PLAYING THE GAME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1058, 23 August 1930, Page 13

PLAYING THE GAME

OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB’S LAST MEETING SUCCESSFUL CAREER Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, who for 22 years has filled the position as president of the Otahuhu Trotting Club, presided over a large attendance of members yesterday afternoon at the final meeting of the organisation. “This is the last meeting,” said the chairman, “that we shall have as members under the name of the Otahuhu Trotting Club, but I want to impress upon you all that the club now known as the Auckland Trotting Club is a combination of both clubs, and I am going to ask you all to retain your membership and give the loyal support that you have always given in the past to the new amalgamation. With your wholehearted support we will attain the object we have in view—promoting the sport of trotting in Auckland. Third Largest Club “Wo have every reason to lookback with pride to the success and good work done by the Otahuhu Trotting Club in fostering the support of trotting. Tho stakes we were giving, although we only had four days trotting, entitled us to be classed as the third biggest trotting club in the Dominion. We looked ahead for the future, and owned a splendid trotting track at Otahuhu second to none in New Zealand, and did everything in our power to assist owners and trainers, and I feel sure under the amalgamation that the same assistance will be given, for we are all there with one object in view, to give the public good and clean sport. “I quite agree with the views expressed by the president of the Auckland Trotting Club that two and three-year-old races should be placed on the programme. One should certainly be tried for the next autumn meeting, for at present owners have their two-year-olds turned out in the paddock as they have no races to look forward to. By encouraging these races we may get more owners in the game. ‘ There is no doubt that trotting is not gaining ground as it should in Auckland. No new trainers are commg into the sport, and no new horses.

What the reason is and how to remedy the question will be the concern 01 the new committee. Handicapping Question “The handicapping system is to have another year’s trial, and I think if the handicappers carry out their duties as laid down by the system it should work out all right. But there is one alteration that I think should be made and that is when a horse has done better, say, than 4.27 to the two miles, then the handicapper should use his own discretion, as the new system nas put all the good horses on tight marks out of the game. Under the new systern a horse may have done 4.2~, but he cannot be put on a tighter mark than, say, 4.27. “Members will see that we have had a most successful year, making a profit of £2,249 11s 4d over our two meetings, and 1 feel sure with the large assets our club is bringing into the amalgamation it will enable members and patrons to receive every comfort and facility to enjoy the popular sport of trotting under the auspices of the Auckland Trotting Club. “In conclusion I say au revoir. but not good-bye. We will, I hope, associate for the future as we in the past. I thank you all for the wonderful help and assistance you have given me at all times. It has been a most enjoyable time for me being associated with such good sports. We have made a success of our old club, and I sincerely hope that the object of the amalgamation, to better the interests of the sport, will attain its goal, and it can be done by all working together and playing the game.” Several members spoke in high terms of appreciation of the great services rendered to the club and the sport generally by Mr. Mackenzie. That the fine position of the organisation, after so many years' service, was in large measure attributable to the energy and efficiency of the president was the opinion expressed on all sides. Tributes were also paid to the work of Mr. R. L. (Rob) Absolum as secretary, and Mr. C. E. Goosman, handicapper; Mr. J. Somers, caretaker, and retiring members of the committee. The report and balance-sheet, as previously published in The Sun, was then read and adopted.