LONG RACING CAREER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 745, 19 August 1929, Page 16

LONG RACING CAREER

AUCKLAND CLUB HONOURS PRESIDENT BUST OF SIR EDWIN MITCHELSON Approximately set in the beautiful heart of the Ellerslie racecourse gardens, a handsome bust of Sir Edwin Mitchelson, president of the Auckland Racing Club for the past 25 years, was unveiled on Saturday afternoon in his presence and before more than 1,000 spectators. Erected in the lawn fronting the main entrance, the bust —a splendid likeness in bronze, executed by the famous Australian, Sir Bertram Mac-kennal.—-is mounted on a solid concrete base in which are set a pair of striking bronze placques depicting racehorses in full gallop. Above the base is a smaller stone mounting on which the bust itself, a shade larger than lifesize, is set. This portrays Sir Edwin in characteristic attitude with racebook and pencil in his hands. Cut in the base is the lettering: “Sir Edwin Mitchelson, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., President of the Auckland Racing Club.” For the purposes of the unveiling, a wooden dais had been erected at the foot of the bust and on this sat Sir Edwin, Lady Mitchelson, Mrs. R. M. Wilson, Sir Edwin’s daughter, the Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, and the Mayoress, Mrs. Campbell. In unveiling the bust the Mayor said ho knew all would agree that Sir Edwin commanded the highest respect and esteem, not only of the club and the citizens of Auckland, but of the people of New Zealand generally. Born in Auckland over 83 years ago, Sir Edwin had proved a worthy son of New Zealand and in addition to his extensive commercial life he had devoted much time to politics, local government and sport. In his political career under various Governments, he had held the portfolios of Public Works, Railways, the Treasury, Native Affairs, and Post-master-General, while for a period he had actually been acting-Premier. After dealing in detail with the career of Sir Edwin in politics and local body administration, the Mayor referred to his association with the Auckland Racing Club as a member for 40 years, and president for the past 25 years. The progressive, successful policy of the club had been due largely to his administration, and to his insistence on the conduct of the sport on clean and admirable lines. The Ellerslie grounds were proof of the generosity of Sir Edwin and those associated with him, and, except on race days, they were open always to the public. As the Mayor drew the banner of the club from the bust, three cheers were given. “What I have done has been a work of love,” said Sir Edwin, in replying. He mentioned that his association with the club extended back to 1883, and paid a tribute to the excellence of the committees working with him during his presidency. For only 11 days in the year was the course closed to the public, and he had been glad to help public appreciation of horticulture. “I am proud to know that the committee has considered it necessary to perpetuate my memory,” he added. “If spared, I shall continue to try and do good work.” Cheers for Lady Mitchelson closed the formal portion of the function, after which afternoon tea was served.