NOT SUCH AN EASY BILLET AS IT LOOKS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 942, 26 March 1908, Page 6

NOT SUCH AN EASY BILLET AS IT LOOKS.

Mr. F. Morris, one of the stipendiary ■stewards in West Australia, has handed in his resignation, which has been accepted by the W.A.T.C. committee. In commenting on this, the “ Sydney Referee” says:—The retiring steward has the reputation of having been one of the most capable men obtainable, and some difficulty may be obtained in securing a suitable successor. The emoluments of office in connection with an appointment of this description allure many who are totally unfitted for the position for which they have been induced to apply, as, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the rules of racing, the possession of several other qualifications is imperative. An appointment of this kind is no sinecure, and one which it is almost impossible to hold and give satisfaction to everyone. When paid stewards err on the side of leniency, both the general public and their employers are apt to criticise their weakness; and, when the possibility occurs of their having been over-zeal-ous in the execution of their duty by depriving some struggling owner, trainer, or rider of his means of livelihood, they make enemies for ever of all concerned, together with their sympathetic friends. There are frequently extenuating circumstances connected with many a ramp, which, when being made known to the stewards, has carried sufficient weight to effect their decisions, and the offenders have escaped their desserts through what was for them the fortunate presence of a certain amount of sentiment in the make-up of those before whom they have been arraigned. Under these conditions the man totally devoid of sentiment would appear to have at least one of the qualifications necessary to become a successful racing steward, but before being too long at the game he would be likely to find that this, on anything pertaining to the Turf, is not all that is required to fill the bill. Those holding stewardships of this kind have, if truth were known, found it difficult to have the whole of their official actions approved by their employers, to say nothing of the public, whom they are supposed to be appointed to protect. The responsibilities of a handicapper are great, but a competent official can invariably justify his figures to the satisfaction of his masters, notwithstanding owners’ opinions. But the professional steward is open to adverse criticism from many quarters, and, needless to say, he gets it.