SPORTING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 10552, 29 February 1896, Page 2

SPORTING.

TURF ITEMS,

Mr G. Garry will probably compose a new march on an inspiration he got during tho local Anniversary Eaco Meoting. After the race for the T.J.C. Handicap, which was won by Pom Pom, a deaf and dumb gentleman, owner of a pony, approached him, and by his own signs wanted to know what horse had won. As tho gentleman did not know the ordinary deaf aud dumb alphabet, Mr Garry for a moment was in a quandary how to convey the information desired. However, an idea struck him, and seizing the drum stick, he gave two resounding whacks on the big drum, whereat the questioning geutleraan clapped his hand?, as much as to say, " I twig," which he had good cause " to twig," considering he had backed the winner.

Tho Taranaki Jockey Clnb made a profit of over £200 from the Anniversary Meeting. , There is some talk of tho Conference at next sitting altering or rather binding down the definition of a hack. The people on this coast bad better bestir thomselves and sco that the racing which they have fostered and encouraged ia not sacrificed for the sake of those who would like to run the racing game on their own throughout New Zealand. Sinco some Southern horses got such a reverse at the Manawatu 'Xmas meeting there has been an agitation to bring in the ridiculous rule of " ouce a hack always a hack," but the game won't wash. There is every evidence, aud a proper spirit to foster too, thai the day must come when tho North Island bhould have its own controlling body. Bar tho New Zealand Cup and tho Grand National Steeplechase, the best part of the field iv both of ■which oventa como from the North Island, wo in tho North Island have not tho slightest interest in South Island racing. If such a menace is threatened to our so-called hack racing, th«n it is time for the North Island clubs to muster their forces, and show that tho North Island is going to have some say in the racing game, for which they breed, rear, train, and race. The next Conferonco should not only sco tho merits of this case fought out, but a lot of other details. If we are going to be ruled from Christchurch in the racing lino, let it be ; if not, let us \rako up, and soe that the North Island gets justice. Wo have been too quiescent, and it is time that our ropnaontatives at tho Conferouco take a determined stand when it is proposed to exterminate tho so-called hack system of the West Coast of tho North Island, where are located tho bost clubs, in every boiisb, that oxint in New Zealand. If it comes to a question of North v. South wo will' see who wins.