RINGING-IN.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1927, Page 1

RINGING-IN.

THE PROMENADE CASE. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 14. A report on the Promenade-Gather-ed Gold ringing-in case was made to the Board of the New Zealand Trotting Association by its president, Mr J. H. Williams, yesterday. It was decided that further action should be taken.

“I have to report,” said Mr Williams, “that Walter M’Carthy atnd William Matterson have been found guilty of ringing-in the mare Promenade as Gathered Gold, and have been ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within two years. Steps will now be taken to deal with these men under the Rules of Trotting.

“I move that a hearty vote of thanks lie accorded Messrs A. J. Nicoll, AVilliam Meade and William Lynch, for having proceeded from New Zealand to Sydney to give evidence at the trials, and that a copy of this resolution ho forwarded to each of them.

“Tho board is especially indebted to Mr AY. J. M. Hopkins for having represented it after the arrest of the accused. The Sydney detectives asked for certain papers in the possession of this association to he forwarded to Sydney in the care of some person who would be able to give evidence. As Mr Hopkins was then in Sydney, he was communicated with, and consented to act, although he realised that by so doing it would 'he at great personal inconvenience to him, as he would have to remain in Sydney much longer than he originally anticipated. Not until after the trial was it known that the whole case had been handed over to him to conduct, in conjunction with the Criminal Investigatioii Department, Sydney, and it is gratifying to know that the Australian trotting associations paid our representative the compliment of entrusting him with such responsibility. “I move that a special, letter of thanks lie forwarded to Mr Hopkins, expressing the board’s keen appreciation of liis valuable services, on behalf of the Australian and -New Zealand Associations, in assisting to bring the prosecution to a successful issue. “It is anticipated that the cost to the four associations of bringing the accused to justice will be in the vicinity of £SOO. “The light sentence imposed on the accused is disappointing, hut it wilL not deter this board from bringing before the Courts any persons who' may be deemed to have been guilty of the nefarious practice of • ringing-in. “In conclusion, I wish to move that Racecourse Inspector F. Cullen be specially thanked for information supplied by him in connection with this case.”

The report was adopted, and it was decided that M’Cartliy be called upon to show cause why lie should not be disqualified.