100 years ago — from our archives
MANY of those who are anxious to bring about a curtailment or absolute cessation of racing during the war are clearly imbued with the idea that it is merely a pleasure and waste of money, that could be stopped with as little inconvenience to the public as shutting the doors of a theatre. Many others are grasping the opportunity to hurl a stone at the sport because they are against all forms of pleasure, war or no war. Anyone who has given careful consideration to the subject must admit that racing and breeding hold a vested interest in the Dominion, and hence cannot be shut off or turned on at the irresponsible whim and opinions of those who are not financially interested either one way or the other. The state of affairs which existed in the prewar days induced hundreds of people to invest capital in the breeding and the purchase of horses. A complete stoppage of racing would completely ruin many people who have been connected with racing and breeding all their lives. It is not the rich breeder who is entitled to the most consideration, but the man of moderate means — the man who has been a jockey, trainer, or breeder all his life, and whose every copper and means of livelihood begin and end with racing. Racing is a national pastime, and the inherent love of sport and the horse has resulted in thousands of men adopting some of the many industries connected with the horse as a means of obtaining a living; and before expressing an opinion as to whether racing should be continued or stopped, the interests of those who are principally concerned in the matter should be given just and fair consideration. — Sentinel.
A rather novel sight was witnessed near Maungatua a few days ago, when the locomotion of 50 years ago met that of the present day, the former proving more reliable. A West Taieri farmer who owns a motor car set out on a journey with his lady friends, but forgetting for a moment that the steering gear, if manipulated the wrong way, might turn the car off the track, found himself and friends firmly deposited in a creek. All efforts to restore the car to the track failed; but happily a teamster and his bullocks came in sight. The bullock team, being hitched to the car, soon righted matters, and the car again sped on its way.
For the sixth year in succession a class has been formed at the Technical College for instruction in woolclassing and study of wool characteristics. Woolgrowing is the staple industry of the dominion. In the city there are a number interested in one way or another, and there are others who intend going on the land in the future. A special course of instruction has been arranged for those with little or no experience in wool. Much practical work is done from time to time in addition to the study of wool characteristics. Mr J. A. Roberts has again arranged for a supply of excellent wool.
A wellknown Dunedin solicitor will make his appearance at the Police Court on Monday to answer a charge of loitering on the footpath and refusing to move on when requested to do so by a constable. It is alleged that the solicitor was standing in the middle of the footpath conversing with another man when they were asked to move on. The other man started to do so, when it is alleged that the solicitor said: ‘‘Come here — don’t go away,’’ and that he then turned to the policeman and said: ‘‘You go away about your business, and don’t interfere with me. I pay my rates. Why don’t you go round the corner and shift some of those bookmakers?’’ — ODT, 31.3.1917.