SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1919, Page 5

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN TURF. By Telegraph.—Proas Assn.—Copyrlsht. Received June 1. : i,. 11.30 pjn. Brisbane, June 15. The Albion Cup resulted: Master Warlon 1, Everkeane 2, Demcranthis 3. Won by a neck. Time, 2min Usee. ELTHAM RACING CLUB FORMED. There was a very large attendance, presided over by Mr. (,'. W. Taylor, Mayor, at the second meeting held in Kltham on Thursday evening to discuss the formation of a racing dub for the district. The committee set up submitted a report, which showed that 201 had signified their willingness to become members. The report a,W dealt at length with the steps which were necessary to form the club and also on grounds available, etc. Mr. W. J Morrison, president of the Stratford Racing Club, was present, and it was unanimously agreed that a club bo formed. All those whose names were on the list as well as those present the room were elected members. Officers were then elected as follows: Patron, Mr. C A Wilkinson, M.P.; vice-president, Mr. J Briscoe; committee, Messrs M. McGarry E. Patten, John Campbell, F. Casev J L Campbell, A, R. Cronin. and Harold (.lbsonj auditor, Mr. C. L. Wilson, pro tem. r

The best site suggested was that of Mr. John Campbell's 100 acres, Mangawhero Road, two and a half miles from the Eltham Post Office. This was offered on a five years' lease at an annual gross rental of £5, with compulsory purchasing clause at the end of that period at £SO per acre, on terms of £IOOO cash, the balance remaining on mortgage for five years at 5 per cent., during the first five yean Mr. Campbell to reain the right to graze the course and land. This land is bush swamp, fairly high and dry, but the committee is not in a positio'n to judge 83 to whether the soil was sufficiently firm to stand racing. The opinion of several experts has been obtained, but the committee was unable to arrive at any decision. The committee's estimate of the expenditure required on this site "•as as follows: Culvert £250, truck £3?O feneing £3OO, grandstand £1250* stewards' stand £750, totalisator house £SOO, lawn £2OO, fencing £IOO conveniences . £IOO, judges' box £3O, numbers and incidentals £200; total £4500 It was resolved: "That application be made to the district committee for the registration of the club." It was also resolved that Messrs C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., E. C. Goldstone, J. O'Neill, R. J knuckey, and J. L. Campbell he appointed to wait on the district committee in support of the application. The question of obtaining a suitable course was referred back to the committee to reportVotes of thanks were accorded Sir George Clifford, Mr. Morrison (president) the secretary and the committee of the Stratford Racing Club, also the president, secretary and committee of tho Hawera club and the committee of the Eltham club for its comprehensive report also the chairman.

At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr. W. J. Tristram was appointed secretary and Mr. G. W. Tavler hon. treasurer. Mr. Tristram's offices were appointed the offices of the club Abridged from Argus.

EGMONT CLUB IMPBOVEMENTS. The Egmnsit Racing Club contemplate extensive improvements to the appointments of their course, including the erection of a new stewards' stand, totalisator house, and enlarging the public stand In order to have the most expert advice that can be procured the committee has decided to invite Mr. Luttrell, architect of Chnstchureh, to visit Hawera and report. The improvement of the course is also receiving attention. Mr. A. 0. Sturrock has submitted a report whicli is being considered bv a special committee. Messrs Goodson and Black have submitted a report on the beautiflcation of the grounds, and this the committee has practically decided to incorporate in the big improvement scheme. The report provides for a circuitous route at the entrance, drives' for cars and for horses only, paths for pedestrians, also plantations and a lakelet.

EGMONT-WANGANUI HUNT CLUB. According to the Patea Press, about twenty members were present at a meeting of the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club to decide where the club should hold theii- fortcoming race meeting. It had' been suggested that the meeting be held in Wanganui at the same time as the race meeting there. The Waverley-Wai-totara Racing Club had guaranteed the club against any loss if they held the meeting at Waverley. It was suggested that the Hunt Club provide stakes worth between £7OO and £BOO. Mr. Palmer, who presided, said he would like to go where the most money was, but he did not think they could pass Waverley after receiving an offer such as they had received from the Racing Club. After the matter had been fully discussed, it was resolved that the Hunt Club hold the meeting in August. The chairman stated that at a meeting held recently in Wanganui it was pointed out that every endeavor should be made to get extra days for Hunt Club fixtures/and that clubs*should urae the members for their various districts to legislate so as to make this possible. Mr. G. V. Pearce said that the number of days for racing was fixed by law, and when the matter was discussed some time ago the southern members were against it, as they had so many trotting meetings, but ho considered the days of trotting horses wore past now that motor cars were so univorsally used However, there was so much rough country in New Zealand that a good back would always be wanted, and the Hunt Clubs escouraged the breeding of this class of horse. He was strongly in favor of granting a day for Hunt Club fixtures. A programme committee consisting of MessTs A. Mitchell, H. Washer, H. Crocker (Hawera), S. Davidson, W. Paterson, S. Mcßae, J. E. Palmer, D. Lupton, and E. P. Symes, J. Higgie, and L. Strachan I (Wanganui) was appointed. I