THIS RACING YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 405, 13 July 1928, Page 6

THIS RACING YEAR

A REVIEW BURDEN OF TAXATION CONFERENCE IN SESSION (Special to THE SUN) CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. The president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, at the annual meeting of delegates to-day, delivered his report for the year just ending, as follows: Twenty-four months ago I was startled by the clearness of the evidence of the happy relations which had grown up between us during the thirty years of my tenure of your presidency. No cloud had ever disturbed the harmonious friendship with which we had worked together with a united aim for a noble object. It would be affectation on my part to attempt to conceal the deep gratitude then implanted in me by all that then took place. Your kindly self-sacrifice of this week confirms and sets a further seal upon the mutual feelings which we have so learnt to value. As the years roll by, it is difficult to realise that the splendid success achieved by the Wellington Racing Club has its contrast in the former depression from which it was rescued by the energy and perseverance of the late Mr. J. B. Harcourt, to whom tribute is due from this representative body. During the year, in addition to Mr. Harcourt, we have also to regret the loss'of Mr. A. B. Armour, Mr. D. Campion, and the Hon. R. F. Bollard, late Minister of Internal Affairs. Our sympathy goes out strongly to the Right Hon. Sir Charles Skerrett, the Chief Justice of New Zealand, in the serious illness which has stricken him. The honour conferred on Sir Walter Stringer has given pleasure to all sportsmen. For their services in acting as judges on appeals lodged with the Conference during the past year we have to thank Messrs. A. T. Donnelly, J. G. Duncan, H. A. Hassall, 11. F. Johnson, H. Lowry, H. A. Russell, J. R. L. Stanford and O. S. Watkins. Racing Taxation A general revision of our system of racing taxation is urgently required, partly to remedy unjust and unwise allocation of contributions to the State, and partly to avoid crippling those sources from which contributions are possible; in some cases so far from the tax being based on the income of the individual, it is actually levied on a debit balance. This obviously tends ultimately to dry up the fountain of supply. To enable these figures to be clearly

ests, but for the safety of all horse owners. The continuous work of our racecourse inspectors has borne excellent fruit in the total absence from - our gatherings of known disreputable persons, thus contributing largely to the safety and confidence of the public. Adequate Provision The stipendiary stewards have akso proved a great advantage in the management of our meetings, and we can congratulate ourselves on the adequacy of the provision of the Conference to meet these needs. The system now carried out by the licensing committee of the Conference as at present composed of representatives elected to each District Committee, has, so far given very valuable services, and we have every reason to believe that it will continue to maintain its promise. I cannot conclude without a proud reference to the successful performance of New Zealand-bred horses abroad, and more especially the signal deeds of Limerick. At the moment of resigning into your hands the office of President, which you have so long entrusted to me, 1 confidently assert that I should have been incapable of performing its duties to my own or your satisfaction without the untiring and unrelaxing exertions and good judgment of our incomparable secretary, Mr. H. R. Sellers. You must all appreciate this as I do. To Mr. Mcßeath and all the office staff I accord thanks for the best of of possible services rendered so willingly and constantly by them. RACING FIXTURES July 11, 12, 14.—Wellington R.C. July IP—Waiinate Hunt. July 21—South Canterbury Hunt. July 26, 28—Gisborne R.C. 1928-1929 Season August 4—Christchurch Hunt. August 4—Poverty Bay Hunt. •August 14, 16, IS—Canterbury J.C. August 25 —HaWke’s Bay Hunt. Sept. I —Marton J.C. Sept. s—Dannevirke R.C. Sept. 6—Dannevirke Hunt. Sept. I—Otago Hunt. Sept. B—Taranaki Hunt. Sept. 13, 15—Wanganui J.C. Sept. 22—Ashburton R.C.

Franklin Club Nominations for positions as officers of the Franklin Racing Club for the ensuing year closed last evening. Mr. Dynes Fulton has been re-elected president unopposed, and Mr. A. H. Tapper vice-president. For 12 seats on the committee, there axe 14 nominations. The result of the ballot will be known at the annual meeting, to be held early next month.