“CROOKED” DEALINGS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2705, 19 November 1881, Page 2

“CROOKED” DEALINGS.

The following letter, which appears in a recent number of the “Australasian,” shows if the allegations contained in the letter are true, that Ah Sin was not the only person that ever lived who was guilty of “ ways that are dark “ Miller’s Sweeps—To the editor of the “ Australasian.” Sir —The following is one of the means practised by Mr Miller for the purpose of intimidating the lucky drawers of favorite horses in consultations, with a view to induce them to dispose of part or the whole of their interest. A short time back a young woman residing in this toun, took a ticket in Miller’s No 1 consultation on the Melboorne Cup, and was fortunate enough to draw Sweetmeat. On October 18 she received the following telegram from Miller and O’Brien : “If owner of horse drawn in No 1 can buy half interest, will run for place ; if not, will scratch ; reply.” “ The young woman,not being well up in racing matters, consulted her friends some of whom advised her not to sell at all, whilst others, fearing the owner would scratch the horse, persuaded her to ask £3O for a half share, which she did, with the following result: —Telegram No. 2 from Miller and O’Brien: — * Have sold half your interest in Sweetmeat for £3O ; will forward cheque.’ “ By the next mail came the following letter :

“ Sir, —Mr Ivory has agreed to accept half your share in Sweetmeat in No. 1, and we now enclose you a cheque for amount, less our commission of 5 per cent. Kindly acknowledge same on receipt—£3o, less 30s commission, £2B 10s. Yours truly, Millee and O’Beibn.

“ In the interest of the public, I trust you will find room for the insertion of this letter in your valuable columns, for besides giving Mr Ivory the opportunity of denying the statement of Mr Miller and partner, it may be the means of bringing to light the fact that similar ‘tactics’ have been tried on other equally fortunate drawers of favorite horses. —Yours, &c., Justice.” The sporting editor of the “ Australasian” adds the following note : “ Having m our possession the original telegrams, and the letter referred to in the above communication, we feel bound to make it public. Mr Ivory will no doubt also feel called upon to explain the use made of his name by Messrs Miller and O’Brien.”