THE OAMARU CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2539, 12 November 1902, Page 50

THE OAMARU CLUB.

The form shown at the last meeting of the North Otago Jockey Olub has apparently caused a general upheaval amongst the office-bearers of the club. The resignation of Mr Buckley is very regrettable and a great loss to the club, and it there were a few more stewards and office-holders of his stamp and discernment spread amongst oux race clubs the sport would soon be in ? far healthier condition than it is at present. But Mr Buckley would have conferred a greater benefit on the sport if he bad remained in office, and 6pread a wholesome influence about him. Ho evidently sees more of what happens in a race than the average steward — that is to say, he sees ond speaks — which is much more important than, after seeing something displeasing happen in a race, allow it to pass by a conniving silence^ unnoticed and uaaueeitOfLed.

It must be said, however, that the Oamaru Club are appar&ntly more anxious than the majority of elnbs to have olean sport at theL meetings. During each race two stewards are posted at the foot of the straight and report anything that does not meet with their approval. At the last meeting they viewed the races from, a crow's nest situated about a furlong and a-half from home, and still some questionable form and peculiar horsemanship passed unquestioned. To the writer it is but another argument in favour of the appointment of stipendiary stewards, because they could be used as " chopping blocks," and instead of an honorary steward, through personal feelings, becoming shortsighted occasionally, the stipendiary stewards would hare to bear the brunt and whatever else might accrue from the result of an inquiry. It is to be hoped that the sport in the White City will not receive a setback, but continue tc retain the graduallyincreasing popularity noticeable during the past tr.'o or three years.