Better Known Than Town Clock!

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 945, 11 April 1930, Page 7

Better Known Than Town Clock!

NO race meeting at Ellerslie would seem complete without Mr. Arthur Selb3’, veteran clerk of the course. He is the most striking figure on the most picturesque course in all Xew Zealand—and perhaps even further beyond. In the rich scarlet of the hunting field, he vividly personifies the old style English country gentleman. Now in his Ssth year, he can look back on a lifetime’s devotion to the turf, to the hunting field, and the vigorous pastime of his athletic youth, King Willow. The years have passed, but his fresh, alert outlook on life remains unchanged. His very bearing commands respect. It is not lessened by the privilege of reminiscent conversation with this Grand Old Man of Sport. Maybe sport has kept him young. He speaks clearly and concisely. For his years he is incredibly young. He recalls the hunting fields of Old England in the sixties and seventies, as if it were yesterday. His grasp of cricket history and the men of his own playing days—Lord Harris, Steele, Studd and many another —is vivid and arresting. He remembers when it was ‘‘not cricket” to hit an off ball to leg—to pull or hook it, as it is called today. Then, an off ball was played to the off and a leg ball to leg. He tells of the days of under-arm bowling, and the rumpus there was when Wilsher outraged cricket convention by bowling round-arm. Then came the change to the definite overarm action of today. A man of Kent, he was reared in the classic atmosphere of one of Englaud’s greatest cricket counties, which today has given us the delightful artistry of Frank Woolley and Geoffrey Legge. For six years Mr.

Selby was secretary of the famous ofd Vine Club. In his first cricket match in New Zealand, more years ago than he cares

Popular ’ Mr. Selby, Veteran Clerk of Course at Ellerslie — 85-Year-Old Sportsman who has been Cricketer, Bowler, Huntsman and Successful Racehorse Owner.

to remember, he scored 102 not out in a total score of 144, with 12 extras. At 78, he could still wield a bat. “But I had to get somebody to run for me,”

whimsically recalls this grand old ! man of Kent. For 22 years lie was huntsman with the Pakuranga hounds. Hunting Avas a passion, a family tradition. It still is. His sen, Mr. J. Selby, has been huntsman in Canterbury for nigh on 30 years. His youngest son has the pack at DanneA'irke. The Pakuranga Hunt—what mem-, ories it recalls. With an effort, the A*eteran sportsman turns to meet an eager question about his connection with the turf. He modestly disclaims any right to fame. “Nor’-west was the best horse 1 owned. They reckoned he was done when I got him. But he Avon six races for me, including the Auckland Winter and Wellington. “He dropped dead iu the paddock after the Onehunga Steeplechase, just after being unsaddled. Half an hour after there was not a hair left in his tail. Yes, they wanted them for keepsakes. “He's buried out there at Ellerslie by the old water jump. A good horse, Nor’-West. . . .” “Stakes were small then. I netted not quite £3OO out of the Tamaki and the Winter, alter paying the jockey, etc.” But he has no regrets that old Nor’west did not register his epic deeds on the turf in more lucrative later years. Was not the sport a tradition, and the game the thing? It is enough to have owned a good horse. Cricket, alas, is a thing ot the past, but he still has bowls. He is president ot the Howick Bowling Club, and when the writer left him he was oft, brisk and alert as ever, to arrange about the next series of matches. Next week, all going well, he will be in his time-honoured place at Ellerslie. Hats off to the G.O.M. of Sport! —J- Nf. McK.