ASHBURTON RACECOURSE IMPROVEMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1092, 5 November 1883, Page 2

ASHBURTON RACECOURSE IMPROVEMENTS.

We have more than once had occasion to refer to.the rapid and substantial progress which has been made by the Ashburton Racing Club during the past two' years, and in noticing the improvements on the course just now approaching completion, we are again compelled to remind our readers of the very indifferent arrangements which existed even so recently as ttie Autumn meeting of 1882. The building which was then designated grandstand by courtsey, was erected by Messrs Parkin and Compton in 1876, and while its architecture was more quaint than ornate, it proved to be a very serviceable ibuilding, although at the time many prudent friends of the Club regarded the structure as far in advance of all probable requirements during the present decade. That it would be sufficient for all immediate demands appeared to be generally admitted until the spring of last year, when a combination of encouraging cir cumatances emboldened the Committee to set a-side L 250 for building and other improvements. The judicious expenditure of this sum gave the Club the present saddling paddock, lawn, horse stalls, balcony and offices, which have done good service at the last two meetings. Starting the present season with some JLI7O in hand the policy of progression still inspired the Committee, and they determined to carry their improvements a stage further by the erection of a grand stand—a building purely entitled to the epithet—and other conveniences. The stand, which is 38ft by 27ft, is built of brick on concrete foundations, and has sitting accommodation for about 250 people, while fully 100 more could find room on the platform above the seating The roof is supponed in front by iron columns with ornamental wrought iron brackets. The north west end of the building is closed with glass, and the opposite end, in which direction it is proposed to extend the stand anothes 36 feet at a future date is simply weather-boarded. Beneath the stand, approached from the north-west end is a ladies’ retiring room suitably fitted up, and from the back entrance is gained a commodious liar, 251 t x 24ft, and a luncheon room 25ft x 12ft. The balcony already referred to has been fitted with stewards’ and reporters’ stands, each offering ample accommodation for those important functionaries. A number of other small improvements will be noticed by the patrons of the Club. The whole of the work has been very creditably executed by Messrs Nelson and Ooutts, from plans prepared by Messrs looks and Son.