THE “ETHICS OF SPORT.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20704, 30 April 1929, Page 9

THE “ETHICS OF SPORT.”

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—As I have had my say it was not my intention to write further under’ this heading, but your correspondent, Mr R. Stuart, has made certain statements of which a correction is necessary. If he thinks I protested because my child was not placed, then- he is wrong. I protested against Miss Allen being allowed to compete before ever she stepped on the board, and I protested as any fairminded man would, and could, have done for the reason that Highland dancing is a bonnie game, and should be run fairly as a competition. Again ; I ask, what did the officials of the Piping and Dancing Association who were on the ground do to see that that was done? The question is one of fact The competition was for competitors of 10 years and under. That, is proved by the fact that one girl who went to the secretary to enter was refused because' she stated her correct age. II years.—l am. etc., Wm. A. Steele. 19 Grange street..

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As a spectator at the Outram sports and as one who has been in no way connected with al! this wrangling that has been going on in your correspondence columns, may I ask a few questions regarding the association’s letter in this morning’s issue, which may clear matters up a little? The executive of the association says it believes the position to. be’this and that, but at the outset it is absolutely wrotiß, as the mother of the Oamaru girl, to whom reference is made, was not at the sports at Outram. The father, however, was present, and he spoße to me on the field concerning this dance for girls under 12. and I am led to understand that he had the event altered to suit his girl, as was quite in order, this dance being on the programme. NTow, concerning the disputed dance namely, for competitors of 10 years and under, which wns_ not on the programme, this age condition, the executive says, would have debarred many competitors. Many, indeed. Sir, There was only one on the field, namely. D Allan, and in support of Mr Steele’s protest let me say this, that I was one of the first to whom he spoke. In reply to the executive’s statement, I say that Mr Steele did not lodge bis protest, until he saw the girl Allan go on the dancing board. I myself went with him to the secretary’s tent. Concerning the entry of the girl Allan, let me ask these questions and let them be truthfully and honestly'answered: (1) Who provided the girl’s entry fee? (2) Who went to the

tent to enter the girl? (3) What has the secretary of the Outram sports to say to all this? His words to Mr Steele were to the effect that it was a “ wash out,” and he waved_ his hands accordingly. ait the same time, he said that he knew the girl was over age, but that he had to accept the statement that was made to him as to her eligibility.— l am, etc., Tout Suite.