CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 181, 6 August 1886, Page 24

CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES.

By Rata.

CirnrsTCHUKCH, August 3.

Since 1876 we have not Lad such a storm in a teapot as we are now about to have in the sporting world of Canterbury over the action of the C.J.C. in what is called by some " the arbitrary action of the C.J.C. in jumping the claim of the Lower Heathcote Racing Club to Boxing Day." Various writers have had their say, all denouncing the C.J.C.'s action in tho matter. I, in commenting on it, must lay claim to be entirely disinterested to far as pecuniary results go, and as I do not wish either to " kick against the pricks " or to " sail with the wind " of popular favour, desire to claim the attention of

the readers of the Witness to one or two particulars. Firstly, I would ask : Did the Lower Heathcote Club in originally fixing their racg day on Roxiug Day take into consideration the claims of a club which had used that clay as their gala day for years before the totalisator had its effect on racing? Did they in appropriating (for might is right) that day, as wtffi suggested by some clubs at that time, submit their dates of fixtures, programmes, &c, for the .approval of the C.J.C.' How do they expend the large sums of money that are annually contributed to their revenue, and have their balancesheets and accounts been made the property of a public which have largely contributed to the establishment of a Oaulfiekl for Canterbury ? I am asking these questions in" no carping spirib ; but being unfettered by advertising influence, and being able, if the worst comes to the worst, to pay for my entrance to the Lower Heathcoto Racecourse, I think in the interests of racing that before the Lower Heathcote Racing Club goes in for captious opposition to the metropolitan Club, whose business and pleasure it is to provide the best c f sport, it should see that its own borders are swept clean. There are strange rumours afloat anent the doings of the Lower Heathcote Racing Club, and though the public patronise that handy racecourse very freely and large amounts are passed through the totalisator, the improvements to the course, so much vaunted about, are not so very conspicuous to the eye of a critic, and the public are naturally led to othef conclusions, more particularly so when the meetings of the Club are so carefully kept quiet. A suggestion I made a few weeks ago in reference to holding a meeting between Boxing and New Year's Days does not seem to have met with favourable assent, as it has been determined to race on Boxing Day, despite the action of the C.J.C.

Consequently, when a letter was read at the C.J.C. committee meeting yesterday from the L.H:R.O. the question was fully discussed by the members ; and ultimately a polite reply was forwarded acquainting the L.H.R.C. with the committee's regret that clashing should take place, but that as programmes, &c, were out I'or the season, no alteration could be made. In fact the L.H.R C. could do just as they please, and doubtless they will do so ; but I hope there are sufficient members amongst them with sense to see that they must, in the interests of sporfc, give way to the club who can and does give the most money in stakes

August 4. There is noth'ng further to record in betting circles saving the advance in favour of Nelson, who now occupies the pride of placb for the New Zealand Cup.

Mr F. Cotton was elected a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club committen vice Mr P. Campbell, who resigned in consequence of being appointed starter. The committee considered the letter from the Lower Heathcote Racing Club, and it was decided to write an answer. It appears, however, from what I can gather that there is no probi'Uility of the C J.C. giving way this season.