Mexborough and Swinton Times, July 12.
Donkey Dispute
The donkey race at the recent sports at Conisborough, was highly amusing to the spectators, but it caused the sports committee some anxiety on Monday evening when a “settling up” meeting was held at the Eagle and Child Hotel.
The donkey first-past the winning post was Mr J. Crossland’s “Flying Fox,” Conisborough, but an objection was laid against it in writing by the owners of “Shamrock,” Mr W Boswell, Doncaster.
His allegation was that “Flying Fox” did not keep to the course, and as “Shamrock” passed the post second he claimed the race.
The meeting, which was largely attended, discussed the matter at some length, one or two speakers got so warm that the chairman Mr W.W Norwood, had to call them to order.
About a dozen persons who are acting as officials give their version of what happened, and eventually, on being put to the vote, the objection was upheld by a very narrow majority.
This practically amounted to a disqualification of Mr Crossland’s “Flying Fox.” “Shamrock” was awarded first prize, a silverplated teapot, valued at £1. 10s, and the second prize, a toast rack, valued at 10 shillings was awarded to Mr J.V. Roomes “Syneros” who passed the post next after “Shamrock”
On the decision of the meeting be made known one person present was so upset that he began to use language which was painful and frequent and free. He also declared he had “done with the sports forever,” which was rather unkind, because after all, what is a trifling dispute against a donkey race compared with the success of the Conisborough Cricket Club Annual sports?
It is to be hoped that the incident would not lead to a split, for if it goes both the town and the club will suffer.
Just imagine how ridiculous it would be to have two record that in the history of Conisborough the people were seriously divided on the merits of a donkey race!