NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 14, 11 October 1917, Page 3

NOTES AND COMMENTS

fBY. QLBKOOIi. , ! The programme for the Wairarapa. Racing Club's one-day Summer Iteming ia advertised in this issue. Heavy rain fell at Masterton last night, and the track ia likely to be heavy for to-day's, racing. Big fields are engaged in all the events, and the raoinc promises to be interesting. x In the Hack Hurdles Colorado, showed -winning form at Dannevirke may bo well supported, also Yarilla. Moulu and 8k Solo are both certain to run well. There ie a big field in tho Trial Stakes, and the runners include several, two-year-olde who will be making thoir first appearance under silk. Amongst the number arc Finraark, tho full-brother to Estland and Penury Boso, -who haiis from Opaki. Of the oidor division, Coolpan, who showed a lot of pace at llartou, and - Matilda may be tho best. Several first-class performed are engaged in the Flyinj Handicap, in which i the issue appoars to be deoidedJy open. ] Storrie Poto won bo comfortably at Olaki I that he is sure to be well fancied, au is liatly General, who was unlucky in tho l'iinning at Otaki. but wjio has dono well Binco. Ohuckle, the full-eiiter to Chortle, has many friends. *v Those , accepted for' in the mile Hack Race include Thoughtful, a winner at Otaki, and Nobleman, runner-jip at Otaki. Dusky Eve and Polynesian , both go well over the distance, and of the others Silver Tongue has tho best credentials. Several of the runnere in the Cup will be making their first appearance this season. Those who have had a raoo include Orleans, a, place-getter at Otaki. The Woodville-traincd animal is to bo ridden by U. Gray. There is a big field in the Dash Haok Handicap, but if Astrophel draws a good position at the barrier he will go out well supported. Acceptances for the first day of the Wellington Spring lleetiuE cloao at 9 p.m. on Monday. / Representatives of tlic employees of tho Wairarapa, Racing Club aud featherstou friends to' the number of over sixjj attended a complimentary smoke concert tendered to Mr. E. A. Laery, J.P., retiring secretary of the Wairarapa Racing Club and Anzac Club, and a well-known citizen, on the eve of his departure lor Auckland. ■His Worship the Mayor 'Mr. J. W. Curd) presided. The following was the toast, list:—"The King," "His tVorship tho First Mayor of Feathei'Ston" (proposed by Mr. W. E. Bidwill, and responded to by Mr. . J. W. Card), "file Imperial Forces" (Mr. A. C. Holms, Lieut. Bridgnmn. aud Private Edmond Barry, N.Z.MiO.) "Our' Departing Guest" (Mr. Card, Mr. Laery), 'The Wairarapa Racing Olub" (Mr. Mark Maxton, Mr. W. E. Bidwill). "Wairarapa Anzao Club" (Mr. R. J. Chapman-Mr. Bidwill), "The Three P's." (Mr. W. Barton—Revs. .1. G. Bartlett aud R., 11. Cathenvood, Messrs. T. Ingley. U." Shannon, and Holms), "The Ladies" (Mr. M. B. Tait ■ ■ lluv. Oathorwood), and "The Chairman and His Supporters— SeoretariesJhnd Entiirl-uiiiers" (Mr. H. Bixon-MrF Card). > Drivers enkins and Bell, and Messrs. H. and IS. L.iiliam, with Driver Aldridge as pianist, provided tho E'.usical programme. Preceding the toast of the evening. Mr. W.'Tucker, on behalf of the Wairacapa Racing Clnb's staH, presented Mr. Laery with a silver tea service, and paid a high tribute to'the manner in which he had controlled the aflairs of the club for a period of 14 years, gaining the esteem of all those associated with him. Mr. A. J. Toogood, representing fellowcitizens, handed the gliest a memento of esteem and goodwill in the form of a wristlet watch, and referred to his enviable record of good citizenship. His energies had been devoted principally to the Racing Club, but as a journalist his talents had always been used towards promoting the welfare of Featherston. Patriotic service had been rendered in conncclion with the Anzac Club, and as a town commissioner and town clerk, as well as in other directions, helpful service had heen given. The chairman supplemented the remarks of the other speakers in complimentary terms. "Something attempted, something done," was an achievement their guest could claim. In responding, Mr. Laery expressed deep appreciation of. the kindly voiced as to the future welfare of Mrs. Laery and himself : as well as their family. He had always I endeavoured to do his duty, and treat all men honourably, and in a humble way had played his part—conscious of his limitations. Featherston would ever occupy a warm place v in his heart. Mr. Oarlyon, the new secretary of the Wairarapa Racing Club, took advantage of the occasion to thank Mr. Laery and others for tho good wishes expressed as -to his appointment. The large and enthusiastic assemblage was brought to a' close, with the singing of the National Anthem, and "Auld Lang Synii." and (beers for Mr. and Mrs. Laery and family.