Be William Holmes's Disqualification. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2471, 24 July 1901, Page 52

Be William Holmes's Disqualification. TO THE EDITOR.

Sh, — Your correspondent "Justice's Sake" has justly referred to what is considered here to be a most unmerited punishment. This feeling, in view of the opinion expressed by the judges appointed at the Racing Conference to consider the case, will - doubtless be greatly intensified. Though in no way directly interested in Ho lines' s suspension, I cannot refrain fiom entering a. strong protest at the severe punishment inflicted on the ridei referred to by the Mount Fgmont Clvb — an opinion more than confirmed by the judges last week. Unfortunately, it appears 011 a "question of fact," the conference is powerless, otherwise, by its "xpressed decision, Holmes would not be a. day without his license being restored. That a blunder has, doubtless unwittingly, been made by the Mount Egmont Club is apparent, and that it will at once remove the disqualification is only what will be expected by sporting people generally. In Christchurch, where Holmes is more particularly known, the greatest sympathy is felt for him ; he bears a most excellent character, and by taking his living away on what must have been the veriest suspicion, others of a family highly respected will also be made to suffer. My object in writing these few Hues to you is in hopes that the Mount Egniont Club will quickly rectify what to Holmes must be a- serious mutter. The "finding" of the thiee judges appointed to, investigate the case — "That in their opinioL the evidence submitted to them does not substantiate the allegation that Holmes was guilty of corrupt practice "—is alone sufficient to assist the Mount Egmont Club in arriving at a conclusion of Holmes's innepnee. Trusting that justice will be done, and that speedily, — I am, etc., ABC. Christchurch, July 22, 1901.