THE DERBY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 10 August 1888, Page 25

THE DERBY.

(The Sportsman.) One hundred and eight years have elapsed since the Earl of Derby founded the great hippie carnival which flourishes to-day in all the importance of a solid national event, and which, despite all opposition, remains unequalled as a i>porting fixture, unmatched in attractions for the multitude. Princes have spent years iv seeking the coveted prize, and kings have assisted p its progress, and the great race still stands as it has for generations, crowned at the head of t&e sporting events of its time. This year the coiitest will be confined to ourselves, as no foreign candidate will be seen on the course, but the rivalry will, not be wanting in interest, the trial will be as keen ; skill, pluck, and strain in the effort for victory will be' just, as heedful, and will evoke as much appreciation as if the French, Austrian, or American silks flashed their challenging colours in the dancing sunlight. ' The blossoming trees and freshly-awakened beauties of spring give a zest to the pleasures of all— to the purely racing men ,no less .than to the thousands of holiday-makers -whose knowledge of the gathering is largely confined to its aspects as a mere holiday outing. "Notwithstanding the gate-money ventures which have proved sach a great success, the Derby week- still continues to maintain its unrivalled popularity, though there are not wanting croakers who predict its dowifa'l or speedy extinction. No doubt matters ia racing "have lately rounded in more businesslike procedure. " ' . ' " Huge Establishments. managed on new and successful methods

threaten to eclipse in the magnificence of mammoth stakes the old-time fixtures, whose prizes are wreathed in honours and, like the laurels that rewarded the victors of classic days, represent a success not measurable in money. ~ The Derby, like every human institution, is subject to vicissitudes. There are many who tread the downs to-day who do not know that the grassy turf on which the racecourse exists is at the moment a subject of litigation. When racing began there, in 1711, the downs, just as at present, were " waste lands " attached to the Manor of Epsom, over which the commoners had certain immemorial rights ; in fact, the lord of the manor and the residents may be looked upon as joint owners. The meeting gradually grew in importance, and began its big record when the Earl of Derby established the Oaks (called after that nobleman's seat in Surrey) in 1779, and in the succeeding year the still more famous race which bears his name. No permanent buildings of anything like importance wore constructed till comparatively recently, bub the erection of stands' and booths for the purposes oi racing at last caused the interference of the lord of the manor about half a centiuy ago. He had been virtually ignored up to t hat da ( c. Litigation ensued, and the lord obutined a nominal verdict. Agreements were then effected between the racing authorities and the lord, under which matters have progressed quietly until the last few months. In the arrangements hitherto made the commoners were nob consulted. The lord of the manor is now, as already mentioned, acting in unison with the race commibtcc, and, in accordance with some plans projeobed for the improvement of the course, a bit more of the land is about to be enclosed for the racing interests. Taking occasion at what has been considered a fresh infringement of their rights, the commoners are now in arms and threaten to invoke the aid of the courts in maintaining their ancient privileges. Thus the matter stands, but no doubt some satisfactory solution of the question will soon be i found in which conflicting interests will be reconciled, and our great national event find its security of tenure not only untouched but confirmed!. The difficulty^ of the course, the turn at