Racing Conference In Session Today

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1021, 11 July 1930, Page 14

Racing Conference In Session Today

ANNUAL MEETING

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS

Spcaol to THE St.V

WELLINGTON. Today.

The annual session of the New Zealand Racing Conference was held today, the acting-president. Mr. O. s Watkins, occupying the chair.

Speaking on the good work done by Conference Judges the chairman said it. was members’ duty to erpreiut thanks to Messrs. H. O. Xolan. J. r. Perrett. and W. Me A. Duncan for their

services in acting as judges on appeal lodged with the Conference. It T\*a» pleasing to record that during the y«* r only two appeals were dealt with: this suggests that the administration of cing in this Dominion wa»

racing *** factory, and has the confidence of great majority of those concerned in the sport.

* In February of this year the United Press Association. I-imited. of Xew Zealand celebrated its jubilee. continued the speaker. "The late president sent the following message ; 'l desire, on behalf of the New Zealand Racing Conference, to convey to the members of the association hearty congratulations on the attainment of its jubilee, and to express high appreciation of the reliable and enterprising service which the association daily renders to the Dominion.*

*T feel sure this message expressed the feelings of every representative of the Conference.

IMPORTANCE OF STUD BOOK "Volume XI. of the New Zealand Stud Book will be published this month. K will be the most complete record of the thoroughbred stock of the Dominion that we have yet had. and I think it fitting, at this meeting, to record ray appreciation of the whole-hearted sea! with which Mr. A. H. Bristed has ar-

eomplished a difficult task. He, however. is not content, as he believes there ' are still some thoroughbred mares whose foaling: records he has been unable to obtain. To me, too. it seem* that the late president's repeated appeals to owners of brood mares to' make complete returns have failed to elicit response from a considerable* number of breeders. A reliable Stud Book is of the very greatest importance, both to the man who owns raceh -'s and to the man who breeds them.

horses and to the man who breeds them. I am satisfied that the time has come when the New Zealand Stud Book can no longer be ignored by the New Zealand Rules of Racing. Provision should be made requiring from a breeder prompt returns of the year's record of every mare he owns, and notice of any transfer or sale. With support from thq conference granted, the compiler would find his labours lessened, and the Stud Book would contain a more complete record than is possible under present conditions. Referring to the labours of the Licensing Committee. Mr. Watkins said he was pleased to state that the work meets with general approval. It was the desire of the majority of trainers and riders' to maintain the tone of their professions on a high level. They appreciated the determination of the Licensing Committee to insist that all should conform to the required standard. “The work of the racecourse inspectors is producing gratifying results.” said Mr. Watkins. ‘ This year we have added to their duties by requiring them to inspect and report upon all registered apprentices, with x, view to ascertaining full details of each lad's character, general habits, riding tuition received, lodging, etc. The employers have expressed hearty approval of the innovation. I suggest that owners and licensed trainers should inquire more carefully into the character and suitability of persons before employing them in their racing - establishments. CARELESS RIDING In furtherance of his address the chairman said he was afraid the large number of claims presented during the year were attributable to careless or incompetent riding. These were viewed with grave apprehension by the trustees of the accident fund. It was his opinion that the penalties imposed for foul or careless riding should b© sufficiently .severe to brine: home to the culprit the gravity of his offence, and act as a deterrent in future. Further, it was hoped some practical scheme might be evolved, whereby the tuition of apprentices could be made more effective. Speaking generally. Mr. Watkins said: “The reputation of New Zealandbred horses in Australia has been considerably enhanced by the great performances of Phar Lap. Night march and others. We have an increasing market abroad for our stock, and it Is a matter for regret that our Government does nothing to assist the breeding industry in the manner adopted by other Governments, i.e.. by way of subsidies. King's premiums, etc. “In conclusion. I desire to pay a tribute to our chief executive officers, Messrs. Sellers. Wilson and Ward, and their associates, for the valuable services rendered by them during the year. “I trust the proposal to transfer the c onference offices to Wellington will be adopted. It would be of materia! benefit to have our executive officers in closer collaboration than has l»een possible in the past, and it would tend to expedite matters requiring prompt attention.”