BY THEIR WORKS BE THEY KNOWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 94, 12 July 1927, Page 8

BY THEIR WORKS BE THEY KNOWN

FOUNDER OF TROTTING IN AUCKLAND PASSES AFTER FINE RECORD

"In the midst of life we are in death.” The truth of this Biblical quotation was most forcibly brought home yesterday when the news was circulated of the passing of that esteemed, respected and admirable man, Mr. C. F. Mark. The suddenness of his demise was keenly felt by followers of the light harness sport, with which the late Mr. Mark had been closely connected for nearly 40 years, and those who had been associated with him in this respect felt they had lost a counsellor and friend. DID THE SPADE WORK Without in any way detracting from the efforts of other gentlemen who have been keen and enthusiastic in promoting the popular pastime in this province, it can be fairly claimed that to the late C. F. Mark must be given the credit for its wonderful growth and the high standard obtaining in Auckland to-day. He was one of the charter members of the Auckland Club, and he has practically piloted the organisation through all the long years, in good seasons'or adverse, with a skili and generalship that made for success. Away back somewhere in May, 1890, Mr. Mark, in conjunction with a few others, formed the first light harness organisation in the province, known as the Auckland Trotting Association, and of which he was elected secretary. The initial trotting fixture was held on June 21, 1890, when the first Trotting Cup was run, the distance being three miles, and the winner Mr. S. Heaney’s Commodore, who took 10m 6s to accomplish the journey, D. Harford being the successful reinsman. A GREAT RECORD

From that period up till the present Mr. Mark has occupied the secretarial position on the club, and this factor alone is a most glowing tribute to his ability and efficiency. Thirty-seven years’ service for the cause of trotting is a record any man might well be proud of, but apart from lengthy service, there are other indications of the initiative and enterprise of the late secretary. One of the greatest monuments to his work in connection with the club is the beautiful Alexandra Park, with its elaborate and up-to-date appointments. This park, converted from the waste land known in earlier days as Potter’s Paddock, is one of Auckland’s finest assets, and its transformation stands as a striking testimony of the progressiveness of the club’s secretary. From his first associations with the light harness industry, Mr. Mark was a staunch advocate of clean sport, and it was due in a large measure to his firmness in this direction, that the game in Auckland was purged long since of any impurities, a strong factor in assisting to place the Auckland organisation on the high plane it now occupies. ADMINISTRATIVE ABILITY

Mr. Mark was also a prominent member of the New Zealand Trotting Association, and as in his club, his remarkable administrative ability was a power for good. As a tribute to his efficiency of service in this respect Mr. Mark was again elected unopposed for one of the North Island seats on the association.

Representatives of various clubs throughout the Dominion will regret the passing of such a valuable member and the suddenness of the termination of a useful career spent in the interest and welfare of the sport will cast a deep shadow over the proceedings of the conference when delegates assemble at VV ellington to-morrow.

The passing of Mr. Mark will be a distinct loss to the light harness interests of the Dominion in general and the Auckland Club in particular, and will leave a gap that will be difficult to fill. His sterling character, striking personality, genial and courteous disposition and business acumen eminently fitted him for the administrative positions he so ably filled.

These characteristics made him a general favourite with all sections of the community, and the popularity of Mr Mark Was strikingly evidenced yesterday, when “Abaydos” interviewed various sportsmen. On every hand was heard the remark, "He made' trotting in Auckland. ' Mr. Mark has spent a great part of his life in the interests of the light harness sport, and in tendering sympathy to the bereaved relatives, the sporting community will say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”