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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 77, 23 March 1880, Page 2

The Christchurch Revibiv. The number of men likely to take part in the Review, on Easter Monday, now amounts to over 1700 rank and file, the latest additions being a detatchment of over 100 men from Nelson and the Wellington Guards, w r ho expect to receive their new uniforms from England in time for the Hineraoa, which will bring the men from Northern ports. The influx of visitors for two such attractive events as the Review and the races combined should have a decidedly enlivening effect on the city.— “ Press.” The Governor and the Turf. —At the Napier J ockey Club dinner on Friday, his Excellency, in responding to the toast of his health, said nothing in New Zealand pleased him more than to see the good old English sports and pastimes produced here and flourishing as on their native soil. These national outdoor games constituted an important feature in the formation of a sound and vigorous national character. As they all knew, he was himself fond of horse racing, and, properly carried out, it was one of the most legitimate amusements in which men could indulge. It was a means not only of improving the breed of racehorses, but of affording amusement which not only men, but “ their sisters, their cousins, and their aunts ” could appreciate. It was this participation in the fine old English sport which prevented the turf degenerating into an institution for betting and gambling.