RAKAIA ANNUAL SPORTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 808, 2 December 1882, Page 2

RAKAIA ANNUAL SPORTS.

To THE EdITOK. Sir, —For several years past it has been the custom to hold athletic sports at Rakaia on Boxing Day. Until last season a committee was formed at one of the hotels sometime at the end of each year for the collection of subscriptions and carrying out the sports, the meetings being always held at an hotel. Last year thoi whole thing fell into the hands of the Oddfellows Lodge, and this year the Order decided to act as on the previous occasion, going so far as to issue their programme. For some reason, not made very plain,, they have determined not to go on with s the sports. Not to have the usual holiday* s orts on Boxing Day would bo a pity ; it would seem like retrogression. 1 would; suggest that a Popular Sports Association be formed, without delay, the meetings not to be held at any hotel. The Asso-

ciatiou to be under responsible iAltflifcge* ment. The members to be electedr afr a meeting to be held not later than No* vember Ist in each year, When the balance* sheet, duly audited, shall .be presented. If a paddock could be obtained if wbuld be better than holding the sports on cbmmon ground, as the Association could then charge for privileges and possibly admission, thereby doing away with as far as possible the subscription list,—l am, eta Spero. [Our correspondent will observe that a meeting regarding these sports is called for to-night, at the South Rakaia Hotel, by Mr A. P. Howell.— Ed. <?.]