THE GYMKHANA.

Northern Advocate, 9 November 1934, Page 7

THE GYMKHANA.

To the Editor. Sir.—Allow me a little space to say a few words in defence of Mr Tresidder’s i letter published in these columns some ' days ago. The gymkhana was heralded ! as something big and novel, which imj mediately took one back to the Homan i amphitheatres, the spectators encircliing the stadium, while athletes tried conclusions in the centre. Onlookers (saw everything, with little or no risk of being hurt. As Mr Tresidder said, he not only had to start races, etc., but also had to clear the course,.not only of children, but also of adults, who should have displayed more tact. It was quite apparent to me that the arrangements were totally inadequate to cope with the crowd which turned up. I myself saw the finish of but one race, and, what was worse, could not get a cup of tea for love nor money. We all realise full well that the committee did their level best to keep control, but the laying out of the events was strongly against them, and, as Mr Tresidder said, the committee were decidedly lucky to wind up the proceedings without serious injury. In conclusion, I don’t want to criticise so much as to point out that Mr Tresidder’s remarks agree with those of many visitors to the gymkhana, without in any way belittling the task of the officials, who worked against heavy odds and to the best of their ability. Should the affair be repeated next year the committee would do well to have the stadium in the centre of the park roped off, with the competitors in the centre, and the spectators outside the ropes. I am, etc.,

JOHN CITIZEN.