N.Z RACING COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1921, Page 4

N.Z RACING COMMISSION

JLSIT TO HOKITIKA RACECOURSE. d The Royal Commission charged with t< review of the racing and trotting otalisator permits for report to the Jovcrnincnt, visited Hokitika during he week-end, and spent a couple of lours on the local racecourse. The numbers of the Commission were Messrs F. Earle, K.C., (chairman) of Auckland; AY. E. Bidwell of Wararap* ; W. 11. S. Aloorhouse, of Wellington; J. 11. Williams, of Christchurch; S. Rice, of Southland. Air P. J. Kelleher, of the Department of Internal Affairs, accompanied the Royal Commission as secretary. Immediately on arrival at the racecourse, the members of the Commission made a minute inspection of the course and appointments. The lull circle ot the racing track was covered, and the cutting at the hill inspected. The track looked exceptionally well, being in tiptop order, reflecting every credit on the caretaker. There is a beautiful green sward all round the track, and from every point of view it was all that could he 'desired. The clay trotting track presented an equally good condition, being also in well-kept order. Opportunity was taken also to inspect the training track now in course 1 of construction. The- formation of this adjunct to the local course is now almost completed, there being only a few chains break to finish the connection at the ol furlong post. The new cutting in the hill will he through during this week. Along the straight, shalts have been sunk clear of the tracks and well fenced, for drainage purposes, and they are having an excellent effect. The plantations round the rear of the course were noted, and the general appearance of the grounds very favourably commented upon. The public portion of the course was next inspected. The members of the Commission remarked on the roomy lawn and public prominade provided, and its neat ornate condition. The building and their equipment and condition generally surprised the visitors, who made a close inspection. The accommodation for ladies, the provision of an ambulance room and the convenient accommodation for jockeys as othc features, were all remarked upon. Tile buildings and appointments generally were in vety cleanly order, and the view afforded fiom the three grandstands commanded a very pleasant prospect, with a fine commanding view of the racing tracks and the proceedings thereon. Yarions views were exchanged between the visitors and the local officials in regard to the general airangements and lay-out of the course, the prevailing opinion being that the C’lult had catered very liberally indeed lor the full epjoyment of the sport and patrons. Subsequent to the inspection, the Royal Commission assembled in the Stewards' room* where a general discussion took place. Ihe application id the Westland Racing Club for the restoration of the day lost in 1919 was hoard, {Air Williams and Mi- Evans (secretary.) addressing the Commission in support. The application of the Club itself (with supporting documents.) was read and the various points of advocacy noted. Enter the application of the Westland Trotting Club for a second permit to he used in the autumn season, was , heard. Air F. AtcGrogor (president) ’ and Messrs Whilev and Sellers (members, speaking in support. , The chairman of the Racing Commis- , sion said their task involved the allocation of some 88 permits, for which there I were 199 applications from all parts oi the Dominion. Appreciative referenei was made in respect to the condition o . the course and its appointments, whirl showed the local district was a progressive community in regard to its sport The statements so clearly put before them would be duly considered when tlu time came to sum up the position. The members of the Commission wore entertained subsequently at afteinooi tea by the committee of ladies, win were thanked by Air Earle for then very kind treatment of the visitors. At the invitation of Mr Afurdocb (County Chairman, the visitors were motored t( the huge dredge in course of erection at. South Hokitika, and were very I agreeably impressed with the enter prise in band. Some of the party returned to town via Rimu, and from the hill overlooking the Hokitika river saw something of the extent of country feeding the town. Later in the day, the visitors left for the north, on the way to Reel ton and Nelson, eii route tn Wellington. At the latter city, the Commission " ill adjourn over the Easter holidays, and re-nssemble later to finish their itinerary of the Dominion, which includes yet, visits to the Taranaki district, and the clubs to the north of Auckland.