HORSEBREAKING IN THE STREETS.

North Otago Times, Volume 1881, Issue XXVI, 7 May 1878, Page 2

HORSEBREAKING IN THE STREETS.

(To tho Editor of the Noivrrt Otago Times.), Sir, — On Sabbath afternoon I witnessed a most disgraceful and dangerous piece of work in North Thames street. Behind the Shamrock Hotel, a number of horsey men wero congregated, and one, who was mounted, doing the usual torturo in the breaking-in lino. This I have nothing to say about, if done at the proper time and place, but this was on tho Sabbath, and close to the public street, and it sayß very little for the respect paid to the fourth commandment But the worst of it is that not only do these men break the commands of Qod and man, they must needs try to break their own bones, and endanger those of thoir follow citizens, for a trainer yesterday afternoon took a terror-stricken animal into the street, where soon a tussle commenced between tho two to see who should be master, and < a pretty dance was gone through by tho untamed brute. If it was not a jig, I can assure you there was a good deal of the jlUuf about it, which almost frightened a number of women and children into fits. Then off wont master jock, and obeying the laws of gravitation, came heavily to the ground, the most prominent feature of his face making its mark amongst the Corporation gravel, while the horeo, to show its sense of victory, had a fine time of it - now on the sidewalk, next on tho street, then back in graceful but danger ous circles clearing its way, without respect of persons, until some gontlomen passing managed to lay hold of him. Then one of the poor brute's tormentors took him away for more punishment, while his lnte rider hirphd off for warm water and sticking plasle \ Now, Sir, if men do risk their own necks at such work, are peaceable inhabitants to run the risk of having their brains kicked out while on the public side-walk ? And while on this subject, might I ask if the vncant spneo in iront of the Northern Hotel and the lower end of Wansbcck street is let out for horse-breaking. If so, tho public should be warned or notified of the fact. lean assure you, Sir, that I have heard a number of people com pi inn of the way a number of rough men gallop through the streets, especially on Sabbuth. It is dangerous to lite nnd limb to cioss the streets, and it is to he hoped the proper guardians of the peace will see to this. Your's, &c., lIORAC'B. May 6th, 1878.