THE RULING PASSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1826, 14 May 1918, Page 3

THE RULING PASSION.

Scene —The grandstand of a well-known country racecourse.

Dramatis Personae—Officers and men of Company, Territorials. It is a clear, crystal Sunday morning. All are gathered at devotions with their backs turned to the rendezvous of the sport of kings. There is a marked restlessness at the rear of the Hock where the “Terris” can obtain an uninterrupted (if furtive) view of the blue mountains, blue sky—and the green course. At the six furlongs post two horses manoeuvre in the approved style as if on the tape. The rearguard forgets the service altogether-, and a murmur of appreciation and anticipation runs like a wave over the ranks. The parson proceeds as if undisturbed. “They’re off!” says a voice from a vantage point. The service staggers, and then halts. The chaplain understands. The two equines double up like greyhounds, and spurt past the stand to the post. An officer’s watch snaps behind the screen of a convenient hymn book —“1.10,” he says. “By Gripes,” says a dumbfounded Terri, and the service proceeds, though the faithful are visibly stirred.—Palmerston Times.