Alleged Attempt to Bribe a Handicapper.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11166, 29 January 1904, Page 6

Alleged Attempt to Bribe a Handicapper.

What Ib Sport Coming to?

We- publish, .below a .couple qf letters — which explain themselves— taken from the Stratford Post. The runner referred to is understood- *o have presented himself at the Stratford 'Meeting yesterday but was not allowed to start. Sfr,— The following letter has been received by me and speaks for itself:— "- = - (Copy.) - ' : - - , Jan. 14, 1904. "Mr Xivell. Dear sir.— No doubt you^ will think it strange by hearing from me, as I am almost a stranger to you— bar meeting you at Eltham on the second day of the Carnival there, when I was there running. and, you, sir, were so kind as to give me'^Tfe gun in the start for the final i ■ of tire Sheffield; but I am very sorry that it was no good to me, as I did not^feel myself tfc-lt ' day. I" have nominated at your' gp'bfts?— at least I sent them last vteek— andl"siT, as I see that you are handicapper, I thought I would drop you -thisiidf&j though L don't .think., for one. moment that" you would favour me one bit-/mo.re< -than anyone else. • But I will, put it" io you this way, sir : if- 1 am on a good "mark' in the races that I am in and Eaveany luck, . l will give you a good cut. out of what' I win, also a cut out of the ' betting, i" am also taking down with me, who I am sure- will be a good bet, whatever lie is 1 after; if.oti a good., mark., ■ Now,, I " hope you won't be annoyed at me writing to you like this. biit, as we, all know, footracing is not al- , ways straight. I will be at Stratford a> Yew"days" before the Sports, so I hope to. see you. I will close wishing, you, sir, a j "Happy New Year." — I remain, yours. truly,'" " •""'•■'•■■ T--_ir : . . As the above was [sent to -me and I am accused of fixing up the starter at .El- ; thanv I , a -m_ pleased to be able to state that'l'was -Hot at the Eltham Carnival, .anxf 'that personally I do not know, the •writer. Also, I' have placed' the above letter • £a the hands of the Stratford Caledonian-, .Society, .as I have never lent myself to' ■ sugli practices and never will, as I am a , true lover of sport and always like to' see' 'the best men win, but not by a swindle. .1 m"ay,"say"±hafc'< more "will' be heard of this; attempt to bribe a handicapper. — Yours,, etc., >- , . R. H. KIVELL. Stratford, January 19, 1904.