom he had come in contact. Tho motion was carried by acclamation; A hearty vote of thanks was then accorded the president for his work during the past year.'. . . • . Messrs. Abbott, Alison, Goodbehere, M'Vay, and Miller .were elected tho committee to consider applications for tbtalisatbr permits, dates of race meetings, etc. • ■' ' ■ . ■ The president was authorised to make a levy for the 'New Zealand Sports Protection League if occasion warranted it. Authority also given for increased expenditure in proportion as the staff work increased.