THE MILITARY SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8534, 7 April 1891, Page 6

THE MILITARY SPORTS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sip.,—l notice in Thursday's Herald a lector signed by Lieutenant Webster full of complaints that the South Franklin Mounted Infantry did not get fair play at the Military Sports. In the first place the writer says they were not treated right in the LloydLindsay, that the Waiuku Cavalry did not comply with the rules. I may state that mv squad not only acted in accordance with rules, but also according to directions from the judges and the secretary. The rule stated—" Dressed in uniform of their corps, not accoutrements." Lieutenant Webster particularly refers to Match No. 11, Hack Hurdle Race, in which the South Franklin Mounted Infantry only complied with the rules. Unless I have been wrongly informed the horse nominated and ridden by Corporal Harris, South Franklin Mounted Infantry, was not the property of the nominator, which is direct against the rules. The greater part of the letter seems to be a lament over their nonsuccess. Lieutenant Webster also accuses the Waiuku Cavalry of wanting them (the South Franklin Mounted Infantry) to combine to break one of the rules of the military sports programme. This I emphatically deny. I did state to Lieutenant Webster that I'thought it was wrong for the committee not to allow full competition for His Excellency's cupthat one man should have as much right as another to compete for it. He agreed with me, and said he would talk tl>., matter over with his superior officer and wire me the result, which he failed to do. I consider the writer's miserable attempt at half wit, casting a slur on one of the judges, is not worthy of notice, and I shall treat it with the contempt which it merits. In conclusion 1 may say that the public generally were well satisfied with the judgments of the different matches during the day; and, unlike the South Franklin Mounted Infantry, the Waiuku Cavalry will deem it a duty to take part in the military sports as long as they are required, If the, South Franklin Mounted Infantry consider that they have not been fairly beaten I may say that either of the Waiuku squads will meet theni in a friendly contest, or for £5 or £10 a side. Apologising for taking up so much of your valuable space, I am, etc., A. M. Barriball, Lieut. W.C.T.V. Waiuku, April 4, 1891,