CALEDONIAN GAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 312, 9 January 1871, Page 2

CALEDONIAN GAMES.

To the Editor of the Evening Star

Sir, —Undoubtedly it will be considered a piece of presumption on my part to call into question the decision of the judges at the late Caledonian Games, but who I trust, on second consideration, will see that they have erred.

The matter I wish particularly to call to your attention is the decision in the two-mile walking-race, for which " Spencer" started, and after going the whole distance, coming in an easy winner, lie was then told (and much to his chagrin), that lie was disqualified, having made a break during the race. Now, sir, had either of the judges on that occasion known anything of the laws of English pedestrianism, as soon as the offence was committed he would have been instantly told to desist, or turn and re-traverse the distance. Further than this, I would mention, the said Spence has in the old country walked several matches with some of the best men of the day, and never on any occasion has such a course been adopted.

In conclusion, sir, it would be well to enquire if such decisions conduce to the production of genuine sport, and when it is known the young man came from the Thames especially to contend for this race, I fear we shall find that such conduct will bo the means of deterring our best men from again putting in an appearance. —I am, &c., Spectator.