CORRESPONDENCE

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 187, 3 March 1893, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

[The editor is not responsible for opinion expressed by correspondents.] (To the Editor). Sir,—l see it notified in the Dareraville paper that there are to be sports at Maropiu at an early date. I would like to know Mr Editor whether they are to be similar to those that were held at Mangawhare on New Year’s day last. I see by the programme the names ,of a number of well-known gentlemen who are supposed to act as a committee, but it was the same thing at Mangawhare ; there was a committee advertised on the programme, but when it came to carrying out the sports there were only the secretary and another individual present and who by the way was allowed to handicap and start. I don’t mind that sir, for one person to fill both positions of handicapper and starter, providing he is a person to be trusted and has no interest in any event. But I think the public will agree with me when I say it is very like bare-faced s windling when one man is allowed to train and handicap his own few friends, and back them to win their various events, and then have the front to take a pistol in his hand and go and start them. I don’t think there is another town in New Zealand where the public would tolerate such shady transactions on a sports ground. I see by the programme that this same person is to handicap again for the coming sports at Maropiu. Well, all I can say is that I pity the outside competitors who are not in the swim. Hoping you will insert this in the interest of sport and fair play.—l remain Yours truly False Start.