THE NEW GRAND STAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2358, 24 October 1881, Page 3

THE NEW GRAND STAND.

As the new stand will be used for the first time at the coming meeting, a brief description of it may not be uninteresting to race goers. In writing the following I have had the kind assistance of Mr T. Jackson, the energetic and genial clerk of the works. To commence with the basement, the re-freshment-room is 50ft x 27ft ; committeeroom, 27ft by 20ft ; the bar, 30ft by 27ft; and two storerooms, each 20ft by Bft, for the use of the caterer. All the rooms have a supply of water laid on from tanks drawing their supply from the well. The total length of the grand stand is 144 ft by 30ft deep ; height from basement floor to eaves, 30ft. There is seating room for 600 people, and standing room for 400. The stand is covered with a ourved roof. The upper portion of the stand ia approached from the back by two stairoases, with ornamental iron railings ; there are also staircasos at each end, which lead to the two ladies' retiring rooms, size 13ft by 10ft. At the front of the stand, whioh is Bft Gin above the level of the oourse, are seven flights of steps from the asphalted promenade, at the top of the sloping embankment, formed to a fall of one in seven. The centre flight of steps leads to the Governor's and stewards' boxes, which aro railed in with handsomo ornamental iron railings. Immediately under these are the Governor's private apartments and balcony. The whole of the basement walls are built of brick and stone, the upper portion, at the back and ends, being constructed of strongly-framed timber, oovered with galvanised iron. Tho front portion has eight massive iron oolumns, with foliated capitals, from which spring ornamented brackets, with monograms of O. J. O. in the centre. Between each column and flight of steps are more ornamental iron railing). I may state that the whole of the iron work was supplied by Messrs John Anderson and Sons, and they are to be complimented on the tasto shown and on the manner in whioh they have turned out the work.

With regard to the recent improvements, the old wooden stand has been shifted some way down tho oourße, though it now commands a better view. In the place where the wooden stand formerly Btood is now the carriage paddock, whose siza is 165 ft by 200 ft. The sizo of the enclosnro round tho new grand stand is 280 ft by 200 ft. The now saddling paddock is 160 ft square. Between the grand stand enclosure and the saddling paddook thero is a passage 12ft wide, leading from the course lo the new weighing room block, which is 38ft by 16ft. This building also contains a press room and telegraph

office, the accommodation afforded to the Fourth Estate being very good, os they have a stand to themselves. There are four new soraping loose boxes built into the old stand. The whole of the fencing at the ends and back are of galvanised iron 6ft high, the division and front fence are picket fences 4ft high. In the centre of the grand stand will be the judge's box, and at the end of the alley will be the telegraph and number boards, where, as before, the time of the various events will also be hoisted. It may be added that the half-mile course is now perfeotly ■traight, which is a great improvement. Several acres have been added at the back of the stands for booths, horse yards, &o. Every care has been taken for a good supply of water and good drainage. The railway platform has been extended to a distance of 600 ft, and is now formed of concrete walls, with shingle at tho baok. This will give full accommodation to any number of visitors. The superintending architect is Mr W. B. Armson, and the club could not have made a better seleotion. The contractors (Messrs Stocks and Stenhouse) have executed the work in their :isual admirable manner, and the Jockey Club are to be congratulated on having the most complete arrangements and the nicest stand in the colony.