SPORTING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10043, 8 May 1894, Page 2

SPORTING.

THK BETTING EVIL. J (From Oob Own Cobbespondent.)'

Auckland, May 7.

* A very undesirable feature in connection with the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club's Garret Benefit meeting in the Domain, on Saturday afternoon, was the large amount of betting which was carried on on the ground during the progress of the sports. The club stated on their programme that no betting would, he allowed on the ground, but in spite of this a number of bookmakers were present and plied their trade with assiduity while the athletic events wore being contested. On the committee of the club becoming aware of the fact thsjt bookmakers were making bets on the course they called in the assistance of the police. The "bookies," however,: refused to budge, the constable eventually retired, and the bookmakers carried on their occupation during the rest of the sports without further opposi-* tion, and a good deal of money J changed hands. The bettiny practice is J becoming a'great nuisance at {athletic sports] and similar gatherings, and unless the Amateur Athletic Club and the civic authorities take a. firm stand wholesome outdoor sports will he utterly degraded by the gamblinjevH. As it is there is a great deal too much betting carried on amongst "amateur " athletics. There ifl too general a tendenoy to throw all true sportsmanlike feeling and sprit of generous rivalry aside, and go straight for the dollars. But the strict prohibition of betting on the sports ground will lessen the evil.