LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1042, 31 October 1947, Page 3

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

-FORM AND BREEDING (By Arrisimo) To sit down and cogitate over the merits and demerits of the various ' aspirants of a local bodies election is both wearing and oppressive to the casual free and independent elector without an “axe to grind”. Of course, spread over a number of years, one has seen many changes and upsets in the local'political world, what with the “Big Five,” "Progressive,” and various other tickets on the 'crest of the wave for a term, while the next election has seen them on the rocks. Having passed the age of strict morals and sound judgment one looks on the humorous or sporting side of human nature in a contest of this description’ to-day. From time immemorial in our democratic world, some must lead and govern for the minority to obey, but when the majority wants a change, then the government or minority cease to lead or govern. Next month, on Wednesday the lt)th of November electors have the right to say who will govern the Borough, the County and the Hospital of Opotiki. .Not being in a serious mood, I will-give a sporting review of the various candidates, v The Borough Stakes. —Here wo have a field of eleven to pick from. Four will be among the also started. Reading them out “Rosaday” by Clad Rags from Assortment has run some good races, but of late is inclined to be absent from, the track. “News Fiend” by Linotype from Ink Pot ran a good race last.time. Mentor Bill considers he will have him right at the top of his form next month. “Whit” by Solder from Septic Tank, is being patched up for another run. He is not hitting out with his old-time dash. “Spider Web” by Mechanic from Ignition, is not a regular track worker, but might do a bit in private. “Sawdust” by Timber Yard from Shavings, did well last time, but might find it tougher this time. Still he is'more seasoned and should be in form. “Chatty” by Pyjamas from Nightdress, is a bit of a goer and is bound ! to run well. Jf he leaves the barrier correctly I’m picking him to just about win. “Scotland Forever,” by Caledonian from Accountancy is a well-grown colt but has yet to prove himself in a race of this description. “Devil’s own by Torts from Jurisprudence. This is supposed to be great breeding but the best of good things sometime come unput. “Provisions” by Genera! Merchantfrom Counter Jumper. This Colt is reported to have done everything asked of him so far and has prospects. “Tin Lizzie” by Henry Ford from Spare Parts, comes with a reputation but is liable to skid under greasy conditions. “Shorty” by Service Motors from Bowser is a youngster in this iicld, and so -far lias no form. It is asking a lot the first time. Hospital welter. —This race "ill be run. in divisions, the Borough Division comprising “Horticulture” by Market Garden from Seed Bed. lie had a walk-over in the Mayoral Guineas and will go well again. “News Fiend” will have his second up and with the ambulance behind him will be to the fore. “Pharmacy” by Quick Retreat from Salts and Senna ran well enough last year, but the dope might find a weak patch th:s time. , The CUuntyi Division.—-‘Monocle’ • by Haw .Haw from Baekblocks is f reported to have suffered from Sodium Tetanus, and there being no llortt (ambulance) available was unable to procure veterinary aid when the disease first made its appearance. He has made a good recovery in the meantime, but is still under a. cloud. “Madam Victor” by Nationalist from, House-. • wife is the only member of the

weaker sex in the field. On the ; last occasion she showed a clean . pair of heels and won pulling up. i That was in the fall of the year; j whether she is as good in the spring 1 cannot say. It is problematical. “Apanui Jack by i Homestead from Milch Cow, ran i into a place; but whether he can : repeat the same form is hard to say. “Soldier Sam” by Land Cress from Cow Bail, is always a possibility and will take heading off if he gets the insjde running on the rails. “Kukumoa Lad” by Huntsman from Show Pony is a newcomer iii the .political field. He will go well and has a good following. “AVircrau” is by East Coast from Wahiuc and is trained in the same stable. In fact they may be • coupled on the machine. “Alamcin Dick” by Kiwi from Hush Bush rail exceptionally well last time but from what one can gather js not so forward this season. "Profiteer ’ by Rough Diamond from Retirement has missed being in the money on previous occasions and will have to improve to have a chance. “Wairata Jack,” by Bush Country from Woolpack is said to be fit and well, but the fiat going ' might be against him. “Poo 13a” by Separator from Skim Dick is a maiden and might find the field a bit select for his first outing. The Waiotahi Scurry.— “l’acrata Jack” by Broad Acres from Butterfat has quite a number of wins to liis credit. ,Hc will have to be up to form to do it again. “Alamcin Dick” is having his second up and if the pace is not too hot might ‘ gain a place. “Argumentative” by Douglas Credit from Women’s Division will not have to "dwell too long at the barrier. He is inclined to lot out at any time. “Kukumoa Lad” is another with a prior engagement and is again expected to do well. , . T , Qhiwa Hack.—“ Bruiser by Ka-

hikutca from Mixed Fanning has always been in the money in this event, but “Profiteer” lias hopes of extending him more this term. With ncaily three weeks to go track work will bo watched with interest. The final gallops should shed more light on what may' bo quite an interesting poll.