THE ENFIELD CUP "RACE."

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 55

THE ENFIELD CUP "RACE."

At a meeting of the council of the League of New Zealand Wheelman, held on February 6, the matter of the fining of the five competitors £5 each in the recent Enfield Cup Race for alleged collusion by tha North Canterbury centre came up for consideration. Mr Smith said that only a small percentage of the stewards had given evidence, and it would have been more satisfactory had more e^ idence been heard. The sentences on the offending riders had been too light, and a term of disqualification should certainly have been inflicted. Mr Leeming said that there seemed to be no conclusive evidence of collusion against Baker, who might, possibly have been allowed to win without his knowledge. Mr Smith said that he thought the whole race had been a "fake," and should be declared null. The evidence bad been. quite sufficient. Tho Chairman (Mr A. Duff) moved that the riders concerned in the race (J. Arpst. Wyatt, Baker, Mehrtens, and Campionj should be disqualified for 12 months in addition to the fine inflicted by the centre, and that the race should be declared void. Mr Smith seconded the motion. Mr Barker said that he did not think two penalties should be inflicted for one offence. The league had accepted the fines, and the maximum penalty should not be inflicted for the first offence. The Chairman said that racing had nofc been what it should be. Cases of collusion" were very difficult to prove, and a severe penalty would do something to stop the fraudulent practices. Mr Barker eaid that the men should be given a chance, and would have felt the £5 fine. Mr Leemfng safd thafc * £5 fine and disqualification for 12 months seemed a lighft enough penalty for the offence of collusion.i He did nofc feel satisfied, however, that tho I charge had been sufficiently proved against* Baker, the man who won the race. Baked might possibly have ridden fairly. The Chairman said that the official* had agreed that all the riders had beeqi concerned. ""•". Mr Wood moved ad an amendment that the race should be declared void, no Ivoy ther penalty being inflicted. Mr Barker seconded the amendment. The amendment wo lost;. Mr Barker moved- as * further amend., ment that the council should support th<» action of the centre. He said that tha evidence had not been rery strong, and

'ie council should not deal too severely ith the riders. was not seconded. The motion was rejected by three to fro. Mr Leeming moved that the league mould reopen the case and call for the evidence of those officials who had not given evidence. Mr Smith seconded the motion, which was carried.