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Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1920, Page 2

The popularity of the Westland Racing Club was again emphasised in a very emphatic manner by the remarkable success attending the summer meeting 'which was 'concluded yesterday. As

on last year the weather marred the possibility of opening the gathering on Boxing Day. History repeated itself with a veritable deluge recorded. Despite this untoward accompaniment to an outdoor gathering, the following day broke beautifully fine, and splendid weather prevailed throughout the two: days. Last year the Club put up a record for an ordinary meeting, and this year' that record was eclipsed as also was the record put up in 1917, when tlie Club held its jubilee meeting in January. On that occasion with sixteen events on tho card, £22,950 was put through the totnlisator. Yesterday and the previous day had but fourteen events and for these races £24,441 was passed through the totnlisator. The jubilee cup race however carried £2,559 which stands as a Coast record for a single ev’e'nt. Yesterday the cup race carried investments to the amount of £2435, which is probably tlie second best total for the Coast. In both these races Mr D. H. Roberts’ horses landed the events. The attendance on the opening day of the present meeting seemed to be as large as that of the big jubilee meeting, though owing to the reduction in prices, the receipts did not equal the jubilee takings. The gate receipts compared more than favorably with that- of last year, exceeding the total by £7O, despite the reduced tariff while these figurese are 'satisfactory as revealing the improved financial success What is no less important to the reputation of the Club, was the splendid conduct of the meeting. Tlie fields were good, the racing interesting, and at tim'es exciting, and the, public well catered for in every way. All the events were got off with strict punctuality, the last event each day'boing fin- ' Jslied with time-table exactness. The visitors present from various parts of New Zealand expressed their appreciation. very openly regarding the whole conduct of the meeting and the pleasure derived from' the convenient appointments provided for the public. Tlie summefr “in'eeting of 1920 will stand out as one of the best and most enjoyable meetings in the annals of the Club, enhancing its reputation both locally and abroad.

It is a matter of satisfaction to us today that a well-known citizen takes up the subject of the citizens interesting themselves in the appearance of the town in co-operative action with the Borough Council. This ;'s tlie proper step to take, and we believe if a public meeting was called for the New Year, there would he a notable response from tho public anxious to assist in any reasonable movement towards beautifying the town. Mr Davidson’s timely letter to-day contains some good suggestions, and if tho matter were followed up in a pdactical way now the results desired, would wo feel sure, be realised during the coming year. It is very desirable that they should. There is nothing which catches the eye of the visitor quicker than the general appearance of the town, and first impressions should be assisted to tho fullest degree. Our only complaint with the local Council is its negative attitude on these little matters, the sum of which mean so much to the aggregate good of the place. Individual Councillors appreciate, we are sure, the value of keeping the town presentable, but there is just that lead lacking to shape decision. A citizens’ committee working in cooperation with, in fact under the direction of the Council, would give the desired lead, and matters might be shaped accordingly. Hokitika and district is going to have so many visitors in the future, at this particular season of the year especially, that it will he worth while as a, material investment on the part of tho business people to see that the town can afford to he swept and garnished, and its open spaces made beautifud. W«j are quite sure that if Cass Square received the attention it should, it would not be a place to pass by and ignore. On the contrary, beautified, its central position would lead itself to making it the popular rendezvous it should ho at all times as the lungs of tho town and the playground for the people of tlie district. All this will come to pass if the Council, lint seeks the assistance of the citizens in co-operative help as suggested by Mr Dqvidson and others.