SPORTING

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7716, 4 May 1916, Page 3

SPORTING

REEFTON RACING CLUB. (Per Press Association). REEFTON, This day. The weather was fine for the Reefton races, but the going was soft. There was a large attendance. The totalisator returns amounted to £6755, an increase of £269 on last year. Results:— 'Progress Trot.—Corbett 1, Lettitia 2, Fairy Whsipers 3. Thirteen started. Won by two lengths. Time, 2.58 D 5. Autumn Handicap.—Hamilton 1, Waikehua 2, British Rose 3. Scratched—Waipunui. Won by two lengths. Time, 2.14. County Handicap.—Clanmena 1, Divorce 2, Wild Biard 3. Also started Te Anau, Florance. Won by a length and a half. Time, 1.10. Reef ton Trot. —King William 1, Voter 2, Sergt. Havelock 3. Seven started. Won by a length and a half. Time, 5.14. Flying.—Caraid Dileas 1, Tip Up 2, Sea King 3. Scratched—Clanmena, Don Charles, Florance. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.4. Farewell Handicap.—lzbubar 1, Listen 2, Tread fire 3. Won by a length. Time, 1.27. ASHBURTON RACES. ASHBURTON, This day. Fine weather prevails for the races and there is a good attendance. Results : First Hurdles. —Crib 1, Miscal 2, Cast Iron 3.. Scratched —Copper Boy. Time, 3.14 1-5. Longbeach Hack.—Bandy 1, Finless 2, Bellshire 3. Scratched—Highwater. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.14 2-5. Cup.—Chrysotis 1, Martius 2, Oxenhope 3. All started. Won by two lengths. Time, 2.6 3-5.

The Premier of Queensland has received a little bill for £16,000,000 from an unknown identity. There is hot much doubt, however, that the claim is from a well-known person. This interesting personality has been quiescent for some time, and as there has been a change of Government since he last submitted his bill, the present is an opportune occasion for liim to put in his account. This time he has magnanimously refrained from claiming the odd shillings and pence, being merely content with a round 16 millions. On that sum being forthcoming he will be prepared to forego any further claims—even to compensation for the invention of telephones. The claimant bases his bill on the fact that a reward of £IO,OOO was offered years ago for the discovery of a new goldfield (states the Brisbane “Daily Standard”). He claims to have discovered the Clermont goldfield, but as the £IO,OOO was not paid to him he lias been adding to that sum compound interest each year—with the assistance of an accountant—till the amount has now assumed the alarming proportions of £16,000,000! All the various Governments and Ministers—Premiers and Treasurers, in particular—have been assailed in turn, hut all have been obdurate and too miserly to unbutton their pockets. Appeals to the Commonwealth and to the King have been equally unsuccessful, and with each year’s delay the amount increases considerably. When last heard of the claim was for about 15 millions odd.