RACE JUDGES OF ENGLAND.

Kumara Times, Issue 1344, 21 January 1881, Page 2

RACE JUDGES OF ENGLAND.

Up to the year 1772 the duties of judging races in England devolved upon the stewards of the Jockey Club. Dur* ing that year the office of judge, wait created and John Hilton Was appointed : to the position, which he held till 1806. In that year Mr John Clark the grandfather of the present judge, Mr John Clark, was appointed, and held this position until July, 1822, and was succeeded by his son (who in turn was the father of the present judge), and he held the office until 1852. When seventy* four years of age the stewards of the Jockey Club decided that he was inca* pacitated by reaßon of extreme old ' age, to promptly attend to the duties of the office. The action of the stewards was made public, and Mr James Manning asked for the appointment, and obtained a promise that it should be conferred on him. Lord Lonsdale and Mr Stanley two of the stewards, Vacated their offices at the same time, uhd the ; Marquis of Exeter and General Anscm succeeded them. They were both warm friends to Mr John Clark, and at once gave him the appointment; 107 years have passed since the one-judge system - was adopted in England, and but four men have during that long period, worn the judical ermine. John Hilton held the office from 1772 to-1806, thirty four years. The first Mr Clark from ,1806 to-18g2, sixteen years. The second Mr Clark from to 1852, thirty yearsjfand the present officer has been in the offic&over twenty* seven years. Mr JohniClark,the third :of his narae,..Js,§aid during the,, .long ■period he has 'been in office to have given universal satisfaction. It is con.cjefted by alt that he pjetent, perfectly honest, and* impartial;' and all, frotW prince to pea*'" *sknt,ibow cheerfully to his decisions.