Today’s Turf News

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1053, 18 August 1930, Page 10

Today’s Turf News

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB MEMBERS IN SESSION TRIBUTE TO SIR G. CLIFFORD The annual meeting of members of the Takapuna Jockey Club was held this afternoon, the president, the lion. K. W. Alison, being in the chair. Messrs. J. X. Hcslop, W. J. Ralph and J. Mays, retiring members of the committee, were re-elected unopposed. In the course of his presidential address. the Hon. Mr. Alison made feeling reference to the death of Sir Geo. Clifford, who for 34 years continuously filled the office of president of the New Zealand Racing Conference. “Possessed of exceptional ability, gifts and qualities, and actuated by the highest aims and ajnbitions, he ungrudgingly and unceasingly gave of liis best, to foster, improve and cleanse what ho rightly termed ‘a great national recreation,’ ” he said. By his whole-hearted devotion to the task of reforming and elevating the conduct and status of racing in our Dominion, he gained the support, respect and admiration, not only of successive members of the Racing * Conference and sportsmen generally, but of all classes of the community. His name and achievements as New Zealand’s foremost sportsman, will ever bo treasured and held in grateful remembrance. IMPROVEMENTS TO COURSE “l desire to inform you that with a new and effective drainage scheme, the condition of the course is so improved that today it has never been in such splendid order. With the costly and successful alterations made in the turns, and other improvements, it is not only a safe course, but the surface is as smooth, and has a turf equal to any course in the Dominion. As mentioned in the report, the whole of the buildings were renovated • and repainted last year. In addition, a number of minor improvements have been made which will be much appreciated by the club's patrons. “It will be gratifying to members to know that during the past two years the racing lias been remarkably free from accident and been exceptionally attractive, and also that the club deservedly maintains its popularity. “The several officials of the club have carried out their respective duties most satisfactorily and a special 'word of compliment is due to our secretary. Mr. McVay, for the attentive and efficient services he has rendered.”