Auckland Honours Its G.O.M. of Racing

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 743, 16 August 1929, Page 12

Auckland Honours Its G.O.M. of Racing

The unveiling of the statue of Sir Edwin Mitchelson, M.L.C., will eventuate at the Ellerslie Racecourse at 3 p.m. tomorrow. In this simple announcement is seen the wonderful tribute paid by members of the Auckland Racing Club to their president, the Grand Old Man of racing in Auckland. It is in recognition of the great services rendered to the community in general and to racing in particular that the 500 members of the A.R.C. wholeheartedly and enthusiastically entered into the idea of a practical exhibition of their gratitude to their president, and the splendid bust of Sir Edwin Mitchelson surmounting the statue at Ellerslie is the pleasing result. Member of Atkinson Ministry Most of the present generation know Sir Edwin Mitchelson only as the executive head of the Auckland Racing Club. But the earlier part of his 83 years of age was largely given to the community as a political leader, while he was always in the forefront when a worthy cause needed support. As a citizen, Auckland has every reason to be proud of Sir Edwin Mitchelson, whose first thought was always

for his city and his country. He was Mayor of Auckland for two terms, and held the portfolio of Minister of Public Works in the Atkinson Ministry, and at one time was Acting-Prime Minister. He was also chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board. From this it will be seen that he has given the best years of his life to participating in public affairs, and his retirement from the political arena in no wise meant that lie lost all interest in anything appertaining to the welfare of the Dominion. Beautiful Ellerslie The beautiful gardens at Ellerslie are renowned ,and they are one of the sights which loyal Aucklanders never fail to exhibit with pardonable pride to visitors. In the midst of the artistically laid out lawns and gardens the statue of Sir Edwin Mitchelson has been erected. It is fitting that this

should be the chosen spot for it is to Sir Edwin that the thanks of a grateful community are due for that entrancing spot known far and wide as “beautiful Ellerslie.’’ The statue is located jusopposite the winter garden, facing the new tea kiosk and within a snort distance of the main entrance to the lawn enclosure. Sir Edwin started the beautification of the racecourse precincts in a small way. He was successful in setting aside a small plot as a nursery at the top of the straight. From this small plot has grown one of the most picturesque spots in the Southern Hemisphere, covering many acres of ground. The original “small plot" is now built over with glass houses, but it is still the nursery which supplies the whole of the Ellerslie gardens These, too. have been the foundat on for the majority of the pretty private gardens on Ellerslie or Remuera properties. Sir Edwin is an expert botanist, and as such his advice has been much sought after. Practical Interest in Racing But while the Ellerslie garden* ewe their existence to the of the president of the Auckland Placing Club, it has to be borne in mind that the cause of racing has not been allowed to suffer. Sir Edwin has; been very persistent in his efforts to mprove the facilities for the successful carrying out of the racing, and the considerable improvements recently effected to the course itself were largely inspired by his enthusiasm In his earlier days Sir Edwin Mitchelson was actively engaged in the sport of racing. He was one of a syndicate of three sportsmen who started the first stud farm in the Dominion, and several good horses from this stud raced in New Zealand and Australia, two of these performers being Escutcheon and Mitrelleuse. What a golden opportunity was missed at the time Sir Edwin Mitchelson retired from the contest when Carbine was under the hammer as a yearling! He was one of the last bidders fo** this great horse, probably the best that has ever graced the turf south of the Line. A Racing Judge i Sir Edwin is one of the oldest members of the Auckland Placing Club, his connection with this body dating from the very early days, even before the Auckland Jockey Club and the Auckland Turf Club amalgamated in 1873. to now rank an easy first among the racing clubs of the Dominion. He has been right through the various activities appertaining to the making of an ideal racing administrator. In turn he has been a judge, a committeeman, vice-president, and for the past 25 years he has figured as president of the A.R.C.. a position he had also held at odd times previously. His is truly a remarkable record of successful turf administration, and it is due largely to his vigour and enthusiasm for the sport that has placed the Auckland Racing Club on the i highest pinnacle. In honouring their worthy president as they are doing, the members of the Auckland Racing Club are but fulfilling the unwritten wishes not only of the racing fraternity, but also of the citizens of Auckland of all shades of • public opinion.