The Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1877

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 386, 19 July 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. THURSDAY, JULY 19, 1877

Mk. Wheatley's views regarding tlie character of the atoms that should constitute the North Otago Turf Club will, no doubt, meet with the cordial and entire approbation of those in this community who take an interest in the welfare of the Club. It is obviously " penny ■wise and pound foolish " policy to admit as members any persons whose only recommendation is that they are capable of paying the two guinea subscription. Such a course of procedure would ultimately have the effect of eliminating every respectable member from the ranks of the Club, whilst it would soon entirely consist of a ravenous class, so prolitic at race meetings, whose "profession" has become obnoxious to the majority of decent and well-behaved persons, because of the nefarious and disreputable practices which invariably characterise their dealings, and the impolite language, to say the least of it, Avith which they assail the ears of ladies and gentlemen alike who may happen to be unfortunate enough to be within hearing. We admit that it is quite possible for a man to belong to the " book-making" profession and yet be respectable, indeed we have had the pleasure of meeting good honest men belonging to that class ; but if the indiscriminate introduction of the professional betting class into our Racing Clubs be tolerated, the demoralisation of "±he Turf" in this Colony is assured. The Clubc would soon team with a class of men who could not only afford to pay two guineas, but twent\ r guineas, or niore, so that they might be able to shed j their influence. The thanks of the lovers

of horse-racing are due to Mr. Wheatley for his outspoken remarks on Tuesday night in reference to this matter, and we have no doubt that he has not spoken in vain.