Conference of Racing Clubs.

Manawatu Herald, 19 September 1893, Page 2

Conference of Racing Clubs.

The conference was held at Palmerston on Thursday, and Mr J. H. Han Kins was voted to the chair, and in his opening remarks concluded that he might take it that those present were favourable to the movement with the object of securing representation on the Metropolitan bodies. A.t t\i& outset he pointed one that the Manawatu (Jlub had not moved with the object in any degree of controlling the racing under other clubs. Mr Hankins then detailed the various step 3 which had been taken by the Manawatu Club to arranga the present conference. Ho then proceeded to say he thought the Ashburton Club had struck the key- • note in the matter of securing representation The Clubs could show very substantial reasons for the steps they were now taking, and however valuable Metropolitan bodies with a few sickly clubs around them had been in the early days of racing, he submitted something different was wanted now. Wanganui have five days' racing with stakes amounting to £3380, and controlled thirteen clubs with 32 days' racing, totalling in stakes £6661. The Manawatu and Feilding Clubs alone gave as much money in stakes and supplied as many days' racing as Wanganui. They must also remember that the gentlemen comprising these metropolitan bodies were elected by the few members of the club, and affiliated clubs having no representation at all. Hawke's Bay provided six days' racing, and controlled 10 clubs which provided 19 days' racing. The Wellington Club controlled 10 clubs, which raced on 15 days, and Tar anaki had seven clubs racing on nine days, under its jurisdiction. The total amount giun by country clubs was £20,129, as against £18.265 given by the Metropolitan bodies. Mr Hankins then, at some length, gave his reasons for the action taken by the Manawatu Racing Club, and and he thought if the Metropolitan Clubs would come down a little from the high position they took up, the matter might be easily and satisfactorily arranged.

After discussion, the following resolutions were passed : — That the different metropolitan clubs be at once requested to proceed with the election of country representatives, as pro vided for at the last racing conference.

That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the constitution of Metropolitan bodies should be on the following lines : — Metropolitan bodies to be formed in each of the present metropolitan districts, comprised of delegates elected by all of the racing

clubs in each district, instead of being one particular racing club as fit present. Mr Nicholson raised the question of a general definition for hacks, but it was pointed out that it was not desirable at present to raise any ques. tion of detail. The Seoretary was instructed to forward the resolutions to each of the Metropolitan Club 3, and to the elected delegates to the conference. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Manawatu Racing Club for the action they had taken in the matter, and a similar compliment was also passed to Mr Hankins for presiding. The delegates were entertained in the evening at dinner by the Manawatu Racing Club at the Commercial Hotel. Mr G. M. Snelson, president* occupied the chair, and Mr J. Herbert Hankins the vice.