Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star WEDNESDAY. JAN. 10, 1917 A NOTABLE SUCCESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1917, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian and Evening Star WEDNESDAY. JAN. 10, 1917 A NOTABLE SUCCESS.

Th* celebration of the jubilee of the Westland Racing Club proved a notable enoeeea from every point of view. The weather, whieh is mainly responsible for the fortunes of any outdoor gathering, was of the highest order, and the results were in keeping with that fine standard. Fortunately favored as the Club was in this respect, it did not fail to help itself* likewise. The record stakes offered for a West Coast meeting were responsible in bringing a much longer string of horses to the district than usual. In addition to quantity there was also quality. The numerous fields required additional riders, and these included some of the foremost jockeys of the day. These essential features for good and enjoyable racing, attracted the public in great crowds. To cope with an enhanced attendance, and to acscmmodate all in comfort, the Club lately carried out an improvement scheme, which results fully justified. But for the latest extensions and additions there woald have been great congestion and mush inconvenience. Although at times tho grounds end stands were taxed: ta> the fullest extent, the business or the day went on most smoothily and the sport passed oft most enjoyably. The attendance was easily a record. Th» trains to arrive from the north, were' long and crowded. The support of the visitors from all parts of Westland was most generous, and helped to render the jubilee gathering a very pronounced success. Among those present were many old identities who had recollections of tbo early day raeiDg. Their memories would have been a study in contrasts, so wonderf nl have the changes been. The working of the meeting seemed to run with great smoothness. Every department was capably handled, and promptness was the order of the proceedings. Tha totalisator gave a remarkable retnrn. The enhanced revenue in this respect reached a high record, and must have exceeded the most sanguine expectations when the Jnbiles was planned. The large sums received on each race were handled with marked expedition, and the whole conduct of the financial investments on behalf of the public left nothing to be desired. The officials all worked excellently. There ia a recogniged espirit de corps amoDg the officials of the local Club and this was never more marked than on the present occasion. All the officers were at their posts, attentive to their duties, and alert and fair in all matters requiring deliberate attention. The Westland Racing Club bus come to be regarded aa one of the institutions of the district. It has grown in great favor with the public, and this necessarily is an essential factor in its substantial progress. The Club enjoys a standing uow which will stand it in good stead in the future. At the present period of its history, counting over a span of half a century, it is creditable to look back and regard the results achieved with such all-round satisfaction, In this general appreciation the district will join with pleasure. The Club and its members are to be congratulated on the reputation it has won. Tbe latest page in the Club's history has been pleasantly written. The Jubilee celebration will enhance its reputation, and it is to be hoped that the new era now entered on will continue to show the same expanding degree of .-creesir, Good luck to tbe Clnb. It has earned its success worthily, and with the success now aobieved should go on and prosper,

Mr Tuhuru Bannister inserts a message of thanks in this issue.

Mr P. C. WebH M.P. purposes visiting Houtli Westland next week, going as far south as his time will permit.

Brown tront are making their appearance in tbe southern rivers. Some beauties have been 6een in the Okuru and Turnbull rivers.

Cattle are everything to the settlers in South Westland. In tbe Okurn riding over 970 calves are being reared this year.

Settlers in the far south, Haast and Okuru districts, have been availing themselves of tbe prevailing fine weather, and bush firss have bean the order of tbe day. It is estimated that several hundred acres additional will be under grass for the coming winter. After the running of the Jubilee Cup yssterday the President (Mr Williams) presented the rider of Killjoy with a handsome gold mounted whip. The presentation was made to Emerson in the jockey’s room. The Gold Cup will be presented to Mr D, H. Roberta later at a more formal gathering. The Kokatahi Bacmg Club’s annual race meeting i* taking place to-day at Lower Kokatahi. A largo crowd went out to this popular ani.ual fixture which should prove as successful as previous gatherings. Proceedings will conclude with a race ball in Graham’s Hall tonight.

There were 70 hours 43 minutes of sunshine recorded at Hokitika last weekSaturday last being almost a perfect day with 14 'hours 10 minutes, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday also having over 12£ hours each, Tho rainfall was .02 inches which fell on Friday.

The estates of 235 deceased persons were certified to for death duties during December, the largest beiDg that of Annie Green of Auckland £53,975. The following were the Westland estates--William E. Thomas £1,988, John Gieseking £1,647, Henry Linklater £1,467, Eliza Cooper £1,035, Gertrude M. Atchison £756.

At an informal gathering of racing officials and owners last evening, Mr G. T. Grace on behalf of the Greymouth Jockey Club, congratulated the Westland Club on its successful meeting, He spoke appreciatively of the conduct of the meeting which was a record in every way. Mr Evans acknowledged the complimentary remarks and stated how much the visitors had contributed to the marked success of the gathering. Other officials spoke, praise being given to the splendid work of the handicapper . (Mr J. Noble), while complimentary remarks were made on Mr C. H. Gorton’s work as Stipendiary Bteward. Annng the owners to speak were Messrs Webder and Gillett both of whom praised the working of the local Club. The former hoped to return for the autumn meet’ngs, with a North Island string of seven or eight horses. He said if the Clubs gavo good stakes, owners from far afield would be sure to patronise the meetings.

Tbe cable news in this issue aj* eredited to the “ Times ” bas appeared in that journal, but cnly where expressly stated is each news the editorial opinion of the “ Times 1 A cheering cordial that restores men. tal vigor—WOLFE’S SCHNAPPS, No matter how dirty the clothes may ho “No Bubbing Laundry Help” wiil cleanse them perfectly without injury, £lO guarantee with every 1/ cartoon sufficient for seven weekly washings—Local Grocers.

New range in boys and youths fashionable Kaiapoi sports suits. Nobby patterns—best in the Dominion—therefore best io the world, now showing at McKay's* the leading drapers.—Advt. A large assortment of latest costumes washing dresses, striped voiles, muslins, crepes, silk blouses, etc,, at bargain prices have just been opened out at Stephens’ Bros, drapers, Eevell Street,. WOLFE’S SCHNAPPd possesses virtue of a remedial kind.

Nothing can equal “No Rubbing Laundry Help ” for lightening labour on washing day it does the washing without rubbing and it will not injure the most aelicate hands or finest fabrics, —John Parkhill.