ARCHER MEANT BUSINESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2730, 11 July 1906, Page 50

ARCHER MEANT BUSINESS.

Cno of the late Fred Archer's most geneious patrons once requested him to take a trip to the Emerald Isle- in order to ride something that was considered "real jam"' by th*> stable. It was not the celebrated jockey's first visit to Ireland, and while waiting at the station for a vehicle to convey liim to the course he met a gentleman to whom he had; been introduced on his fii-ot appearance at the Curragb meeting, and who on this occasion was to act as starter. The usual wielder of the flag was absent from illness, and Archer's companion had undertaken to officiate. As they travelled along, the deputy confided to Archer that he felt somewhat nervous, and trusted that he might be able to give satisfaction to the power that reigned. "With the utmost seriousness Fred promised to do all in his power to smooth the troubled waters, and the amateur starter became =omewhat assured. In the second event on the programme the "good thing"' Archtr intended riding was engaged, and as the fashionable jockey was on a large sum to nothing, Itc determined to win if it u<ue

at all possible. There were a fair numbs of runners, and Archer was off before then every time; but the flag did not fall; ai the starter was far from satisfied. "Shure, Archer, you tould me you would do the best you could for me," the flagman event tually said to Fred, in a wrathful tone^ " but shure you. are more nuisance, than all tfc© rest put together." Much amusememt was caused by this speech; but th« troublesome jockey managed to get the best of the star? after all, and landed the good thing easily.