COURSING NOTES

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 965, 26 June 1897, Page 15

COURSING NOTES

Disclosures last week in connection with coursing affairs show how the old story of 'killing the goose' is invariably begun. With the punishment of the self -conf eased offender, there arises an increase of confi dence in the local executive of coursing affairs. The evidence pointed to the fact that * black Bheep' amongst local couraerß are .few. Regarding the management of the A.C.C., one thing only seemß wanting, and that iB 'initial force ' not to let outsiders take things in their own hands even in the slightest detail. Only last meeting, an owner talked of withdrawing a dog after an undecided course, probably thinking thereby to save his wagers. I think he would have been mistaken on that point. Some bookmakers, too, make a mistake in,opening too largely on local coursing. The ramifications of coorsing in Auckland are small. But when outsiders arrive purely animated with gold-greed, local pencillers would be following a better policy to cry Bmall. It is pleasing, bb I said before, to find that the management of the A.C.G. still retain the confidence of so large a number of coursers, but if many such contretempts occur as the one previously alluded to, this will not be sufficient to keep the sport going The management require to keep their eyeß open, to watch every detail, and be prepared to take initiatory steps when necessary, and not wait for chance developments to disclose unsavoury matters.

St. Simon is nominated for both Grand National events at Christchurch. Waiuku has been backed in all centres of the colony for the New Zealand Cup\ . The weights for the New Zealand Cap are due to make their appearance on July Ist. . A commission in favour of Eurocly- . don for the New Zealand Cap was executed locally last week. £1000 to 70 was the amount taken. There are still backers of Euroclydon at the same price. Under existing circumstances re betting affaire, it was only to be expected that the projected Takapuna extra gathering should fall through. The A.8.0., who previously had the application before them and had to consider it, could do no other than refuse to pass the programme. Apart from the cause alluded to above, the meeting was really not wanted, especially so soon after the National gathering. Bookmakers are still being hard pressed Sydney side. In Victoria, these betting matters are quiescent. With special reason for coercive measures, each Colony may be depended on to do what it may seem necessary to do. But it is not necessary, as some ultra-officious people seem inclined to imagine, for each colony, without the same undeniable reasons, to follow, sheep-like, the lead of New South Wales. Legitimate bookmakers are at present sufferers through the inability or men to find a means of stamping out undesirable turf manipulators without striking also at reputable men. ■ Mr Leonard Marshall left last week for a tour round the world. It can hardly be called a trip to [England, as he will be there but a couple of weeks if he carries out his stated programme. Mr Marshall hopes to bring out a couple of ' ciinkers ' from the Home -market. A moneyed man like, him can easily afford to bring the best. His luck at the game has not been any way near to the best, but bar one or two at the most, he has not had the real ' stuff ' to operate on. With good class importations he may be successful, but we have some almost as good as any that he will find available in England. Major George's final step towards relinquishing direct interest in racing is embodied in the advertised sale list of the balance of his racing stock. Regrets at the loss of such a patron to sport are now a long way behind time, as the Wapiti stud master has practically given up racing for. some months. But these regrets, which slumbered, are now revived by the the publicity given to this final step towards an exit from racing of one of the sport's former beßt Bupportors. Still, with an inherent love for racing, such as is ever strong in the breasts of all Britishers and their descendants, there! is always a hope, that what is supposed to be lost permanently is only a temporary loss.