CYCLING.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9594, 8 December 1896, Page 6

CYCLING.

TO THIS EDITOR OF THE PRKSS. Bm,—ln reply to Mr Thompson's .letter in your paper of to-day I should like to point out the unfairness to racing men in having their prizes reduced fro rata with the takingy at the gate, and I think Mr Thonipson has overstepped the mark when he states his Club has never had occasion to reduce its prize money. I know of several cases in which prizes were reduced by that Club. In my opinion competitors ehould know what they are racing for, instead of having to wait for a dividend to be declared after the meeting. Ido not think a Club ehould advertise large prizes to draw a crowd of competitors and spectators unless they are prepared to pay the full amount advertised. Such a rule as reducing pro rata with the takings does not exist with the amateurs. Thanking you in anticipation, —Youre, &c, Cyclist. December 3rd. TO THK EDITOR OF THK PRKSS. Sir,—ln reply to Mr Denby, I have to infovm him, that when I wrote the reply to " Scorcher," saying that the pro rata clause, inserted in the programme of December 16th, had been adopted by many clubs for years, I did not intend to include any "trophy" club, as so few oE them have ever had to pay the full amount of the "advertised value" of prizes. I am aware that the P.B.C. have adopted the system of "open orders," which are almost equal to cheques or. Bank notes, and I think even Mr Denby will agree with mc that when a club inaugurates and carries out a meeting under such favourable conditions for the racing men, the club have aright to ask the racing men to stand by them and take their share of the loss should such be the result. Ido not intend to attempt to use the Press as a medium for discussing the difference between the "open order" and "bank note" amateurs. Suffice it say that the officers of the cash Clubs have decided to reserve the right of paying all expenses before the prize-monoy. I might say that although the C.C.C. lost over £80 at one meeting they have never yet put the clause into force. —Yours, &c, Walter B. Thompson, Captain C.C.C.