SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 654, 2 March 1909, Page 5

SIRES' PRODUCE STAKES.

THE PRESIDENT'S VIEWS.

To Editor "Manawatu Daily Times" Sir, —I oannofc agree with yottr sporting contributor, "Asmodeus," in his remarks on this race, and I think it is a matter of regret that your correspondent should make so mnch of the mere monetary point of view.

Racing olubs are not established for the purpose of making money. Their first duty is to provide their patrons with good and straight raoiug, and seoondly to give every encouragement to breeders of good horses by providing them, in accordance with their means, with such substantial prizes as* wiJl induce them to ooutinuo breeding on the very best lines.

It must be admitted that Hid 'first institution of this race was an ex. periment, and we had to find out tho best lines to work on. We gave a larger stake than we were entitled to. We ohoso the wrong time of the year in view of the Auckland' meeting, whilst our fees and weights were fixed on' a wrong basis. Notwithstanding theso mistakes I consider the Club got good enoouragement, and this is evidenced by the good nominations and numbers still left in for the 1909 raoe.

Whilst we may not; be able to claim an aotnal profit for that particular race, at all ovents we shall not make a loss, whilst indireotly the Olnb Will benefit far beyond the mere peouniary question. For the future, 1 for one have no fear that, under the different conditions now offered, the race will pay handsomely, not only indirectly but also directly. It will lift our Autumn Mooting from a seoond-olasß fixture to a first-class position, and generally it firmly establishes the Olub in that position in the eyes of the racing world wJiioh it is entitled to hold.

luoidentally, Palmerston (the mainspring of the interest whioh many of us take in these matters, bo it racing, shows or other things of like nature) gets 'the benefit of the "kudos" if there be any. Ido not like to see cold water thrown on '' any genuine attempt to improve ' things sooially or otherwise and I would invite "Asmodeos" toinspeot the many letters that we have received from breeders, whioh should serve to oonviuoe Jn'm that the Olub would be very unwise to out the race out of their programme. -I am, etc., / R. B. ABRAHAM.. Palmerston North, Maroh 1.