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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19787, 10 March 1927, Page 7

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ON THE CROSS OF SPEED MOTOR RACING “BUTCHERY” HOBART, March 6. ‘‘Motor-racing panders to a certain section of the public who like the excitement of seeing their fellow-crea-tures dicing with death,” declared the Coroner (Mr. Crosby Gilmore) at the inquest on the death of Gerald Harry Roberts, aged 19, of Bellerive, who was killed while competing in a motor cycle race on Sorell racecourse on February The Coroner added: ‘‘lt seems that in motor-racing everything is crucified on the cross of speed. Of course, no game is worth a rap without a spice of danger, but that is rational risk, as opposed to irrational risk. ‘‘l do not know whether drivers in motor races can be said to be butchered sometimes to make a public holiday, hut they are sometimes butchered to advertise a particular make of engine, or build of car, or brand of oil. In fact, commercialism, and not sport, is at the bottom of motor-racing The benefit is to the few, and not to the many.” Expressing the opinion that something should be done either to stop or to regulate motor racing, the Coroner suggested a conference of those interested to consider whether the races should continue, and if they were to be continued to draw np riles which would minimise the risk of life. One Coroner tn Sydney had suggested a speed limit, but he did not see how that could be practicable in racing. A verdict of accidcntal death was returned. The Coroner said the Autocycle Club could not be accused of negligence.