BERRY'S CASE.

NZ Truth, Issue 568, 6 May 1916, Page 9

BERRY'S CASE.

Tho Berry disqualification case continues to bo tho most discussed topic m racing circles m the Southland and Otago districts. Despite entreaties the Southland Racing Club will not listen to any suggestion of giving tbo boy a rehearingy notwithstanding that It la claimed that some material fresh evldenco could bo placed before it From Information which has • reached thla writer, it appears that thero la an old standing feud between Dr. W. Robertson, owner of Redsbiro, tho horso Berry got put out over, and the Southland Racing Club, and Berry la mado tho vict|m, because tho club cannot got oven on tho modlco. It hi aald that at the Inquiry Berry was asked, a few questions and answered them, but no had no opportunity of hearing the evidence against him or of askingany questions, and was then called back tind told ho had two yenni,*' and further than that, was put out under a clause which gavo him no right of appeal. If that was tho case, what sort of jusUco was it? On tho Judicial Commltteo of tho Southland Racing ' Club la a medical gentleman and a dehtlßL Both ore most estimable citizens, but what they do not know about racing would fill a very big book. Thoref oro, ono . can asaumo that they aro dominated by others on tho committee, and tho ••others" rcforrcd to have all tho say, Tho samo "others" had all the aay at tho Neuroma Inquiry held on tho samo day. During tho running of tho latter raco ono very promluont member of tho Judicial Commltteo waa heard proclaiming all over tho course that "Andy wins," "Neuroma wins." Plainly, ho was very- much Interested m tho race. Still, this did not prevent him sitting m judgment on Neuroma, and Neuroma waa declared Innocent What does the Racing Conference think of Us wretched rule, whereby a person can bo disqualified and not possess tho right of appeal, or of hearing tho evidence tendered against them?

When the question is raised at the next conference will the president still oppose it, and will it be necessary for old and valued members of the. conference to leave the* room as a protest against such foul play? "Spearmint" trusts not Berry's case has still to be indorsed by the Otago District Committee which meets at an early date, so there is still a chance that the Oamaru horseman may be able to convince that body that his penalty is an unjust one. At any rate, it is to be trusted that the material evidence will be produced when that Metropolitan body goes into tha matter.