“THE RINGER”

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1931, Page 15

“THE RINGER”

"PAY FIRST PAST THE POST.” (By “Moturoa.”) In the had old days when bookmakers used to bet at sports meetings the “ringer” was not unknown, and many tales could be told of altered appearances in prominent athletes brought about by means of hair dye, skin stain and other cosmetics. A well-known Aucklander changed his red hair to black, and cleaned up many events, including two or three “maidens,” in the Paeroa-Wai hi-Thames district. But his friends became very alarmed when the “ginger’’ commenced to show through again, and a hurried rush was made°for the city. But Tim Troy, who was not only a leading athlete himself, but also “put on the bag” at country sports gatherings, scored as neat a one in Taranaki as could be imagined. The story.goes that he met a chap named Ginger Griffin, and told his protege how good money could be made; and Ginger fell into the trap. Ginger’s flowing locks and glossy moustache fell like wheat before the reaper, and at the finish his own mother would not have known him. Under a ‘crook name he entered for a maiden event, and duly started. Tim wouldn t lay Ginger, but fielded gaily against the rest? Home came Ginger, singing rag-

time, but he had hardly broken the tape when one of the Websters pointed him out as a “ringer,” and Ginger was hailed before the stewards and asked to sign an affidavit regarding his identity. This Ginger declined to do, and he was disqualified. Then the crowd who had backed the winner with Troy rushed along to collect, but Tim met them coldly, and refused to “part.” They began to get nasty, and the position looked ugly. Everyone was excited except Tim. He stood the racket for a time, and then showed his teeth. “Go on,” he said, “what’s the matter with you? Haven’t ary one of you ever been to school?” Yes, of course they had, but what had that to do with it? they wanted their money and were determined to get it. “Don’t be foolish,” said Tim, with a mock show of impatience, “just read your tickets and you will see whether you will get paid or not.” They quickly scanned the bits of paste-board. There, op each, in small print they read: “Pay First Past The Post.” Tim then started to bet on the big sprint, while the crowd melted.