SPORTING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 638, 28 January 1914, Page 5

SPORTING.

The work being done on the local course has had the effect of bringing the track into splendid order. The heavy road roller was put round the course on Saturday with the result that the surface has been made perfectly smooth. In only one place did the heavy weight make any undue imprns ; on on the track, and a little packing and turfing has put this right. With fine weather the <"ourße should be exceptionally faßt and good times should be registered in the various events. The additions to the buildings, and the extension of the birdcage are proceeding satisfactorily, and the accommodation should be greatly improved as compared with last season. In the centre of the course there are a few trees standing which lend a rather picturefi|ue effect to the somewhat unkempt fiat, nut a3 these interfere with the view of the running track from the stand it will probably be necessary to have them removed. Much speculation is being ind llged in as to the probahle totalisator receipts at the coming meeting. Last season the amount put through the machine was just short of £7OOO, and it is generally held that with fine weather a substantial increase on this amount will he handled. The modestminded supporters consider an increase of from £IOOO to £ISOO may be looked for, while enthusiasts go so far as to predict an increase of double, or even treble, that amount.

A suggestion has been thrown out to the effect that an alteration of the date of the local meeting might be made with advantage. The idea is to have the meeting fixed for about the middlu of December, a week or to prior to the big gathering at Auckland. It ia held that with a reasonably endowed programme many of the horses being prppared for the Auckland meeting would be induced to compete. There ia alway3 a large number of southern horses passing through to the Auckland gathering, and a percentage of southern owners would no doubtb ei nduced to make their winding up gallops in a race. The suggestion may have something to commend it, but the fullest possible consideration should be given to any question of alteration in the face of the succusa which has attended the gathering on the date already fixed.