DARGAVILLE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 January 1915, Page 2

DARGAVILLE

FULL OF SPORT AND FINE FEATHERS

[BY SPECIAL REPORTER]

IT is just about eighteen years ago since the writer was in Dargaville previously to the visit of last Saturday, 16th inst., upon which occasion the most successful race meeting ever held in the North eventuated, visitors from many miles around being numerous, Whangarei especially being well represented, many coming over in motor cars, tne journey taking but two and a-half hours. The road through was reported to be good. Mr Sam. McMahon, the popular mine host of the Whangarei Hotel, can balance the rest; also Dr Good —good again. Charlie Wyatt, the wellknown horse-trainer of Kawakawa, was also there full of enthusiasm and sport, though, unfortunately, out of the events entered for. ' v Our Member, Mr J. Gordon Coates, and his charming young bride, were amongst the crowd — say, about eighteen hundred— and made themselves as "of the people." '■.'■■* The new race course is now situate at Awakino, three miles out from Dargaville, and along a capital level road, though it would be more convenient if it were another half-chain wilder so as to allow comfortable room for vehicles to pass. And, talking of reminds me there w,ere hundreds of all descriptions out for the day, not a, few appearing as if they had not seen daylight or the . groom, painter, or repairer for many months. The course is new ground about forty acres in extent and the making of a capital estate as the Club's growing funds will allow, and now that a totalisator has been granted the income is bound to grow and improve. The tote did very good business, while the management throughout was all that could be desired this, coupled with the fine weather,, made all things gee with the horses, while the fields were a credit, and the starting excellent. Reverting back to Dargaville proper —the writer was agreeably surprised to see the strides made during an absence of the beforementioned period ; and while the business portion has grown immensely, and the streets are well kept and clean, it is pleasing to note that the suburbs are also growing, and that there are many substantial residences " almost as good as some of Helensville's best." Civic management has, however, made an awful hash of civilisation. At night-time the streets and roads are beautifully lighted up with gas, which is most creditable, but oh, the pity of it, the kegs's run dry. There is scarcely a drop of water in the place. The publican says " don't use too much, old man ; we expect some rain soon; and the washer woman it still waiting for the elements to spread forth copious showers. : But there is hope yet. Dargaville has just appointed a waterworks engineer, and is going to work in earnest, after a quiet sleep of about seven years, since which period it has been " contemplating" monetary matters and finance. The Borough chairman comes in here. He has some Scotch grit in him, and means to make Dargaville what it ought to be. But what a contrast when we look upon this and upon that. Helensville has any amount of water, but no lighting. You can break your neck after dark in Helensville whenever you like. However, wise folk stay at home unless upon picture show intent. The result of the races may be found elsewhere. THE LADIES Upon the grandstand and around the lawn (?) the following were the most noticeable. To those I have missed I must apologise. Mrs J. Gordon Coates, white silk with touches of flame. Miss V. Kensington, in a becoming dainty white trock with white lace hat. Mrs Darling, becoming frock of saxe blue. Mrs Horton, brown costume and blue hat. Mrs Jerks, blue frock with tango trimmings. Miss Harding, dainty floral dress. Miss Gersen, champagne costume and hat to match, Miss Hammond, white voile with floral hat. ' Miss Hemphill, white costume . and blue and white hat. The Misses Colemans, dainty white hailstone muslin dresses Mrs D. Masefield, in white embroidered voile. Mrs Stanmore, dainty blue frock, with pink hat. Mrs Colemore Williams, saxe blue frock and hat to match. Mrs Jack Allen, biscuit-oolour-

Ed costume, black and tangerine hat. Miss Jessop, in white silk dress and Panama hat. Mrs H. Dell, white net frock, saxe blue trimmings and hat to match. Others—Very pretty, charming and becoming.