RUGBY TEST MATCH AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22142, 12 July 1937, Page 7

RUGBY TEST MATCH AND TROTTING

TO THE EDITOR 01 THB I'BESS. Sir,—The solution of the problem of the clash between- the Rugby test match and the trotting meeting does not appear difficult to solve. It .is obvious that the Rugby test match at Lancaster Park will seriously affect the New Brighton meeting, in fact, may prove disastrous to it. Philip Nel and his merry men will attract many hundreds of sportsmen down Ferry road on September 4 who would otherwise go trotting. Is it not possible to race at New Brighton on August 28? It is true that the Auckland Trotting Club races on. this day, but surely the one meeting should not vitally affect the other. In Canterbury August 28 is a clear day, with no other race meetings scheduled. New Brighton would have this Saturday to itself. It may interest those concerned to know that the South African Turf Club suffered a severe financial setback at its recent Easter meeting through clashing with the Springbok trial matches for the overseas tour. .

Similar matches in Wellington on Saturday will, no doubt, be felt at Trentham. just as the North and South Island match affected the attendance at Riccarton last August. With all due respect to the capable New Brighton executive, it seems most unwise even to consider Sentember 4 for its fixture.—Yours, etc., DROP-KICK. July 9, 1937.

[Mr G. L. Berry, president of the New Brighton Trotting Club, said the matter of bringing the meeting forward a week had been very fully discussed by the committee, and it had been decided to adhere to September 4. The track had been recently topdressed and a week meant a lot in which to put it in its best condition. It had been practically decided to start the racing at 10.30 a.m„ and with 40-minute in/ryrvals most of the racing

■would be finished in time for visitors to see the football. The Springboks would be invited to attend the racing, and it was thought the non-playing members, at least, would be present. The club was endeavouring to arrange with the Railways Department and Christchurch Tramways Board to provide transport that would enable all to see both the trotting and the football.]