ATHLETICS

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 31, 5 February 1910, Page 14

ATHLETICS

The law case at Gisborne, in which an action for recovery of stake money paid over to the winner of a mile race (Griffin) was successfully defended, is surrounded by some interesting features. In the firet place, two races were run off; the first waa won by Sexton, and the second, over which the dispute arose, by Griffin, to whom the sum of £400 odd was handed over by his agent, Webb. In the action juet concluded, Sexton's backers sought to prove that Webb was in reality the stake holder. The Judge held that, while Webb acted as stake-holder, he transferred the money to Griflln as the latter's agent, and gave judgment accordingly. When Webb was paying over the money someone protested that the proceeding was illegal, but the money was paid over, Webb maintaining that the original agreement held good, namely, that the representative of the winner should" receive the stake, and pay it over to him. Some excitement followed, and it is stated, Griffin was escorted from the track to the bank by the police. It is also stated that another action is pending, but not this time concerning the stake. Meanwhile Griffin is en route for South Africa on a two-months' engagement, at a salary of £350 and expenses. At the Wanganui Caledonian Society's sports, W. Draffin, formerly of Auckland, and a brother to S. Draffin, well-known in professional circles, "put up a sensational performance on his 4-cylinder F.N., flying round the ring at a terrific pace, which set many people wondering what would happen if anything went wrong. At one time he travelled at the rate of 50 miles an hour, and shot past his opponents one after the other in great style. The spectators were raised to a high pitch of enthusiasm, though there was an audible sigh of relief when the race was over, ac many feared an accident might occur when the pace was such a cracket

It is a far cry to the next Australasian Championship meeting, which ie to take place in New Zealand in 1011, says an Australian writer. But I have heard several people already discussing the question of venue. As Anstralasian meetings have been held in Christchurch , and Auckland, I presume the choice this time will rest between Wellington and Dunedin. Wellington would best suit Queensland and New South Wales, whilst I suppose Tasmania and Victoria would find Dunedin the more convenient. However, as the headquarters of the N.Z. A.A.A. are in Wellington, it is fair to assume that the Empire City stands a good chance of being chosen. In the matter of enclosures, I know of no better convincing ground than Cook Gardens, Wanganui—a veritable Stadium and natural amphitheatre. The possibilities of a "gate" at Wanganui may not be too convincing, but the ground and its surroundings are superb.