TO THE DOGS

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 12

TO THE DOGS

Auckland To Show The Way?

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Rep.)

Auckland is likely to lead the Dominion in the greatest illusion in the" realm of modern sport — tin hares. ALREADY a company has been form- *"* ed comprising such well-known sportsmen as the Mayor, G. Baildon, McKenzie, E. Sutherland and Wade, with a pretty strong financial backing. The city is bfeing scanned for a suitable site for the latest novelty. Carlaw Park has been inspected, as has Blandford Park, and several other enclosures for the initiation of the mechanical coursing game, but so far no pronouncement has been made. Of all the Auckland grounds, the home of the Soccer code, Blandford Park, seems most suited for the new game. It has a cycle track with two straights, is banked suitably for the dogs and their elusive quarry and the track is just on the quartermile. It is known that legal difficulties have arisen between the Association football management and the Stadium Company, the present lessees, regarding the necessary repairs to the enclosure, consequent on big land slides last winter. It is pretty certain that there is more than a modicum of truth in the deduction that the Stadium Co. has already received an ultimatum to get certain repair work done or get out. The Stadium Co. had a 28 years' lease of Blandford Park, but they have only used it for the few weeks of their opening season.

MONEY TO SPEND

Matters have been very unsatisfactory between the Stadium Co. and the Soccer folks who are anxious to have the present conditions mended. So the probability is that tin hare coursing will come" along and solve the problem. The new company is credited with having several thousands to spend on providing a suitable place, and without' doubt Blandford Park could, the most economically, be brought into the required state for the sport. Several of the promoters of the electric chasing game are also involved in the Stadium Qo. which may. swing matters over to Blandford Park as a good way out of the present muddle for all concerned. Whatever happens, the promoters say there will be tin hare coursing in Auckland in the near future.

In this week's issue the Railway Department advertise special excursion fares and train arrangements in connection with the Wellington races to be held at Trentham on October 22 and 24. The fares from country districts are at a much cheaper rate than the holiday excursion issues. Adequate train services are provided.