CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 738, 17 November 1870, Page 2

CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

(To the Editor of the Weslport Times and Charleston Argus.) Sir, I would crave your indulgence for the insertion of a few remarks, on a matter of public interest. Charleston, like many otber towns, at this period of the year, has its canvassers, for tho purpose of raising funds to furnish amusement during the Christmas holidays. Now the main object, in furnishing amusement, should be to give general satisfaction. I am well aware it would be impossible to please everybody, yet the amount of dissatisfaction expressed everywhere, vith regard to horseracing being held here this year tends to convince me that the movement will not be so successful as heretofore. Horseracing in itself is a most pleasing amusement, under favourable circumstances, otherwise it would be an. outrage to one's feelings. I profess the greatest regard for racing, and have often travelled many a mile to witness a contest, but catch me wending my way to Fred Hall's beach for the expi'ess purpose of seeing the exciting finish between Polly Glot and Koowekup, Not for Joe ! Oue great obstacle is, that the prizes offered will not be sufficient to induce owners to bring horses from a distance, and beside two horses in this district, they are a sorry lot, of course suitable to perform the labor required of them, but as to running for public money, it is simply absurd, and making a complete burlesque of racing. The feeling prevalent, for which there is very good grounds of belief, that the races are got up for the benefit of two or three interested persons, has caused many, aye, a great many, to refuse patronising the fund, who, otherwise, would have subscribed, as on former occasions. It may be ai'gued that heretofore meetings in this place have been successful. There may have been a few, but there can be no question that more than two-thirds of the people present did not enjoy themselves, and simply attended because there was nothing else to see. Why not have athletic sports '? There are athletes amongst us who would do credit to any arena in New Zealand. lam sure that, even passable athletic sports are preferable to worse than mediocre horseracing, and would prove more beneficial to the town generally.—Tours truly, Echo. Charleston, Nov. 14.