THE HOLIDAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1920, Page 3

THE HOLIDAYS

i RACING CARNIVAL OPENS j MONDAY. j The Westland Racing Club will open the West Coast racing carnival with its summer meeting on Monday and Tuesday next. There is a. strong array of acceptances, and every promise of a good meeting. The card of the races will show strong fields for all events, and the sporting public from north and south will have the opportunity of enjoying some first-class spjort. The local Club has catered liberally for owners and public alike in the past and this season is not any exception. The stakes this year are increased again substantially, while the course and appointments with the conveniences for visiting owners, are all that could be desired. The general arrangements are now such as will compare with those of any Country Club in the Dominion. For the benefit of the public an important innovation is to he made this year. The two divisions of the course, “inside” and “outside” have been converted into one enclosure, by removing the dividing fences. This will make what should b t > a very acceptable change. Tlie price of admission has been reduced to 55., thus providing a. very cheap day’s sport. Ladies and returned soldiers will be admitted free. The extra room created by the change should he much enjoyd by patrons. Business about the totalisa tor will now be less -congested he. cause of the extra standing room, while the second stand being brought into more use, the extra acommodati in will remove the congestion hitherto ndtieeable on the main stand. In the booths

etc. relief will he felt by the extra scrving space brought into requisition. On both days of the lheetW the Municipal Band will be in attendance and will discourse special programmes on the Ijiwn. The grounds are looking very well. The lawn and flower-beds are fresh and attractive, and the public v ill appreciate the extra promenade now available. Additional seats about tlie grounds have been provided, and generally the public requirements have been well catered for. Admission will he by the main entrance only, and to facilitate the sale of tickets, two pay boxes will he available for the public. The first race each day will start about 12.30 o’clock. This time will fit in with the arrival of the trains which on both days will run from as far north as Otira and Reefton. The race each day will start about 5.30, which ( will be in ample time for the outward trains fixed to leave at 6.15 for Otira, j Blackball and Reefton. Excursion fares ] will be charged over all railway lines. It 1 remains only to anticipate a. fine weutb- i er setting to ensure the local race meet- s ing being a pronounced success from everv wrnt of view.