Tribute to Record of Old Pressman

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1060, 26 August 1930, Page 12

Tribute to Record of Old Pressman

MR. J. CHADWICK SIXTY YEARS SERVICE Reference to the assistance given by the Press to trotting, at the Otahuhu Club’s winding-up meeting last Friday, gave one enthusiast an opportunity to pay a fine compliment to one of New Zealand's long-service sporting writers, Mr. Joseph Chadwick. After Mr. E. V. Sutherland had spoken in complimentary terms of the

publicity given trotting in Auckland by various newspapers, and the fair and candid criticism of the writers, Mr. J. Glecson alluded to the lengthy and valuable service rendered to the racing sport by Mr. Chadwick. The speaker thought Mr. Chadwick was the oldest sporting writer now in the Dominion, and his connection with the pastime was of more than 60 years’ duration. As a pressman his work was known and appreciated throughout the whole of the Dominion, and he had played a great part in the earlier days in promoting and advancing good sport. Mr. Gleeson thought Mr. Chadwick’s services worthy of appreciation in a tangible form, and suggested that a fitting presentation ,on a Dominion-wide scale be made to the pioneer sporting writer. He lipped the Otahuhu Club would set the project going. Early Days Recalled Replying, Mr. Chadwick thanked the previous speaker for the kindly reference to his association with racing over a period of 60 years. He then related many interesting incidents cf the sporting world in the 70’s and 80's. Mr. Chadwick stated he was one of the first to be associated with trotting:, having been an active member of the Wanganui Club in 1879. and for a time acted as handicap per for the pioneer organisation. Ho referred to thp days when a 3.30 mile trotter could win

races and matches, and said in conjunction with other sportsmen, he imported some of the earlier trotting stock from America. Mr. Chadwick remembered the advent of the trotting sulky, a cumbersome structure compared with those in use today, ana saw the late Bert Edwards drive the first New Zealand-made sulky at Alexandra Park. He was the first to offer a prize for trotting in Auckland. and the trophy—-a cup-ywon by a mare called Maggie, is still in existence at Panmure. _ . Mr. Chadwick spoke eulogistically ot the Otahuhu Trotting Club officials, and regretted that the trend of tne times made it necessary for the o»<* and happy organisation to lose its name. However, he wished the merg«r success, the officials of the comoinea club a period of progress and genera advancement for the trotting sport.