WEST COAST NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 33

WEST COAST NEWS.

By Toi'aba.

Hokitiiu, April 23. As my last letter was somewhat lengthy I held over a few items for this week's issue.

In connection with the Johnny Faa-Hokitika Handicap episode, a resolution was proposed sit a meeting of the stewards of the Westland Racing Clvb — "Thai the money invested on Johnny Faa on the totalinatoi be relumed." I regret to say that this motion was lost. lam quite satisfied that had it been carried it would have had a wonderful effect on those who resort to improper practices, and it would be the means of making them take into consideration whether the game is worth the candle. If the innocent inve tore on Johnny Faa had had their money returned (which I think was the proper course to adopt) ii would have been the means of considerably reducing the dividend on Epilogue, consequently " those in the know" •would not have profited to any great extent.

The stewards of a racing club are in a manner the trustees for the public, and it is their duty to protect the public at far as posbible, I do not wish to particularise any individual club, but I must say that dishonest racing has been too prevalent of late, and it must be pat down with a firm hand, otherwise clubs cannot expect the support of the public, and without such support clubs cannot carry on successfully. The following stakes have been paid over to the winning owners by the various clubs:— Greymouth Jockey Club: J. Gies-king £160, W. Claughesy £95, P. Campbell .£BO, J. Kennedy £55, M. Walker £50, W. C Harley £47 10s. L. Belts £45, T. O'Neill £45, J. Brimble £40, J. Oolvia £2.5, A. W. Morse. £22, W. p, M'lnernef

£10, P. O'Neill .£6. fcumara RsclngClub t L. -Betts £70, J. GieaeUng £50, W. 0 Harley £45, P. O'NeDl £50, J. Brimble £40, T. O'Neill. £2s, •J, R. Cobur £25, J. Oolvio £20, R. Beck £10, St. Walker £7 10s, J. A. Lute £5, J W. Scot* £2 10. We.ttaud Racing Hub : •T. O'Neill £90, J. Kir wan £65, P. <w 'Itm-ney £40, A W Morse £40, M. "Walter £35, W. M'Conoon £30, W. C. Harley £20, T. Mehairy £5, J Giesekiug £5. P. O'Neill m, Tntanekai, Wreath, and Straightshot, in charge of t*. M'Oottkey, left Greymouth on the 18th for Nelson,

Johnny Faa and King Lear, in charge of Birket, kit Greymouth this week for Wanganui.