THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1822. THE HANDICAP QUESTION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2503, 15 April 1882, Page 3

THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1822. THE HANDICAP QUESTION.

A correspondent in one of the morning papers of to-day endeavours, by an elaborate tabulated statement, to show that the first handicap framed by the committee is better than that of Mr. Griffith. The outcome of the whole is that the writer asserts that Emir Bey •must win the Timaru Cup, as Mr. Griffith’s allotment of weight is so much smaller than that of the committee. _ We are not prepared to say that this is not so, but that is not the point. The committee may make the very best of handicaps; indeed we are quite content to allow that this is so, but ‘‘One of the Public ” entirely misses the point which has been urged by ns in the articles on this subject. It is not that the system of handicapping by a committee is wrong but the principle of having owners on that committee. This is a little fact that “One of the Public” quietly and conveniently ignores. It is this that wo have called public attention to as being likely to do almost irreparable injury to sport, and no red herring of tabulated comparisons drawn across the scent will divert us from the real question at issue. Tho writer does not, as wo before noted, speak of the desirableness or otherwise of owners sitting in conclave on their opponents’ horses —and their own. This is what we objected to, and what we still object to, and tho Jockey Club, unless they retrace their steps in this matter, cannot but expect to lose entirely the confidence of the public. We are glad to find that one, at least, of the owners who have been put on the committee has felt it his duty to retire —at least, we are told so in an organ which generally obtains any inspiration on sporting matters direct from the fountain-head, so that we presume there is something in it. It is not stated that the remaining owner intends following the admirable example set him by his confrere. We trust that, with this before him, Mr. Lance will be enabled to see his way clear at no distant date, say prior to 'he making of the C.J.C. Handicap for the next Spring Meeting, to retire also. By the way, it just occurs to us to enquire whether the Haudicap has already been made ? It is supposed to come out on May Ist, so that it is not at all improbable that it already exists on paper. If so, the mischief is done, and Messrs. Stead and Lance might just as well retain their seats on the committee for the remainder of the year. It is, we think, due alike to the public and Mr. Stead that some information should he given on the subject, because • there may be persons who would not perhaps be ready to give Mr. Stead full credit for his self-denial in so gracefully yielding to public opinion. They might say, “Oh yes, it is all very well for Mr. Stead to resign now after having a hand in making the big handicap of the year.” A statement to the effect that the C.J.O. is still in embryo would effectually put a stop to all this, and enable honor to he given where it is justly due. The question has now assumed such a shape as entirely to remove it from the narrow and restricted club circle and place it in the arena of public opinion. Therefore it is that anything connected with or bearing upon it should receive publicity. Wo trust therefore that not only will Mr. Lance follow in the footsteps of Mr. Stead and tender his resignation, hut that an assurance will be publicly given that the C.J.C. Handicap is not yet decided on. When this is done we shall be prepared to discuss the question of tho adviaableness of substituting a committee for a single handicapper, on which wo have a word or two to say.

THE RESULTS OP LOCAL OPTION. Precisely what we predicted in a recent article on the subject of the local option clauses of the Licensing Act has come to pass. The temperance men have evoked a spirit which has arisen and defeated them, and permission has besn accorded by the ratepayers of one of the city subdivisions to increase, not only one, but all classes of licenses under the Act. Where are now the thousands who, it was said, would take advantage of the immeasurable boon accorded to them by the local option clauses and sweep public houses off the face of the earth ? So far as can be seen both in Sydenham and in the district polled yesterday, they are either in a hopeless minority or exhibit a most decided apathy on the whole question. In either case, as we have pointed out, the advocates of temperance are in a very much worse position than they wore before. It is another illustration of the old but somewhat coarse aphorism—“ It’s bettor to deal with the gentleman you do know than the one you don’t.” And this is just the fix the temperance party are in. They clamoured, after the style of the child for the moon, but with more success, for local option, and they have got it. Now that this is so, they do not know what to do with it. Nay, more, they are likely to do far more harm than good. The members of the Licensing Committees where the polling is taken will, should the decision of the ratepayers be in favour of granting the licenses, feel to some extent bound to consider this when dealing with new applications, just as much as they would should the decision be adverse. On the other hand were it left entirely to the discretion of the Licensing Committee they would consider the applications unbiassed either way. As the ■members are elected by the people and responsile to them, the wholesome check of public opinion could always be applied if needed. We think therefore, that all things considered, our friends the temperance advocates will agree with ns that ■in the local option clauses, they have a white elephant which it is advisable to irado off at the earliest possible period. We regret it very much, but the facts cannot be controverted.