“IN ENGLAND NOW.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18642, 20 December 1928, Page 8

“IN ENGLAND NOW.”

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—l read Mr Rattray’s impressions of his tour, published in Tuesday’s “ Star,” with great interest, and in reply to “ Woodbine,” and “ Homie • and Colonial.” take issue with them in support of Mr Rattray, who, I think, studied conditions on the Continent and in England with a keen mind. In view of the controversy, I beg to quote extracts of my impressions, published in the “ Star ” three years ago. In regard to the Dole, I said:— “The growth of unemployment (now equal to the whole population of New Zealand) and the general depression of trade are adding to the already crippling burdens of the tax and ratepayer. Any number of towns are expending £6OOO and over a week in outdoor relief, while thousands of rateoavers are in arrears (Barrow £BO,OOO outstanding). The Government are apparently afraid to cut out the Dole and so are really paying men to refuse work. I heard of a scandalous instance o£/fts abuse. Daily, men are before the court for drunkenness, etc., who are in receipt of it. Unemplovment in England is a grievous increasing problem. The policy of high costs and low production has already taken a terrible toll. By way of illustrating costs increase—at the general meeting of the Calico Printers’ Association it was stated that in 1924 the rates and taxes of the company amounted to £66,000, for the past year thev were £356,000.” If there is anyone in New Zealand capable of judging racing conditions, surely Mr Rattray is. “Homie and Colonial" apparentlv does not think so. Mr Rattray could have been far more severe. My impression was as follows:—Families dating from William the Conqueror and “ King Canute ” have all sorts of privileges all over England, and will have them “ for ever.” Class distinction abounds, private seats and stands at racecourses and sports grounds are common, and the occupants are answerable to no one—from father to son. Coming from the new countries, an Australian or New Zealander is amazed at many things in connection with racing in England. Entrances, paddocks, food and many other charges are higher. The courses are not so up-to-date; many of the motor approaches and entrances would disgrace a country course in New Zealand. The congestion at Goodwood and Doncaster after the races was an eyeopener (about a quarter of a million attend Doncaster on St Leger Day, and the train and car service is not a patch on that of Christchurch). The patience of the public is simply marvellous. “ Glorious Goodwood ” —I would describe as two paddocks with a gully between. Doncaster is quite superior and has an up-to-date jockey's’ board—the only one I saw in England. The latter course is municipallv owned and the town gets the profit, while Goodwood is owned by the Duke of Richmond tnd one pay's heavily to be his guest. On Cup Day* the charges are increased, as in many other things in England. Heaven knows why, except that William the Conqueror or King Canute did it, and so it continues —and will “ for ever.” “ For ever ” means something in England. There is no exaggeration about the following sketch which I wrote on the back of my race-book, on the spot (1925):—Scene: The Rails, just in front of King George and other members of the Royal family. (People swarm over the course between races in England—Ragtime rules —and patient police clear ’em off seven times.) After the big race. Defiance won at big odds. Big-mouthed tipster rushing up, “ Where’s all the tipsters gone ? Defiance ! Defiance ! I tipped it —wot a beauty'! Good old Defiance! I am the only tipster in the ring to-day—-look ’ere, I’ll show yer wot I know—’undred pun if I lie—from the stables—*ere’s the circular—’ere’s the telegram—if it don’t win don’t pay me—l don’t want no money off y'cr —Epsom—I •know a cert. I know a two-year-old wat can’t get l>eat—l know one that’ll win by four lengths,” etc. At this point an excited mug punter rushes up and says he had 33 s, and the tipster goes for his life once more —too fast for me to write it on the back of my race book.

A bystander told me that this tipster didn’t live within miles of Epsom. All this and much more takes place in the din and roar of the ring—some shyster* dress up in fanev costumes. On the course, peaches are Is, pears 6d each, etc. As the guest of the Duke of Richmond (Goodwood) you pay 7s 6d for lunch, plus a tip of £2 for Tatts. His profit for three days is £30,000, and when he dies his son will carry on—and so on for all time—no one squeals— King Canute did it—and so it continues.—l am, etc.. G. T ROBINSON.