“Motor Sports”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31663, 26 April 1968, Page 12

“Motor Sports”

Sir, —Last Sunday 1 attended Ruapuna Park, prompted by a “spot” advertisement on the N.Z.B.C. the previous day which was completely misleading. “Ruapuna motor sports time. . . .” The temporary directional signs erected on the Main South Road read: “Motor sports." There were no signs at the gate other than the permanent Ruapuna Park ones. 1 was charged S2 for four adults and given foui programmes (which we did hot want). It was not until I had parked my car and examined a programme (marked 20 cents) that 1 realised that the meeting was entirely motorcycling. We immediately left and requested a refund from the gateman. I was told “You will have to see an official; our job is only to take the money.” No officials were in sight. Other innocent people were victims, also, is the secretary of the Auto Cycle Club prepared to save the name of his organisation by offering a refund?—Yours, etc., HAD. April 16. 1968.

[Mrs K. R. Gallop, honorary secretary of the Canterbury Auto Cycle Club, replies: ‘‘We find it hard to believe that not one of the four occupants of your correspondent’s car had heard of the New Zealand Grand Prix races, which have been held at Easter since 1936. In addition, the meeting was publicised in both newspapers for the previous three weeks as motor-cycle races. Several hundred large posters describing the races were displayed in shops throughout the city and suburbs. The committee’s attitude towards refunds is not sympathetic to people who prefer writing anonymous letters to the newspapers rather than approaching one of the numerous white-coated officials at Ruapuna or locating an officer of the club after the meeting. This task would have been comparatively easy by inquiring from the newspapers or the N.Z.B.C. as the club has been associated with motor sports since the early 19305.”]