POSTPONED SPORTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9184, 5 January 1891, Page 3

POSTPONED SPORTS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir,—The peculiar decision arrived at on Saturday by the Directors of the Caledonian Society places competitors in anything but a pleasant position. Though not a competitor myself, I venture to say that nine-tenths of tho people present wore very much surptised at the sudden collapse, as it were, of the whole proceedings. All the events in connection with the Caledonian Grand Handicap had been got off, with the exception of the last event (tho half mile) when competitors were told that owing to tho rain tho whole programme had been abandoned, and all entrance money would bo returned. What kind of satisfaction is this to men who have been in training ? Arnott, up to this event had gained 13 points, and the only other competitor who could get near him was Pyke, and then he would have to win the half mile. After the rain cleared off the men wished to decide the Handicap, but were told by the assistant Secretary, MrP. Webb, that some of the competitors had left the ground, and that the race, if run off, would be illegal, or words to that effect. Several of the judges who had the manliness to remain endeavoured to put things straight, and agreed to start tho men—and start them they did, in spite of what the assistant Secretary said. The result is that Arnott tops the list with 13 points in the aggregate. Now the question comes, will he got the money 1 The result of the deliberations of the Directors or Committee will be watched with interest. One would have supposed that tho Directors, after the lesson they got on Now Year’s Day, in so hastily putting off the sports, would have made it of some little use to them on Saturday—but no, directly the rain oame on, the band were ordered to play “ God save the Queen.” The Secretary was told to write a notice and stick it on the door, stating that everything was abandoned. No sooner had tho notice been posted up than the sun oamo out bright and clear, and about 3000 people left the ground thoroughly disappointed.—l am, &0.. Ex Fed. Wellington, January 4.