THE COOLGARDIE CAMEL CUP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1156, 27 April 1894, Page 24

THE COOLGARDIE CAMEL CUP.

The 15 000 gold-seekers at Coolgordio and the country within the adjacent thousand square raile3 or so, were, up to latest datc«, generally too much occupied in dr»-blowing for the yellow metal, or " a perish' in making for the nearest water, to have put up a big enough stake to tempt the sous of Nordenfcldt ami Chester from the sporting east. That will come in time no doubt, but mcanwhilo the ruling passion among the sports must have vent, and this is - according to a correspondent of the Melbourne Argus— how the boys of Coolgardie brought off a race meeting at which there was a finish as exciting as that of any Melbourne Cup. This is a description of the affair:-St. Patricks Day was celebrated here by the holding of a sports meeting. Although the affair was only " mooted " some four or tive days before, a a.rong committee was formed, some £OO odd subscribed, and a highly successful gathering took place. 'J ho greatest amount of interest centred in the camol race, especially as it was known that camels from those of both Mr David Lindsay and the Afghans would compete. A considerable amount of jealousy exists between the Europeans and aliens as to who possess the fastest camels. A good start was effected, and then ensued one of the mot laughable affa : rs, I venture to say, that ever took place at a sports gathering. Each rider urged on his animal with sticks, free ukc of heels, and West Australian oratory. The camels resented thistreatment by a series of loud bellows (which only a camel can make). The race soon- resolved itself into one between a camel owned by Mr Masscy, and ridden by Mr Lindsay, and ono ri iden by Ameer, which belonged to the Afghans. Greater excitement never prevailed over the finish of a Melbourne Cup than was evinced in the contest between these two. Ameer kept tho lead, however, until the final round, when Mr Lindsay gradually overhauled him, and passed him amidst the cheers of tho people, but alas for the peculiar temper of these brutes. Only wanting some fifty yards to the winning post, the camel turncu nasty, stopped suddenly, and quietly " squatted.' lioars of laughter followed this performance, and it was only the united efforts, of some half a dozen men plying "waddies" on the poor unfortunate beast that persuaded him to get up and continue his journey. In the meantime Ameer had passed Mr Lindsay, and came in an easy winner. However, to make matters more complicated, the first three in were disqualified for running inside a post, and a camel ridden by Msop (Afghan) was declared the winner, although coming in 10 minutes after all the others had finished. Timaru, April 23. J. Pool 3, who was thrown from his horse Rebel, which he was riding at the races on sth April, died at the Hospital yesterday from the effects of tho fall. He was a resident of Dunedin, and will be* interred there. Auckland, April 23. Yuin Yum, Ike, Black Oats, and Lottie were shipped for South by the Takapuna to-day. Secretaries of racing clubs are reminded that illustrated cards and programmes can bo printed at tho New Zealand Times offico at two hours notice. Customers will find it tho cheapest printing office in tho colony.