WEST COAST RACING CIRCUIT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1928, Page 3

WEST COAST RACING CIRCUIT

OPENING CHRISTMAS MEETING.

The Westland Racing Club’s two days’ race meeting which opens on Wednesday next (Boxing Day) wiii he the first holiday gathering of the West Coast racing circuit. Since the last race meeting on Hokitika racecourse. the Westland Club lias had the misfortune to lose its main two stands by lire. .It was a heavy loss to the Club, but the position was pluekiiy fared, and despite the heavy financial loss the Club has replaced the lost accommodation with an enlarged stand and administrative quarters which will he a surprise to visitors to the races at Hokitika opening on Boxing Duv. Those who have paid a recent visit to the course now that the works, are drawing to a close, are delighted with the arrangements, which main aver are better and more compact than before.

Since the Easter meeting the Clip carried out (just prior to the disastrous lire) the widening of the straight. About twelve feet in width has been added to the straight for its full length, and the whole of the racing track carries a line grass sward. The convincing ground was perhaps never in better order. Ihe roomy straight: will give hotter facilities than ever for finishes to he louglit out to the fullest advantage. Following the lire, the new stand is placed further hack than previously giving groalei lawn space, and a more elevated range for standing room, so that races can Ik 1 viewed Irom the ground with the prospects of a good view. The enlarged stand and its convenient interna! arrangement, should meet the fullest requirements of patrons. A description of the new building lias been published previously. During flu’s week the necessary furnishings are being put in. The afternoon lea room will be complete with all requiremcnls and i- sure to be well taxed during both race days. i'< r linamiat

reasons ibe ChV) has dropped its l"iicbeon room arrangements. but cxccl1 1 *nl entering in Ibe tea rooms is ■'(■- ing arranged lor. A neat sweets anil ice cream stall is also new. and adjoining tin* tea room. Ihe two cir; ular bars for the sale of lienor are identical in sine and convenience, and ac css iiiav be gained both I rout and rear. At the back near the much enlarged bird cage, there is a sole drinks bar. ’a],art frn.n the main building—also a new erection.

The stewards' ami ' titer rooms el e well placed, and lupli the weighing and jockey rooms .are very convenient. The whoio seems to supply a very hue sotting and the* conduct ol the meetings should be on ill 1 * usual satislaemrv lines. Space lias been reserved on Uie grandstand for the* ofli< ials. and a raised platform in the bird-cage will

i c a nr. >d |, ■outage point to watch the racmg Irom the ground. All the an augi ments lor tin* meet ing arc m"' being finalised and everything should he in first class order lor the meeting opening on Boxing Day. I here are excelient train arrangements irom all parts of the Coast. trains running irom and to Otira, Reelton and R<*wanui on each day ol the races, and ol course serving ail intervening sta.lions, including Greymouth and me Grcv Yallev.

Acceptances for the Hokitika races (first day) close to-night (Wednesday) with tlie Secretary. It enlv ap-cars to remain with the owners to give a liberal measure of support to assure the outstanding success ol tlie meeting. Patrons will find their convenience caterer! for to tlie fullest extent possible. and given fine weather tlie i bib should hav a record success—which would lie of the greatest help to the fortunes of the Westland Racing 1 mb at this juncture.