THE HOKITIKA RACECOURSE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1928, Page 2

THE HOKITIKA RACECOURSE.

RESTORATION SCHEME. \ Slowly, but surely, the marks and 'effects of the late disastrous fire at the Hokitika Racecourse whereby two fine principal stands were destroyed a few weeks ago, are being removed. In the interval a restoration scheme has been undertaken, and a. visit to, the grounds: indicates the advance bejrj ing made. The former “ Outside” stand, a two storey structure 75 feet in length, has been moved to he site of the Main stand, which the fire consumed. This stand,■ was moved bodily, and arrived safely on'- the new site intact, despite the fact that it encountered a cyclonic Wind en. route, but only minor damage was done. '' 5

Once in position, Mr D. Stevenson and his ipen, who have the work in hand, proceeded with the additions decided upon. Some 30 feet of - two storey .bunding’.has been added' to ..the Western end. Half of the upper storey will be available to the general public, the other half being reserved as a Steward’s stand, for officials, members, owners and trainers, and special access to this section will be provided from the Bird-cage. Below, will be the adminstrative quarters consisting of Stewards’ room, Press room, and Secretary’s office in the front, and Waiting room and Jockey’s room opening into the Bird-cage, at the rear These quarters promise to be very convenient, and will be served with lavatories and cloak room accommodation.

, The Bird-cage will be enlarged considerably. The stand in the new position is set back further than the former building, providing extra lawn accommodation, while the former Steward’s stand having disappeared, there is room to enlarge the Bird-cage, and this will be done. The entrance to the course, however, will be retained in the same position, ‘ : ' There will be two publicans’ booths in the main stand, each identical in size, and both having circular bar accommodation. There will be both front and rear entrances to the bars, thus giving every facility for- easy traffic, and avoiding congestion. The extended seating, accommodation upstairs in the stand will provide for about 1200 people,; with extra standing rootn, so . that patrons will be well catered for. The totalisator building remains in its old "position, the most noticeable gap being the bare site whence the outside stand was removed. This, however, has been levelled, and will be made seemly in appearance bv the time the, racing fixture comes round in Christmas week.

At the' eastern end of the stand a one-storey addition, 30 by 40, is to be erected and utilised as a refreshment room, with kitchen accommodation extra. Seating will be provided, for about one hundred in the refreshment room, and a good service will be arranged for as usual, The Committee of the Club is to meet on the grounds at 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon to settle some details affecting the general arrangements.

The course and other appointments are all in’ excellent order. It will be recalled that the course for the full length of the straight, about two furlongs, has been widened for an average width of about ten feet, and thus affords an excellent convincing ground for horses fighting out the finish of a race. The new part has been well turfed, and carries an excellent sward. The running track generally is in very good order, and owners will find the improvements carried out of great advantage With the increasing size of the Westland Club has certainly done well in facing the position it had to meet so abruptly. No time has been lost in putting the reconstruction works in hand, and they will he completed far enough for the full enjoyment of patrons on race days. Painting and other etcetras will be allowed to stand over till after the .forthcoming njeeting.