SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1917, Page 3

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. . (By "Moturoa"). The Wellington R.C. winter meeting will be advanced another stage to-day, the chief events being the Brooklyn Steeplechase, of 400 50v5,22 2 miles, and the Fleet Handicap, of 300 sovs, 1 mile. The other stakes are very mediocre. The Taranaki Trainers' and Jockeys' Provident Fund stands at the respectable total of £OBB. Last year the New Zealand Racing Conference paid out £2300 in claims under the Provident Fund, and the administration of the same fund cost £543, which seems to be out of all proportion to the money doled out, Johnny Walker is coming on with every gallop, and looks like a profitable horse to follow during the next week or I two.

Plymouth is jumping the big fences proficiently at Riccarton. The "stipes" cost New Zealand racing clubs over £3OOO per annum. Are the), worth it? Now, don't all speak at once! Mr. Geo. Ciirrie's Common Law won the chief handicap at Rosehill on June 28. Another of the Koatanui-bred nags —La Ponna (King Rufus—Cintra) — fcored at Canterbury Park (N.S.W.) recently. At a special meeting of the Eginont Wanganui Hunt Club on Saturday, Mr. J. E. Palmer, who presided, explained that the meeting had been called to

consider what should be done with regard to carrying on the business of tlie club. The hunting season was over, and the huntsman was going into camp on the 25th of the month, and something would have to be done with the hounds. The books showed that there were 723 members in all, counting both honorary and active members. The club was well represented at the front, 29 members being there or going. If the war continued they would have to find ways and means to meet expenses. The club had lost their annual race meeting at Wavcrley, and he had called the members together to see what was to be done. Mr. R. Higgie suggested that the best way to carry on was to ask for further assistance from the Wangiinui, Waverley and ligmont racing clubs, so that they could keep the club joing for the boy's who were away fighting for them. It was eventually decided, after discussion, to ask the Wanganui, Egmont, and Waverley Racing Clubs for an additional £SO each.