THE RACE COURSE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 25, 22 November 1879, Page 4

THE RACE COURSE.

Notwitstanding a bad season last year, progrostications of no money for racing this year, and a feelingof doubt among the Racing Club members that if a meeting were held, they would have to do as the old committee did years ago here—advertise large stakes and then pay nobody—the meeting was an unqualified success. The sneers of some, and the impecuniosity of others, did not effect the question of the races, being held, nor the ability of the ' stewards to pay ; for although in some cases the fields were not large, the quality of the sport was better than that usually seen at more important meetings, and, what is more, the Committee will have, after paying 411 their ' liabilities, fully a hundred pounds to their credit. As the Committee have so far disappointed those who predicted a “ miserable failure” for the Spring meeting, it is probable that the Caledonian Society will also “ disappoint the same public spirited individuals. It is now • settled that the sports will be held on the racecourse and it is probable that the Bacing Club and the Caledonian Society will come to some understaning, so as to hold the ground jointly, and be thus enabled to devote alarger sum towards permanent improvements. It is to be hoped that this desirable amalgamation will take place, and we should like to see another body join the proposed partnership—the Agricultural and pastoral association. As the ground, held by the Racing Club is of sufficient area to accommodate all the societies, being 146 acres in extent, we feel confident that if an agreement can be arranged between tha three bodies, a really grand public park and pleasure-ground will be made in a very few years ; and when a belt of trees is planted, the present dreary expanse of tussock will assume a a, more verdant and arborial appearance.