SYSTEM NEEDED IN ADJUSTMENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 590, 16 February 1929, Page 11

SYSTEM NEEDED IN ADJUSTMENTS

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUIRED REGARDING HANDICAP PROBLEMS The handicapping problem is still the chief topic of argumentative discussion wherever trotting owners, trainers and adherents congregate and advocates of systematic adjusting are feeling confident that a Bill will shortly be drafted which will satisfy the trotting government with its workability. Too many cooks spoil the broth, and too many schemes for handicapping would doubtless have a tendency in the same direction, but it is generally admitted among light-harness enthusiasts that the system propounded

by Mr. G. McMillan, and previously published in full detail in The Sun, lias much to recommend it. Some go so far as to suggest that the Aucklander’s proposals when submitted to the powers will be received with open a,rms as a way out of the difficulty, but the originator of the plan is prepared to accept any advice or suggestions whereby the automatic scheme can bo improved. It is thought in certain circles that the proposal is a death blow to handicappers, but this is a mistaken idea, as no matter what scheme, if any, should be adopted by the conference, it would be necessary to have the right men to do the job—men of experience and ability. An Alternative There is another side to the question, and one that has to be tackled seriously in the event of no decision being arrived at when the association meets, and that is for individual clubs to take up the subject by appointing a handicapping committee, whose duty would be to deal with complaints received from owners. This would do away with a much abused system of personally interviewing or writing direct to the handicapper. Every trotting organisation racing in the Dominion must have at least some members on the committee who understand the rudiments of the business and could deal satisfactorily with the question. It is a step that the various, Owners’ Breeders’ and Trainers* Associations might consider, and as the rejuvenated North Island organisation is holding a general meeting in the near future, it could devote some time to discussing the handicapping problem from its various angles.