BIRDCAGE STEWARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 483, 12 October 1928, Page 10

BIRDCAGE STEWARD

MAJOR SHAW’S FINE WORK PROMOTION WILL BE REWARD One of the important positions in connection with racing: and trotting fixtures is that of birdcage steward. and in this respect Auckland metropolitan clubs and provincial organisations are well served. The duties of birdcage steward arc, when properly carried out. something much more than name only, and incapability or even leniency on the part of the official in charge of this important department readily tends to throw the best arrangements of the management out of focus. For some time past the position of steward in charge of the enclosure has been occupied in and around Auckland by the wellknown Major Shaw, who has performed his duties with marked ability and efficiency. By particular attention to duty, the major has, with years of experience, brought the work up to a high standard, and he commands tlm respect and confidence of horsemen, owners, trainers, and in short everyone connected with either the racing or trotting pastime. Being a military man, discipline naturally plays a prominent part in the major’s requirements of those who ccme under his control in the birdcage and the sincerity with which he attends to his duties, combined with broadmindedness, tact, and sound judgment, lias been the means of inducing co-operation on the part of riders and drivers, with the result that harmony in this department prevails wherever the major issues commands to the boys. Efficiently carried out, the position of director of ceremonies in the enclosure is a stepping stone to higher authority, and there is no doubt that as time progresses the powers of the racing world will promote the Auckland official to other realms of control. The Whangarei Trotting Club, for which body the major has officiated in the cage since it received the “tote” permit, recently demonstrated its appreciation of his fine work by appointing him to the position of star ter, an office, however, that owing to being engaged elsewhere on the day

in question the major has reluctantly found it necessary to decline. Th© action of the Northland Club Illustrates the possibility of an able official in such a position as birdcage steward being elevated to higher rank, and the day is not far distant when the subject of this review will be found “relieving the lever” for several clubs. Whatever responsible position Major Shaw may be asked to fill in the racing and trotting arena, he is sure to render thorough service. AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB PROGRESSIVE ORGANISATION SPEED MERCHANTS CATERED FOR That the Auckland Trotting Club has made great strides during the last decade is demonstrated by the fact that large stakes, attracting the highest class horses in the Dominion, are tendered to owners at the various functions held during the year. When the pioneers of the lightharness movement in Auckland set about establishing sport for trotters and trotting followers, they certainly expected to see the pastime grow in volume and popularity; but it is doubtful if even the most optimistic of the early promoters were ambitious enough to anticipate that some day the cream of New Zealand trotters and pacers would be seen measuring strides in “Potter’s Paddock,” now more familiarly known as Alexandra Park. The spirit of progress, however, was prominent among those who from time to time, controlled the destinies of the club, and of later years they have met with a just reward. Nothing succeeds like success, and as better stakes were offerecT. better class horses were attracted to the park, all tending to create a keener public interest in the sport, with the inevitable result that to-day the pastime in Auckland is on a very high pedestal. The management has made every effort to cater for the best of light-harness horse, and while the intensive clipping of limits precludes a great number of aspirants from taking part at Epsom meetings, which in turn results in reduced fields, the material is of such high calibre that the sportive public always finds any amount- of excitement and thrills. With high-class horses engaged, speculators are keen on making selections. knowing that a better contest can be anticipated from a small field of good ones, than when an unwieldy batch of moderates take part. With Mr. John Rowe at the head of the organisation for the last 25 years, the club lias progressed in great style, while during its later career, the energy and ability of secretary A. G. Mabeo has materially assisted with further advancement. But this is not the end of the Auckland Club’s progress, and the climax will be reached shortly, when the electric totalisator and new members’ stand become realities. That the day for these reforms are not far off is evident from the fact that plans are now in the hands of the committee, and with another year over its head the local club should be in a position to cater for its patrons in a manner second to none in the trotting world.