RACING CONFERENCE.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 314, 14 July 1898, Page 2

RACING CONFERENCE.

(liY TELEGRAPH—-PRESS ASSOCTATON). ■Wellington, Last Night. The annual racing conference opened this morning. Nearly all the delegates were present. The chairman, Sir G. Clifford, gave a lengthy review ot the past season. In it, he made reference to the emigration of Medallion, Uniform, and possibly Waiuku, aud veutured to hope they would have as successful a career as Carbine, Martini-Henri 1 and Trenton, whose reputations were world-wide. The question of jockeys' licenses, registration, colours and nomenclature were fully dealt with, and he expressed the opinion that the new Appellate Court would meet with general approval. On the subject of purifying the turf, he re ferred to the praiseworthy action of the authorities in attempting to sweep away " tote " shops, adding that their efforts would soon make racing a recreation in which no man need be ashamed to participate. The balance-sheet, which showed a small sum to credit, was adopted. Hon. Geo. McLean, representing the Dunediu Jockey Club, moved the following new rule :—" Questf ns of fact shall be considered as matters coming within the cognisance of stewards, cither by their own observation or by evidence taken the points of which are local ; inconsistent running shall be taken as questions of fact." The motion gave rise to a long discussion. Its supporters urgt d that questions of fact in connection with inconsistent running should be dealt with by the stewards and not by the Appellate Court. The motion was strongly opposed by Mr Clifford, Capt. Russell, Mr Hunter, and others, who pointed out that it would be opening up very grave dangers to racing men it they were denied the right of appeal to the highest tribunal in racing circles. In charges of inconsistent running, the whole purposes of the Court of Appeal would be set aside if the new rule were carried. Mr McLean's motion was negatived by 25 to 7Power was given to the chairman of the Conference to veto the duplication of names of horses where it was liable to produce confusion in pedigree.