STORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7864, 5 February 1887, Page 6

STORTING.

RACING FIXTURES

SEW ZEALAND. February 53, 24, 28—1' uno tin Jockey Cluty February bgmont Kacing Club. March I—Mmku K.cing dub. March 9 10—.Napier Park Kacing Club. March 17-Hender<on'« Mill Turf Club, April 11, 12—Auckland Kacine Club. AUSTRALIA. February 20, March 3, 5-Vlctorla Racing Club, ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Napier.—The first Auckland Derby was run in 1375

Buinsnsf.-Rowdier rode Robert tho Devil when he ran second to B?nd Or.

F. Makrinkr, Klhiklhl. —At pin pool the ball played with must bo spotted after each miss. \Vac;kr.— Uodson ro.!e Belle when she ran ft dead heat witii Our awk<B for tha Takapnna Ste-pleohase.

W.N'.— Mr. Mitchelson's colts Tranter. E'Ctiteheon, Maim, and Whakawal are all engaged in the V.It.C. Derby.

M. — Hnntiretower w;s pot by Pareliin out of Alholinr, and is consequently a half-brother to Blairgosrria.

Krsost.—Both Kelson and Wapiii were foaled in Vlrtoria. Pearl and Miss Parson were foaled in Auckland.

K.N.—Nelson beat Malua In the Autumn Stakes, hut Matchlock best the former in the A.J C. Pat-, Se's ic is not entftg>"d In the Champion S'.a&cs, but he may meet Trenton in the Australian Cap.

NOTES BY" PHAETON. When tho cablegram announcing tho result of the Hobartville sale camo to hand last week, and wa* stated to be SSG7 guineas, I concluded that an error had crept in during the transmission of tho message, but papers to hand show it to have been perfectly correct. Though there was a very large attendance present, the bidding was very slow, and no large prices were realised. The highest priced lots were a brown filly by Maribyrnong from Rosedale (full sister to lolanthe), which realised 555 guineas ; brown filly by Maribyrnoug from Sapphire, 355 guineas ; and a brown colt by Maribyrnong from Guelder Rose (full brother to Bargo), 350 guineas. Mr. T. Chirnside was the purchaser of the sister to lolanthe and the brother to Barg;>. The number of lots submitted was 110, of which number 06 were thoroughbred, and 40 trotters and draught stock. The sale is in striking contrast to that wlrc'i took place at Sylvia Park (Aucklaud) last mouth, when 33 thoroughbred yearlings realised £10.039.

I'he "little affair" that was enacted over the Anniversary Handicap at Takapuna on Saturday last has, I need scarcely say, been the great topic of conversation in Auckland turf circles during the present week. What led up to the outburst of excitement and subsequent proceedings is well known to mv readers, and my task, therefore, may be confined to giving my views on the subject, and the action which the steward# took. Like almost everyone else who was not standing by the starting post, I i certainly cime to the conclusion that Mr. Mi-Gee never intended the horses to go ; | but though that gentleman's tactics with the i dig were different to those pursued by him in any race that 1 have yet seen him start, I am forced, after conversations which I have had with jockie* riding in the race, and parties standing at the post, to admit tint he honestly gave the word "go." Opinion, however, is almost unanimous on the point that the flag was never lowered, and I myself fancied that Mr. McGee even held it up after the horses were on the move, with the evident intention, as I thought, of bringing them back ; but he states that such was not his intention, That Jessie got well away ia front of everything was, of course, patent to all, but has not the same thing been enacted at Ellerslie on many occasions of one horse gettiug well away in front? I think so. Of course we have heard a good dt*al of the fact of the owner of Jessie proceeding down the straight after the mare j had finished first, and inquiring of Mr. McG<?e if It was a start, and some most unfair insinuations made thereon, but though there can be no douDt it would have been much better in this case hail "Mr. Thompson" waited until Mr. McGee had given his statement to the judge, I am far from believing that there was any corrupt intention in his so doing, for it was only natural that be wanted to know how the matter stood. As to the action which the stewards took in declaring it no race, there can he no doubt that it met the public view, but it has, I lear, undermined the position of the starter, and will give an infuriated mob, such as was present at Takapuna on Saturday last, a handle to work upon on a future occasion. lam quite willing to admit that the stewards were in a difficult position, for the mob was in no mood to be trifled wirh, and serious results would certainly have been the effect of any other decision than that which was arrived at; bat there can he no question on the point that the action of the stewards in l ordering the race to be run over again, after the declaration of the starter that it was a start, was an infringement of racing lore. The whole affair is much to be regretted, for the meetings of the Takapuna Jockey Club have hitherto enjoyed a popularity far above that of any suburban club in this district ; and I trust in the interests of sport that such a scene as that enact d on Saturday last will never again disgrace an Auckland racecourse. he Wellington Cup, run on Thursday, turned out the really good thing for Pasha that his party have always maintained it to be ; but the fact that he had never previously shown his ability to successfully get a twomile journey, prejudiced many against him. However, once ho put in hia claim, ho had no difficulty in polishing off his opponents, and ran home a winner by two lengths in front of Lady .Norah. The daughter of Cadogan played a very prominent part during the whole of the first part of the journey, but the manner in which she melted out at the finish would go to show that two miles is a little beyond her tether. Rather unexpectedly Artillery, whom everyone here regarded as dead, was resurrected on the day, and with Derritt in the saddle, the public sent him out first favourite, but judging from the description of the race, he never was in a dangerous position. By bustling the son of Musket along so soon after his injury, Mr. Butler has, I think, run a risk of cracking him up altogether, for, before the colt left Auckland, many competent judges gave it as their opinion that ho should at least be rested till autumn.

Judging from the time it took Major George to make up his niiud to strike .Nelson cut of the Dunedin Cup, it was with great reluctance he pat the pen through the son of King Cole's name for that race. On Molay last Nelson was shipped 011 board the Wairarapa for Melbourne, but it was not until a quarter past four on Wednesday afternoon that ho was struck out of his Dunedin engagement. There were not a few insane enough to believe that it was in» tended to land the horse in Dunedin, and several dropped a pound or two following the blind advice.

Mr. McKinnon's gelding Scot Free showed us at Taknpuna, on Saturday last, that "he iB by no means a bad 'uu. The son of Sterlingworth was a very strong tip in the paddock for the Cup, but many declined to stand him until he had demonstrated his ability to get a mile and three-quarters. This he did in a satisfactory manner, and had he not fallen when contesting the Anniversary Handicap (the first time), he would, I think, have got home first in that race also. It is very gratifying to witness the success of Mr. McKinnon's colours, for his horses are always honestlv sent to win.

Old Falcon added another hundred on to his winning total by appropriating the Steeplechase at Takapuna. The old fellow performed his t*sk in capital style, and though it is said by some that Quilp would have beaten him hud he stood up, I myself am far from being of that opinion, for to my mind the best horse won. When hinging the praises of Falcon, after his victory in the Auckland Steeplechase last month, I find that I did not give credit where it was due. The horse, I find, received the final touches of his preparation at the hands of Mr. J. Muir, the owner of Dressmaker.

In addition to having a cut in with Lochiel at the V.R.C. Meeting, Mr. Stead has also sent over his two-year-old colt Maxim. This young gentleman is a halfbrother to Wapiti, being got by Musket from Realisation. He has shown himself to be possessed of a great dash of foot, and at the C.J.C. meeting lait month won the Middle Park Stakes and Nursery Handicap in capital style.

On the strength of the good work she had been doing, the Sydney importation, Friendship, was again trusted with a good deal of money by her party in the Takapuna Cup on Saturday last, but she again pat them in the

hole. From the fact of her continuing another round with Scot Free after the race had been completed many concluded that she ought to have won, but I doubt; it myself. From the different form she displays in public to that in her training I fancy that the daughter of Reprieve is a bit of a jade, and that apparently is also the opinion of her party, as I understand she will be shortly sent to the hammer.

With two snoh prime favourites as Waitiri and Pasha appropriating the Island Bay and Wellington Cups, it is not to be wondered at that the wiclders of the pencil were heartily glad to see Nelson pass out of the Dnnedin Cup, for his withdrawal from that race has cleared thuir books from heavy liabilities. Spado Guinea, however, has been backed in conjunction with the two firstnamed for a good round sum, but it is all in one or two hands.

The Auckland sprinter, Mitrailleuse, took her departure for Sydney on Tuesday last, by the 'Waihora, with a view to fulfilling her engagements in \he Newmarket Handicap. The mare looked very well, and the injury to her foot had apparently almost disappeared. The mare went over under the charge of J. lveau, who will ride her in the race.

From her performances of late, it would appear that Victoria played her beat card when she won the double at Takapuna in November last. When Mr. Allwell put the daughter of Feve into training so soon aftar her foaling, the correctness of his action was much qu«»tioned ; and I very much doubt her ever again displaying that brilliancy which characterised her performances in the spring.

Never, it may be safely said, has this colony been so worthily represented in the equine contests of Australia as she will be at the approaching meeting, to be held under the auspices of the Victoria Racing Club this month. With Nelson, Lochiel, and Mitrailleuse to take care of our interest in the elder races, and Maxim, Escutcheon, Tranter, Mana, and Whakawai in the younger ones, we should certainly be able to secure somo of the good things that come up for decision.

Mr. McKianon is evidently pleased with the form Scot Free displayed at Takapuna on Saturday last, as I notice that he has nominated him for the principal events to be run at the Napier Park Meeting.

" Warrior," the Sydney correspondent of the < 'tago Witness, has a well-known penchant for "enlarging," and in a recent letter to that journal he again indulges. He says in his budget, dated tho 18th January:—

Mr. Thomas Chiroside. the principal purchaser at the late sale of the New Zealand Stud Company's yearlings, arrived with his youngsters safe and sound here from Auckland on Thursday. On Saturday morning I called in and had a look at them. Having had the pleasure of viewing the Sylvia ami Onyx fillies last March as foals at foot, I was of course very much taken up with Mr. Chirnside's choice of the Muskets. lam of the same opinion now as then : that the daughter of Sylvia, notwithstanding Major Walmsley had opposite views to me at the time, will beat the daughter of Onyx at all distances, both as two and three-year-olds. The full brother to Matchlock is a real beauty, but I don't care about the filly by Musket out of the Sydney bred mare Maid of Honour." This will no doubt read very well to the Dunedinitcs ; but it may interest them to know that at the time "Warrior" says ho interviewed the yearlings they were still in Auckland, and indeed they did not leave hero until four days later than when ho says he looked over them at Sydney. Before our Sydney friend indulges in this line, let him make sure that no one has an eye to dates, or he will assuredly be again tripped. It is strange that this little incident escaped the argus eye of " Beacon," who would no doubt have struck his pen through the apocryphal paragraph.

Guy Fawkes performed very indifferently at Takapuna on Saturday last. In the Hurdle Race his party considered that he had a very fair chance, and backed him accordingly ; but though he had a good horseman in Hae to assist him, he finished far back in the field, and in the Steeplechase, with Warren up. he again had a like record. Though quite willing to admit that the son of Bedouin was scarcely himself, I fancy that he is a bit overestimated.

When Agent broke down so badly a couple of years back it was said that Mr. Butler had determined on pensioning him off for the remainder of his days ; but the Southern sportsman has decided to again give the son of Oliver Cromwell a chance of distinguishing himself, and with that end in view he has been put into active training.

Both Trident and Trenton continue to go on with their training in the most satisfactory manner, and both are reputed t» look as bright as stars. Commenting on the pair "Warrior" says: — "Previous to his departure for Fleinington Trident did an excellent spin of a mile and three quarters, pulling up fresh. Trenton did a powerful threemile gallop far excelling anything I have yet seeu him do on the training ground. The meeting of two crack gallant steeds, as Trenton and Trident, in the Champion Race, should attract thousands, for we don't every day witness such clippers of five and three-year-old champions covering three miles of ground in 5 niti 26iec."

Commenting on the Cooper-Lamond rupture, the Melbourne correspondent of the Otago Witness says: "Foulsham, who has now taken charge of Trenton and the others of Mr. Cooper's string, is certainly a most painstaking and patient trainer (he has evidently severely studied the last line of the Student's Tale —'The Falcon of Ser Federigo'—'All things come round to him wbo will but wait'); but surely Mr. W. Cooper has not made up his mind to go in for mere money-making out of horse-racing, for if 80, his fate will be but another proof of the old Latin maxim, ' Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad,'"

It iB stated in America that Mr. J-B. Ilaggin, the wealthy California!! studmaster, would like to race some of his stock in Australia, but is prevented by the Australians taking their ages from the Ist of August, while the Americans date from the Ist of January. This would (says Augur make little or no difference to a four or fivo-year-old, and we hope to see the plucky American nominating for a Melbourne Cup or a Champion Race. I'm sure Mr. Barnard would give him a fair show in the former.

Writing on the question of raising the scale of weights in order to do away with excessive wasting, the English Sportsman says :—"lt is quite timo that the pernicious system of wasting younc lives away was abolished by the Jockey Club, as if tho scale of racing weights wore raised 71b, or even a stone higher, it would bo tho same for one horse as another, and not only would many a life be prolonged, but good livings could be earned by hundreds of fine jockeys, who have to give up the calling and starve themselves and their families, for the reason that they cannot mult down to the weights of mere monkeys and ourang-outangs in the saddle."

In concluding an article on two-year-old racing the Spirit of the Times (America) nays : —" With the rapidly-growing competition in breeding the struggle to produce the moat popular style of racer is about to be fierc#, and those stallions whoso get do not shine at two, we are sorry to say, will be crowded out." To which the Australasian replies: More's the pity, say wo, avid if we thought that this would be the effect of two year-old racing in Australia, we should be glad to see it curtailed considerably ; but wo have not such misgivings while our turf rulers continue to largely subsidise such races as the Derby, St. Leger, Champion Stakes, Canterbury Stakes, and A.J.C. Plates among the weight-for-age division, and Melbourne, Sydney, and Australian Cups among the handicaps. Within the past thee years we have seen some of the greatest horses that ever graced Australian racecourses performing in brilliant fashion, and it only needs profuse liberality in dispensing prizes for -distance races to encourage our breeders to try to breed Maluas, Commotions, Darebins, Trentons, Kelsons, and Tridents. Our turf magnates will in a few months be again called upon to consider the advisability of still farther increasing the V.R.C. stakes. Let them give the long-distance races their just dues,"and we shall have no cause to regret the deterioration of the Australasian racehorse.

Commenting on Archer's wealth, " ETudibra*," the Leader's London correspondent, says:—"A very exaggerated notion of his wealth had gone abroad, and I, for one, certainly thought he would have left more than he actually did. This, too, in spite of the heavy losses which I knew he had this year sustained ; but he betted heavier than most people imagined, and as he was a good loser, few were aware of the deep draughts that had recently been made on his purse, or the securities that had to be realised. It is my firm conviction that at one time ho was

worth close upon £250,000, and now at his ' death he left barely half that sum. What a lesson this to miscellaneous punters 1 Archer has more than once remarked that if ho had never had a bet he would have bacn an infinitely richer man ; and if he could not win at the game, what chance had the outside public ? ' In the first volume of the Pacing Stud-boot it is mentioned that King James the First bought for 500 guineas from Mr. Markham, a merchant, a small bay Arabian horse, " tho first of the breed ever seen in England." The famous Duke of Newcastle, in his book on horsemanship, expresses an unfavourable opinion of this horse's shape. Of Highflyer it is said "that he nev,>r was beaten and never paid forfeit:." In 1767 were foaled four colts, all of which became famous —Mark Antony, Conductor, Pyrrhus, and Pantaloon each of which was the first foal of its dam. The Eclipse Mare, oat of Miss iSpindleshanks, did not begin to breed till she was eight, and produced sixteen living foals, the last when she was twenty eight years old ; and a mare by Voting Marske had eighteen foals. The London correspondent of the Leader is responsible for the following : —lt was in regard to a mare called Queen Bee, over whoso running in tho Houghton week Robert Pock, Archer, and Captain Machell lost a lot of money. It was the last race but one or two in the Houghton week, and was a sort of "getting home "stakes; indeed. 1 believe that Peck and Archer each had £1000 on, and Captain Machell was one of the few that was admitted into the "good thing." As luck would have it, Queen Bee, with Archer on her back, was beaten by a short head, and Captain Machell having in the meantime heard something to induce him to believe that he had been " put away," on meeting Archer threw up his hands, and said, "Save me from my friends. This was Captain Machell's last parting with the jockey who had served him so well. Archer was out to the quick, and having lost a lot of money as well, he declined to see Captain Mitchell when he called. The captain, it is said, dare not trust himself to stand by the grave, nor dare Robert Peck, whose nature is naturally rather soft and sensitive-

In explaining from whence the English Derby winner Bend Or derives his name, a writer furnishes the following interesting par.:— Bend Or is an heraldic device, represented as a gold scarf or shoulder-b*lt, formed by two parallel lines drawn across the bhiold from the dexter chief to the sinister base. t here is a story connected with this name. In the time of Richard IT. a protracted litigation arose between Sir Richard t«e ticrope and Sir Robert Le Grosvenor (one of the present Duke of Westminster's ancestors) relative to the armorial bearing ' Azure a bend or,' which both used. The dispute lasted three years, and was ultimately decided in favor of Scrope, but Grosvenor was permitted to bear " Azure a garb or," which has ever since formed part ef the arms of the family of Grosvenor. It was doubtless in reference to this remarkable controversy that the Duke of Westminster (Grosvenor) conferred the name of Bend Or upon the beautiful chestnut who eventually won the English Derby in his year (1880), and from whose loins has sprung the equine wonder of the present century, Ormonde." MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Cinderella will, I understand, be taken to Wantjanni during the ensuing week, with a view to fulfilling her engagements.

The yearling filly by Musket from Sister Agnes which realised 430 guineas at the Auckland Stud Co.'s sale was, it turn* out, purchased on behalf of a patron ot Mr. E. Keys's stable.

Young Gorry still continues to head the list amongst Australasian jockeys, his record up to last week being 19 wins out of 07 mounts.

Mr. M. Fennelly, who has for so long a time acted as the Hon. James White's righthand man in the racing of his horses, is stiil an invalid, and it i« said will nover recover from the ailment with which he is affected— cancer of the stomach.

Matchlock would seem to hive been a bad purchase, for the Indian Planters' Gazette states that he is comparatively out of everything, and if not entirely, is all but broken down, the back sinew being decidedly bowed.

The Victorian Cup, run at Caulfield on the 22nd ult., resulted in a victory for Mr. M. Loughlin's Britisher (Sat 71b), who beat ( amerine (756 121b) by half a length. Meteor (Sat 31b) was favourite, but coming a bit lat-j lie could get no closer than fourth.

Should Mitrailleuse, Isonomy, Silvermine, Pocahontas, and others start for the Newmarket Handicap on the last Saturday of this month, seven colonies will be represented : South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Commotion has at last been shifted from the saddling paddock at Flemington to his old quarters at Mr. F. F. Dylan's. Hopes are entmttiued of his recovery from the injury to his shoulder, but his racing career is most decidedly terminated now, and it is feared that he will always be a cripple.

A recent number of the Indian Planter's Gazette thus jokingly refers to the colour of Lord William Hereford's jockey's hair : —

"Lord William Beresford is contemplating a change of colours from blue and black cap to blue, and red cap, in order that if, in a race, Dunn loses his cap the spectators will still be able to distinguish his poeition in the field by the colour of his head." Some of the American legislators are determined to put an end to public wagering, if they can. At all event?, a Bill for the suppression of betting on horse races will be introduced during the next session of the New York State Legislature. The "Melican man" often gives us an illustration of the old adage of " straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel," and their action iu this matter may certainly be taken in that light, for while they pardon men for doing a hit of " revolvering,'' they seek to run them in for making a wager.

TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB. — PAYMB NT OF PRIZES AND THE RECENT

DISPUTE

A meeting of tho Takapuna Jockey Club was held last evening for the purpose of paying atakes and discussing other business, the latter referring principally to the dispute as to the Anniversary Handicap. Mr. Evven Alison presided, and cheques were signed for the following winners:—Takapuna Cup : Mr. D. McKinnon, £105 ; Mr. T. Hedger, £15. Steeplechase Mr. J. Lennard. £105; Messrs. K. and R. Du.ler, £10. The other prize winners were: J. Kean, first in Hurdles and third in the Steeplechase, £60 ; W. Russell, first in the Selling Steeples, £00 ; James O'Neill, first in the Maiden Plate and first in the Hack Race, £60; Lyons and Blaikie, first in the Anniversary Handicap and second in the Handicap Hurdles, £50 ; George Wright, third in the Takapuna Cujfc and second in tho Anniversary Handicap,£lo; W. Robertson, first in the Selling Race, £40. The next business was in regard to the Anniversary Handicap, the last race of the day. The Chairman (Mr Alison) first raised the question as to whether it would be judicious to have the press representatives at the meeting. He acknowledged tint the matter was of importance, but it was one which they should consider amongst themselves. He had no doubt they all understood what the object of the meeting was. A member present said be bad no knowledge of the object, anda?,ked the chairman for information. Trie Chairman replied that it was the claim by Jessie for the prize and for the totalisator dividend on the Anniversary race. Mr. Rowley thought that this business was somewhat of a surprise, and he moved that it be postponed to a special meeting. Mr. O'Neill seconded Mr. Rowley's motion, and it was carried. The next question was, should the Press representatives be allowed to be present. Mr. Alison (the chairman) proposed the motion that the Press should be excluded, and he insisted on it, and finally, notwithstanding the protest of Mr. Pitta, that the proceedings should be open to the public, the motion was put and carried.

WELLINGTON lIACES. [BY TKLEGIiAPU.—PKKS.S ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday. The following are the acceptances for tomorrow's races : — Hutt Park take*.—Fornstp.r, 9»t 31b ; Shah, Sst 71b ; Titbit, Bst; Uariri 7it'Jib ; Teddy Yuille, Revoke, and Utile rtcrub, 7st. Hukdle Handicap.—Master Aifnes, 12st, Kingask, list 7lt>; Aroba.llst; Orient, UstlOib ; Volcano, 93t; Imputation, B<t 71b. Uacisg Cm'u Handicap.—Pasha, 9st6lb; Administrator, B*6 7ib; gss 61b ; Titbit, 7at 101b ; Shah, 7st 31b; Charmer,,(ist lulb [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT,] Wellington, Friday. lam informed that the experience of the Hutt Races has convinced the local clubs that there is too much racing, to the manifest injury of legitimate sport, and therefore calculated to ioster a spirit of gambling. I believe that a movement is on foot to amalgamate the tno clubs.

DUNEDIN TRAINING NOTKS. Donkdin, Friday. The training ground at Forbury is in excellent condition. The receuS rainfall has done it a great deal of good. La Rose was sent about two miles on the tan at top speed, arid shaped extremely well. Captain Cook and Miss Webster had a quiet spin at the same paoe. Mohan's colt St. Clair and St. Swithin, in company with Puck, did long steadv work on the course. Jasper, Apropos, and Quibble were sent a rattling gallop on the course, covering the Cup distance at a good pace. Both went in good style, but saemod to have quite enough of it at the finish. Patrician and Derwentor, both of whom are looking well, went a conple of miles together on the tan, while Mistake and Gaiety put in useful work. Mokoia Was given four rounds on the tan slow, and Molly Bawn also did steady work.

THE TOTALISATOR. TO THE SI'ORTINO EDITOR. Ptr,_" A Member. A.R C '> " letter on this subject, which' appeared under yonr notes 'ast week, Is so evidently inspired by interest, and written to order, as to be absolutely amusinir, were it not that his context and argument* are no shallow and misleading, and apt tn do a great deal of harm if p«ssed unnoticed. The most important point raise' by " Member" is the increase of the amounts of our stakes by means of the machine. What, may I ask, has that to do with the public weal, ths Item all r formers contemplate ai paramount? Is it any advantage to the colony at large, aa a community or State, ilia; Major Heorge or the Hon. Mr. Robinson are able to win £1000 in place of £500? i*s<ln, the ability of an owner to get the extra £50.1 on at such a mnch cheaper rate , as priza money than would bo the case as bets is made a point of by " Member." Allowed Hut when he wants to back his horsa, as 90 owner* out of 100 do, he must do so at the risk of actually j much more p oportlonatelv to possible winnings, than he would have had to lay out with bookmakers, unhampered by the machine. the machine layer, he elves a lead to Hick, Tom, «nd Harry, cach of whose petrol* reduces the owner's odds, till, as generally happens, where an owner supports hi« animal for anything liko a large Burn, ".io is actually laying odds on his horse, in-toad of having a comfortable rate of nddi laid agaUst him b/ safe bookmakers. " M»mbor" sneers at the bookmakers, basing that sneer on their want of liberality in odds How can any reasonable man expect lons odds from men who?e chief en tomers are those who btck nothing but '■ pure tics," wli le the outsider's pounds are I saved up ti> n-> on the machine on the day! I The "hooks" would soon find themselves able to I stretch the odds If they had no legalised gambling nwchice to fight against. Morsover, and a better, higher argument against the a*'cur«ed totali«ator (and this, sir, from no namby-pamby moralist, but a man of the world, who «va-ts to see hi« litt c uner of that world prosperous, is that where a hundred or two persons represent the bookmakers clientele, the machine conn's its victims in thousands ttio reason for the difference being easily tr-n-eable to the excitement cause I by the pub icltv and hopes of an " Offchance" big dividend from the machine, whereas the legitimate layer works quietly, and does i,ot bear upon that peculiar failing of all the world, the gambling spirit, so directly and irresistibly. 1 warn th-> racing ciubt of the colony, am you sir, that this abuse will bring about in New Zealand a ?-»c >nd AdeUidlan disaster, the whole thing will be •topped, and the Racing Club bankrupted, its effi dais and parasites left without a tn«ans of livelihood and yo'.r occnpa-ion, which en ibles you to give pleasure to the multitude by your w-11 written columns of si 0 t. irone sir, if the m idline be not either entirely •rurpre<ncd, or at least immensely modified in its nnreftriced licence and usurious interest. Trusting tint you will give this letter insertion, on the principle of its being a fair answer to a fair cha'lenge.—i am, ...c., Vox PoPDLI.