204 ON AND ov^ TnE TVne. 



and altogether quite upheld his American reputation 

 in this respect. He was given a hearty reception on 

 his arrival at the Gymnastic Club in York Street, and 

 if he had been contented with sparring exhibitions he 

 would have made money. 



At these boxing-matches there were present 

 eminent lawyers, members of both houses of the 

 legislature, and prominent men in various professions 

 and businesiies. When the police commenced to take 

 notice of these affairs, boxing soon went down hill, 

 and at the present time it is at a low ebb. 



When the Carrington running grounds were 

 opened in Bourke Street, Sydney, there was an extra- 

 ordinary amount of interest taken in foot racing. The 

 Sir Joseph Banks* grounds at Botany, almost on the 

 shores of the historic bay, had been established some 

 years by Mr. Frank Smith. Big stakes were given to 

 be run for, as much as £600 for a handicap or more. 

 Thousands of pounds changed hands over these 

 handicaps, and well-known bookmakers kept stables 

 of runners instead of race-horses. " Backing talking 

 horses,^' is, however, a risky game, and so it proved 

 in the long run. We had several good runners in the 

 Referee office on the composing staff. One of 

 them, Charles Merchant, won the first Carrington 

 Handicap, value over £600, I think, and in all he 

 landed four of these handicaps. He must have won a 

 heap of money, but I am afraid he has not kept it* 



