STRATFORD INCIDENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 5, 6 January 1940, Page 4

STRATFORD INCIDENT

DEMONSTRATION “ENJOYED" VIEWPOINT OF A PUNTER i Although it. gave many punters ' more than a few anxious moments and tempers for a while became quite strained, the incident in connection with the incorrect placings hoisted after the running of the Toko Highweight at Stratford last Tuesday had its humorous side. • ‘Gee, I enjoyed it!" was the comment. passed by a feminine punter 1o a Taranaki Herald reporter after the ; demonstration. "I was one of the I first to get near the judge’s box, and after I got there I couldn’t get out again. Neither could anybody else. One man came to the door of the judge’s box and looked as if he was coming out. but when he saw’ the crowd around and heard the hooting he changed his mind." As is usually the case with the general public, very few’ had any idea where the horses finished with the exception of the particular one he or she had backed, and complete strangers argued and chatted excitedly as they backed around the judge’s box. One remark to raise a laugh was 'addressed to the sk. as six Royal Air Force aeroplanes engaged in manoeuvres flew overhead. "Hey. here's the i judge’s box. Drop a bomb on it.’’ 'shouted an irate punter, and even the ; most antagonistic of the crowd took i time off to laugh. • “So many numbers went up and down that I didn't know what had 'happened myself." said .-.nother de- ■ monstrator. “I didn't kr hot her Itn cheer or to ‘boo.’ >gh I I thought if was sure to <•< ght at | the finish.” i The final growl came from the hackers of Prince Rangi. one of the • dead-heaters. They received more j for their place investment than for . their win, a position that often oc- , curs when there is a dead-heat for