MR STEAD AND THE DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 11696, 22 July 1890, Page 2

MR STEAD AND THE DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

Dunedin, July 21. , In a letter written by Mr Stead to the D.J.C. in connection with the dispute ■with himself and other owners, Mr Stead says he has made no charges of corruption against the Club's handicapper and a particular stable, and of the condonement by the Committee. On the contrary, he and others refrained from defining the .reasons, which led to the withdrawal of their horses, as, whilst bo much party feeling existed, no good could result unless an inquiry was held before an outside racing body. In concluding he says that if any passages in his lottors can be quoted which bear out the construction put upon them, he -will withdraw them. If he is made the subject of a personal attack for giving expression to the,dissatisfaction felt by the owners, he will not hesitate to defend himself totha end. The D.J.C, in reply, p»int out that the question is one affecting the honesty and integrity of the handicapper in connection with a particular stable, with the knowledge and approval of some, if not all, the members of the Committee. The interpretation which must be put on the insinuations has been pointed out to Mr Stead repeatedly, but he has persistently refused either to amplify them or disclaim the interpretation put upon them. The Committee feel it would be a useless waste of time to continue the correspondence, as if Mr Stead has reasonable evidence in support pf his insinuations, or even good grounds for suspicion, the Committee Lave a right to be tnado aware of them, when they will assist in every possible way to investigate and bring the parties, if found guilty, to disgrace and punishment. If, on the other hand, he has unwittingly used expressions calculated to be injurious to the reputation of men who hare long held, and still hold, honourable positions, it cannot be considered derogatory to any gentleman to disclaim the intention of having disputed their honorable motives. The Committee think these are the only two courses open, and leave it for him to decjde between them. The accompanying letter is a copy of one sent to Mr Dowes, the handicapper, in which he is called upon to resign if ho cleats to bring an an action against Mr Stead : — " The Committee will allow the acceptance of your resignation to remain in abeyance pending the results of the action."