A Sharp Rebuff.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 15, 19 January 1901, Page 4

A Sharp Rebuff.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, last night. A deputation of the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club waited on Mr Ward in reference .to their decision to abolish a telegraph ofiice on the course. Mr McCarthy, the President, pointed out that its wires were used considerably for illegal betting, and the Club asked the Minister to assist in preventing it. He said that last season the Club put through £BO,OOO, and was advised by the stewards that fully a similar amount was wired away. The Club were willing to allow the press and supervised messages to be sent, and thought if a Government officer was appointed for that purpose the trouble might •be removed. Mr Ward, replying, said the President must be misinformed as to the amount wired o2 the course, and no regrn lation could bo devised which would prevent persons sending money from the course. He had, he said, had a careful analysis made of the telegrams from the Hutt last meeting, and this showed clearly that more than twothirds were outside of betting purposes. This proved that the telegraph on the course was ' of public utility, and if the stewards refused the Department the use of the office at the Hutt, then, as Postmaster-General, he would see that an office was established as close to the course as possible. The stewards are reconsidering their decision,