OHINEMURI RACECOURSE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5079, 24 January 1927, Page 2

OHINEMURI RACECOURSE

IMPROVEMENT WORK BI ULUB.

CONVENIENCE FOR PATRONS.

During the past three months a transformation has been effected at the Ohinemuri Jockey Club’s grounds at Paeroa.

With the near approach of the club’s two days’ annual fixture in March the welfare and comfort of patrons have been studiously considered, and improvements have been carried out with the utmost expedition. Probably the greatest change has been the removal of the main 7 stand. This huge construction has been moved bodily back a distance of ab. ut 120 ft and reconditioned in its new position. As a result of its removal to a more advantageous position a space, four times greater than previously, is provided for the mass of people. At the same time those who occupy the lawn, as well as those on the stand, will lie in a position to view a race from beginning to end, while a splendid view of the finish will be obtainable. With the grading of the slopes to one foot in every twelve the space in ’front of the stand has been increased nearly fourfold. The whole area has been newly grassed, and a splendid growth is now showing through. With the removal of the stand to its new position the ladies’ cloak-room has been enlarged, while a rest-room, with additional accommodation, has been added. The din-ing-room ’ under the stand has been enlarged and reconditioned, and now has seating accommodation for 160 persons at a time. At the rear of and adjoining the stand an up-to-date kitchen with all the latest improvements has. been added, also a largepantry, cutting-up room, and buffet.

At the. end of the stand provision has been made for a special casualty room. In order to- keep abreast with the times the club has decided to ?rect a publican’s b-ooth. This building, which now is in course of erection, is situated inside the main entrance adjoining the road boundary. The length of the building is 72ft by 18ft wide, and is being constructed on the lines of the one at Ellerslie. To provide equal facilities, for the club’s outside patrons a smaller booth has been provided at the rear of the outside. stand. With the exception of the stewards’ stand all the buildings are to be painted inside and out. When the work is completed the accommodation and facilities available will be second to none of the provincial clubs. THE RACECOURSE. While a scene of great activity exists in and around the buildings, the racecourse is also receiving attention. A 30ft grass training track has been provided, and alongside is a 10ft ploughed track, which has been fenced the whole way round the course. In conversation, a trainer on Friday gave it as. his opinion that the training tracks and facilities availably were everything that could be desired. Never in the history of the club has the course proper been in such a good condition. A liberal top-dressing and a favourable season have, promoted a record growth of grass, clover and paspahnn predominating, with the result that a splendid sole of grass favourable to fast going exists, and the club has reason to feel well satisfied with the results. THE FLOWER BEDS’. .Once again the caretaker (Mr Eugene Shaw), ably 7 assisted by his wife, has given special attention to the numerous, flower-beds leading from the main entrance. Hundreds of asters, phlox, and other annuals have, been planted out artistically, and are growing splendidly. By the time the meeting comes off the garden should be. a blaze of colour, and it promises to eclipse former efforts. To give some indication of the improvements carried out and the desire to cater for the comfort and wellbeing of its patrons, it is interesting to state that during the last three years the club has expended approximately £6OOO. The programme of improvements, both in hand and contemplated, is an ambitious one, and the club is deserving of congratulation on its enterprise.