THE SHREW AND THE PUBLIC.

Hastings Standard, Issue 329, 22 May 1897, Page 2

THE SHREW AND THE PUBLIC.

[To The Editor.] Sir, —I feel proud to say for New Zealand in general and Hawke's Bay in particular that we have in this good old town of Hastings a Standard and a " Gipsy Grand." In reading the sporting notes in your last night's issue I at once came to the conclusion that you had in your sporting contributor the right man in the right place. It seems all very well for the officials of the Napier Park Club to hold an inquiry into the actions of those connected with that honest little daughter of Nordenfeldt, The Shrew, at their last meeting. But I say, in the words of your sporting contributor, what did that inquiry amount to in protecting the general public against such tactics. I mantain that it is the duty of the club by all manner of means in its power to protect the public who support their club. The whole show may be carried on by a chosen few; but I hardly think that they alone pass the thousands through the machine. I feel confident in saying that if Gold Medallist, Multiform, and Newhaven had started in the race I allude to at the Park, each of them carrying 6st lOlbs, the little Shrew would still have been backed by some of her admirers. Now let us imagine if the same tactics had been used by the owner and trainer of Maid Marion. I rather think a different conclusion would have been arrived at. There is an old saying that it is no use to go to law with the evil one and have the court held in a place too sultry to mention. Nothing will come of it. Now as to where the shoe pinches. What about the hundred and twelve lambs who helped to swell the " div" on the chosen one. Let them place the 112 tickets before the Metropolitan Club at their next meeting and see what it brings forth. Thanking you for/Jour valuable space, and in CGnclasi<«P let me shake hands wifch every one in your office even, with the ink stained imp.—l am, &c, 2s 6d <mj The Shew.