Correspondence.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 3, 27 March 1914, Page 3

Correspondence.

While it is our endeavour to give correspondents every facility for the free expression of their opinion, it should be borne in mind that the views expressed do not, necessarily, reflect tho opinions of the Editor.

TO the; editor.

Sir, —-As parsons interested in local sport generally we should like to express our appreciation of the fine sportsman-like spirit displayed by a large section of the community in connection with the sports meeting to be held tomorrow. This applies not only to those who have promoted and financially assisted the project, but also, in a considerable measure, to the large number of local competitors many of whom have been zealously training so that the events may be keenly contested. On glancing at the u programme we are struck r with admiration at the lengthy nomination lists, but particularly so with that in connection with the Tradesmen’s

Handicap. The inclusion of this event was truly a happy idea : indeed, when we behold the enthusiasm that it is evoking we almost whisper, “What if it had been left out ? ” It is the big event beyond all doubt. The nomination list is surely .the rarest thing that has ever graced a sports programme in our district. It truly speaks volumes for the sporting instincts of our worthy business and professional men, and by indicating as it does—to our astonishment, we’ll adrn't —such an under-current of fiery blood among even our “older horses/' outwardly so calm, so cool, so serene, so quite makes us hope that there may yet be an enthusiastic revival of sport in Huntly. There is scarcely a local trade or profession that lias not its representative in the event, whilst the Town Board has entered in a body. The grocers are entering the contest, putting forth no fewer than five picked champions: all goodly men and true. Scarcely less keen is the teaching profession which has nominated all three of its male members. Tommy Jones will will be writing an essay next week on “The Huntly Sports/’ and Tommy will bear in 12 ind that if teacher did not win there was some mistake. The bakers, butchers, cairiers, tonsorial artists, plumbers, blacksmiths, tailors, printers, and clerks, are all represented by their best blood, whilst even the legal profession is sending forth its “ One and Only.” The Railway station is producing two champions, but it is rumoured that both are slow — caught it from the trains. Not to be outdone, the Post Office, too, is being represented, and we expect there’ll be a buzz of excitement among telegraph boys and counter men when the P.M. takes the field. With such a field we are well aware that the handicappers had a problem set before them, but, nevertheless, we cannot refrain from thinking that they have been guilty of an undue amount of inconsistency and even carelessness. Although physicians and surgeons must be regarded to some - .extent as «experts in physical culture, being, as they are, so well acquainted with the muscular workings of the body, it is somewhat strange that both members of the medical profession have been placed out on ‘ the limit, whilst an old “ ped,” whose calling in life has more to do with the bringing about of muscular paralysis, has been accorded only 28yds. In placing on the 14yd. mark a veteran sport whose achieve’ meats in years agone have proved him possessed of the agility of a Toreador, the handicappers , have surely been guilty of a reckless disregard for performances. Even a slight acquaintanceship with a certain carrier should convince one of his extraordinary lung power, and if he cannot be relied upon to finish tip in great style a trifle of 120 yds with such a handicap —wall, “ Woe there ! ” However, as we said, the handicapping was not an easy matter, and, even in spite of such underestimation in certain cases, there is, so far as we yet know, no pronounced favourite for the event. A local speculator on seeing the acceptances at once began to lay “ Two to one Town Board versus the field ” ! but being rushed from all corners of the township soon declared “ Full book City Fathers ! ” Personally we are inclined to favour the library representative, while “the Arbitration cartel,” we feel sure, can be relied upon for a steady dray pace. There is a rumour current that Nebraska is in the event, being out again to try conclusions with the Town Board. “ Why so, Braska ? We thought not that you would return to mutilate the bloodless slain. ” We do not wish that our remarks should in any way influence speculators. Any such intention is indeed far from our minds. None but an out and out dare-devil surely would set himself up as tipster In such an event. Thanking you in anticipation, Yours etc, TWEEDLEDUM and TWEFDLEDEE.