HAWKE’S BAY CLUB FORGES AHEAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 678, 1 June 1929, Page 11

HAWKE’S BAY CLUB FORGES AHEAD

TROTTING ON EAST COAST REACHING HIGH STANDARD

While the Hawke's Bay Trotting Club has only been functioning as a totalisator concern for a few years, it has proved itself a livewl e organisation, with the result that the spot has made good progress, and reached a standard of popularity, on the East Coast that will lead to further success.

There.are few provinces in the Dominion that can lay claim to better, facilities for a.rigorous prosecution of the light harness spot than Hawke’s Bay, and none of similar size can boast of such progress in a short period as that enjoyed by the East Coast club. UnJike its .neighbouring district of Poverty Bay, it is readily accessible to owners and trainers from various parts of God’s Own Country, and while the Gisborne organisation unfortunately through its isolation has not been able to keep the trotting flag flying in the breeze, despite the strenuous efforts of a few stalwart admirers of the. popular pastime, the Bay. enthusiasts have

benefited by the misfortune of their neighbours to the extent of securing the unused permit. It is only natural to expect that the Poverty Bay permit would pass along to the Hawke's Bay bodv, which by its progressive spirit and keen desire to promote the general welfare of the sport, and gradually raise its standard on the East Coast, was justly entitled to recognition with the extra day. No other club seeking another day’s racing could sportingly cavil at Hawke’s Bay’s success in this direction, and the advantage of a two-day fixture at Hastings will be reflected in the furcher advancement of the light harness industry in the Hawke’s Bay province. Confidence in Officers

Tile club -was fortunate at the period of its formation in having a number of sound men behind the movement, and it is a fitting tribute to their energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency that the sport has made very favourable progress, and, as a further testimony of their good work, it is worthy of note

that quite a number of the inceptive officials are still carrying on the reins of government. No greater compli-

ment could be paid to such stalwarts as Messrs. H. M. Campbell, M.P., M. Johnston, W. Richmond. G. Ebbett, T. Cunningham, B. Shadbolt, R. Gooseman, J. Hart, J. Landals, W. A. McFarlane, and J. H. Lloyd, than the continued expression of confidence, which has resulted in those mentioned still being connected with the managerial side of the concern which they were instrumental in organising and carrying along since its inception to a successful issue. The Hawke’s Bay club is also fortunate in having the assistance of the promoters of the sister sport of galloping, which has made such headway on the East Coast. The true sporting spirit exists between the galloping and trotting club, and there is an appreciative measure of reciprocity and cooperation that leads to a harmonious understanding and ultimate success. Sporting Spirit The friendly relations that have existed between Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay trotting magnates has also been a pleasing factor in assisting with the development and advancement of a sport that has attained great heights of popularity throughout New Zealand, and is hailed in every portion of the land as the “people’s popular pastime.” Hawke’s Bayites, genuinely regretted the turn of the Gisborne tide which caused the permit to float to Hastings, but they realised the disadvantages under which their trotting neighbours were labouring, and appreciated the desire of the northern advocates that the privilege should not stray any further than the adjoining province. Tliat ardent admirer of the game, and all-round genial sportsman. R. (“Bob”) Fisken, who did all in his power to maintain interest in the pa’stime in Gisborne, has been a good supporter of the Hawke’s Bay Club, and the presence of his wonderful trotter Peterwah at past Hastings fixtures has created keen interest in the sport. The public dearly loves to see a high-class horse in action, and the displays given by the aristocratic American squaregaiter won the admiration of onlookers, and helped to educate patrons of tjie club in the higher ideas and remarkable possibilities of the standard of speed and stamina that can be attained by light harness candidates. At the forthcoming carnival, which opens on Saturday, and concludes on Monday, there will be some classy material seen in action, and the numerous lovers and supporters of the pastime in Hawke’s Bay and adjoining provinces are assured of witnessing some real thrilling tests. Speed and stamina are well represented in every department, and the racing generally promises to be interesting, educative, and full of thrills.