THE JOHNSONVILLE MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 314, 30 July 1896, Page 8

THE JOHNSONVILLE MEETING.

Commendable action of the stewards—They stand no nonsense—A bookmaker disqualified for life for using grossly abusive language to the stewards—Proceedings should be instituted in S.M. Court —The ownership of Cyclone — A prominent and well-known trotting owner disqualified for using abusive language to the handicapper —Cyclone disqualified for inconsistent running—The Club are hereby congratulated for running the meeting in the interests of trotting.

A special meeting of the stewards of the Johnsonville Trotting Club was held on Saturday evening. A resolution was carried that John Flanagan, bookmaker, be disqualified for life, on the ground that he had used grossly insulting and abusive language to the stewards at the Johnsonville Trotting Meeting on the Club’s grounds on the 24th inst. 1

Considerable evidence was taken with regard to the ownership of Cyclone, and the secretary was instructed to obtain ceitain further evidence in the matter, and to report to a meeting to be held at an early date. The Club’s official handicapper, Mr A. Elbourne, of Hawke’s Bay, and one of the most competent men in New Zealand in handicapping trotting horses, reported that Mr Jas. Rettie, the owner of Billy Buttons, had used threatening and abusive language towards him in regard to the handicapping of Billy Buttons for the meeting. This complaint was fully substantiated by several stewards present. It was resolved that the Club was in duty bound to protect its officials, and unanimously decided to disqualify Mr Jas. Pettie (owner of Billy Buttons) during the pleasure of the Club. The secretary was instructed to lay before the North Island Trotting Association the facts which led up to the above disqualifications, with a view to having them endorsed throughout the colony.