GYMNASTIC COMPETITIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12429, 19 February 1901, Page 6

GYMNASTIC COMPETITIONS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Mr Barker’s tactics lack novelty. The personalities he introduced himself in reference to my conduct as umpire after the event, and now he loftily declines discussion. Mr Barker should know that assertions are not facts, and I purposely avoided discussing the performances of the competitors for obvious reasons. Mr Harker says my charge against_ him of unsportsmanlike conduct is a _ libel. I have held the following offices in England:Captain Newtown Senior Cricket Club (two years), captain Beaconsfield Rangers Association Football Club (three years), director Bristol St George Football Club, Ltd. (two years), chairman Bristol and District Football League (two years), chairman Referees’ Association B. and D. League (one year), elected League Representative on the Council of the Gloucestershire Football Association Council, and other offices, and I pledge my whole reputation that I did not make a rash charge that I could not prove before a competent tribunal. 'Jjjie only point I sought to make clear was, is, simply this: Mr Barker was quite convinced of Professor P. Byrne’s capabilities as a judge until he found he had not won the first grand aggregate medal, having to take second place instead.—-I am, etc., CHARLES J. WARD.