OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

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

OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(From Ova Special Sporting Correspondent.) Auckland, August 7. From what transpired at the Auckland Racing Club meeting on Monday it would appear to be very improbable that Mr Evett will be appointed this year to the post of handicapper. Mr John Marshall sounded the chairman on the rumours that have been current regarding the appointment of a committee to perform the duties. In replying, the chairman stated that nothing had yet been done in tha matter, but that he thought the club should go back to the committee system. From what I can gather few are in favour of retaining Mr Evett's services, but at the same time they think one man should be appointed to the post. Major George, who has always been a modt uncompromising opponent of handicapping by comunttee has penned the following letter: — M Without wishing to enter into the question as to the capabilities of gentlemen at the disposal of the committee of the Racing Club, I affirm that to most horseowners the work of a handicapping committee rarely gives satisfaction, and I consider it a retrograde step to revert to the system which did not give satisfaction in the pasc. If it is necessary to save the £150 paid to the handicapper, I believe horseowners would be better pleased to have that amount docked off the stakes with one paid man only responsible for the allotment of the'weights. Horseowners and the public know who to blame in case of gross injustice or carelessness." As matters have turned out, Kelly, who left for Sydaey in May last without settling with his creditors, would appear to have made a bad mess of it. Prior to the sale of several of his horses on Saturday last he cabled over offering £250 for the estate, but this not being entertained another £50 was tacked on. There were, however, several sums owing to various club.s on the horses, and it beiug insisted upon that these should be paid out of the estate, the offer was refused. At the sale Paddy (on whom it was stated £25 was owing to the Auckland Racing Club) wa3 purchased by E. W. Alison ; and the same gentleman took the brood mare Mystery at £28 ; while Octopus was purchased by Mr ■Willis, of Obahuhu, for £15. The dispute between tha Auckland R.C. and the totalisator proprietor, Adams, over the alleged short payment of £110 over the last Summer meeting, which wa3 referred to au umpire to decide (the arbitrators hiving been unable to agree), has so far ended in the umpire giving his decision against the club. It came out in evidence that the club has been in the habit of transacting its business in a most slipshod manner, and though dealing with thou--aandsof pounds, the business was all done by word of mouth. With such management it is no wonder to find that the club is almest on tUe verge of bankruptcy. The club sadly want some new blood infused into it for it is quite plain that too much power is left with tho secretary. Mr John Marshall endeavoured a few years back to introduce some reform, but he retired in disgust. An effort was made to put him on the committee again this year, but he positively declined to be nominated. The absence of Nelson's name from the New Zealand Cup acceptors caused some surprise, for the old horse is just now in great buckle, and is apparently quite sound. He was brought down to Ellerslie last week, when he led his stable companion in a fast half - mile, downing her very easily. Major George evidently intends to put the old horse to the stud this season, or he would, I think, have accepted for the Cup. Mr Enko, a well-known penciller, has leased Artillery's sister B-Uista from Mr Somerville for a period of two yeara. Mr Bobbett brought Libeller and Maoriland up fromthe Thames last week. He has taken a lease of the stable ab Ellerslie lately occupied by Sutherland, where his horses will be prepared by Alec Howe. Lady Norah is still t.urned out, but I hear that her injured leg is now quite sound and that there is every prospect of the daughter of Cadogan standing another preparation.