Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 4751, 16 March 1899, Page 3

(ADVERTISEMENT,) TO THE EDITOK. SlB, —With reference to a letter which appeared in last Saturday's issue, signed by a eport sailing under the name of " One who pays for hie sport," ia evidently like a ship in a heavy fog for "E dunna were e'are" especially when he sarcastically remarks that "the Amateurs deserve the treatment metod out to them," etc. Well, really the letter it not worth replying to, only "Sport," by using sentences as the above, raighb tend to pat public opinion against us, ao to keep on the right side I must explain matters, when I am undoubtedly of opinion tiiab the majority will be with ust In the first place, to go back to the leading article of last Thursday's issue, in which the editor remarks "A resolution of the Board not to permit the A.A.C, and A.O. to hold any future meetings until satisfactory arrangements had been made, etc., would have suited the occasion." Ab it was, we had no idea when we advertised our meeting that we were going to be blocked, and we only received notice the morning before the races, otherwise things would not have turned oat as they did. We certainly don't believe in payiag for a close day this season, when to ran a meeting now that the Cyclist*' Alliance is so weak would most surely cripple the club, therefore it is better to sit low for a time, and give the public free exhibitions of racing, and by keeping in their favor and encouraging true amateur sport, we hope to have a very successful meeting next year. And as far as paying for those free exhibitions are concerned, I think " Sport" foundered when he remarked that he does not expect the Board and other clubs to provide us with a free track, etc. To which I beg to state we were left alone before, and a day's notice is too short to postpone a meeting after arrangements had been completed. The Board, in taking the Btepa they did disappointed the lovers of true amateur sport, and the Amateur Club has the public sympathy. For perhaps had earlier notice been given, the Club, rather than disappoint the public, would have paid something for the use of the ground, But would not pay for a close day* Before I conclude I would like to remind "Sport" that prudence and forethought never was caught, but the 'mighty and not humble must rise to tumble, and we haven't fallen yet; but ** Sport" does nob ootisider how long we were paying £18 pcr 1 annum for ground when members of the cash club were training,'and never had a meeting or paid lor the useof the track, and I don't think we troubled to inform the public then. However "all's well that ends well" and we still intend to have an afternoon's eport itt the Domain later on, and if "Sport" is co interested in us he will not sail under false colors, but sportsmanlike sign his name, then I will Invite him to meet me after our next meeting when I will inform him whether we are going to pay or not for oar sport as I don't 1 ke him jumping at conclusions. Now to wind up ia a business-like manner, I must remark that money seems to rule in this world, if brains guide. That bo, I thank your correspondent for his kind offer, whi»h i w jh be pleased to accept, and hope to reoeivto donations from him or any other of hiß fellow umbers,-"-I am, etc., Isaao A-. -BaigsCntV Secretary Ashburtoh AWteur OyoWng c ■. ' ' and Athletic Cub.-., pt one who payo for Ms Advertisenieat.