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Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1924, Page 2

Tiik proposal to revive the idea of a schools excursion through Arthur's Pass Tunnel is a reminder that the community is really committed to the action. It was • riginallv part and parcel of the programme to celebrate the opening of the tunnel connecting the East and West (oasis. Next. there was the idea of taking the eliildr: n through to Lyttelton t o see the visiting British fleet, but fate again stepped in and presented harriers which proved to he insuperable. Xuw the question r.f the annual schools excursion is in mind again, and a public meeting is to he called to decide the event. Thetime is opportune to consider whether the Arthur's I‘as.s excursion will be practicable, or the mure ambitious trip to Christ', hull li. The time suggested for the memorable event- in the history of t!:e lives of the rising genetaiion. is towards the end of the .summer holidays. The time should be a very suitable one to enjoy either trip, the days being long and the weather more genial fur the long fi.uin journey. The linal decision in regard to the matter seems

lo he governed hy the organisation i

is possible to arrange. It is intended to confer in the first- instance with the District Traffic Manager as to what the Department wiil he aide to do in the matter of transport ami cost. This initial information is requisite a.s a starting point, and if available before the proposed public* meeting is held, "ill lie. no doubt, a determining factor in the matter. The mo-re extended trip will mean a reduction or limitation in the number able to travel. Those of tender years will not lie able to participate. in which event some other form of holiday jaunt might he arranged. For the excursion for the seniors, a trip to Christchurch would lie highly educational. Already since the opening of the through lino, there have boon several school parties through, and if an excursion were arranged from this end, no doubt the advertisement would result in many fatties as large or larger ftoin the 'East Coast finding their way West. Maiiy friends in and about Christchurch are desirous of doing what thev can to assist with the accommodation question so that the proposal for the excursion. even a.s far as Christchurch, appeal's to be very attractive and worth taking up seriously.

Thk annual report of the Westland Racing Club indicated that the popular institution of this district, did not have a very good run financially Inst fenvin, There wna n less the .van’s

turn-over duo in tile main no doubt to the unfortunate (onibinntii.it of cmnnist nines whereby tin* ( tub lul l to moo in the autumn in adverse weather conditions, and what was perhaps even more disastrous, during the period of the ill-judged railway strike. However, the Club has weathered the situation and has set about preparing for the now season with proposals which should assist in meeting the financial position. There is to lie a curtailment ill the stakes to help the* finames. and there is the fact that the special expenditure will be light as the itiij rovemeiits .se!it»ino is now < oinplotod. :it nil fvoiits for some years to come. The only special expenditure to be met outside of ordinary upkeep, is the repainting of the buildings, and ibis being so much of a necessity from an economic.' point of view, has been put in hand already. It will he expenditure well laid out. a.s besides the preservation of the buildings, it will improve the general appearance of the ( lull's | roperty very notably. The Clubs of the Coast have been asked by the Racing Conlerenco to revise their autumn dales so a.s to improve {he lircuit. This would have a heiielicial effect on the fortunes of the lo:al Cltih, hut it is doubtful if the desired change "ill be brought about. However tin* local Club "ill be able to ia<e on it.s usual da vs at ( 111 Limas and Easter and the money prizes while not a.s attractive as last season, "ill be substantial and far in advance of the stakes offered ten years ago. The course and appointments are very well found for a small (oautry cluh. In the property the Club lias an asset which ensures il perpetual life as a racing institution, and a.s the fixtures of the Club are a notable event in the yearly round for the district, il is well to have the fortunes of the Cluh founded so well. I.inked as the district i- now by rail with the racing centres of the East Coast, the Cluh "ill draw always a fair measure of support from that (|iiaitcr, so that there should he an assured future. The officials who are directing I'm tilings of tile Club have won the eoiilidrnoc of owners and | üblie alike "hicli is in itself a strong guarantee that the past support will be a growing rather than a diminishing quantity.