RACING MATTERS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 February 1915, Page 3

RACING MATTERS

TOTALISATOR FOR . HELENSVILLE THE Totalisator Commissioners, Messrs G. Hunter, M .P. for Waipawa, Hawke's Bay, and T. H. Davey, ex-M. P. for Christchurch East, accompanied by Mr Gray, as secretary, arrived in Helensville by Monday morning's express, accompanied by Mr J. Gordon Coates, M.P. for the district. They were met at the station by a number of the local sporting community, amongst whom were a few members of the. Helensville Racing Club — Messrs Jas. McLeod (President), J. Kelly, J. Hjorth, E. H. Cucksey, H. Coulter, T. Evans, Jas. Hand, Tui McEwin, j G. Murphy, F. Mackenzie (senr.), and others. The party were then di'iven out to" the race course, about three miles distant, in varions vehicles, Mr E. H. Cucksey leading with j his 40 h.p Cadallic motor car and doing the chauffeur business all on his own. Arriving on the course, which is owned by Mr Jas. Hand, a good walk-round was indulged in, after which the deputation, took place upon the splendid bold eminence overlooking the race track, and which makes a natural grandstand. Mr Jas. McLeod, who takes a leading part here in everything sportive that is going, was the first speaker, and explained briefly the situation from a sporting point of view. He said the course was the makings of one of thefinest out of Auckland,where people could come in thousands and enjoy a good day's horseracing, while on the mound upon which they were then sitting, there was room for untold numbers to view the events and the surrounding country- The course had many other advantages which the Commissioners could see for themselves, and all was securely fenced. At present they had little accommodation as there was no revenue, but the granting of a totalisator would soon alter that, and he hoped one would be granted for the sake of genuine sport which led to the breeding of good horses, and the progress of the district generally. The speaker then referred to the past history of racing in Helensville, and stated that in years gone by it had a totalisator, but the district had gone back somewhat owing to the timber industry running out, and racing interests being neglected, the tote was lost them also; however, things were different now ; the district, particularly Helensville, was progressive, populous, and moving ahead, as the Commissioners could see for themselves. Mr J. Gordon Coates, as patron of the Helensville Racing Club, stated that they had many claims why a totalisator should be granted here ; the immediate population was at least 1000; they all knew, that in a racing and sporting community, the tote was not only a draw but a help to racing clubs, as the revenue derived therefrom had- to go in improvements and raising the stakes run for. The Club was willing to support legitimate racing by putting their hands in their pockets -, they had an ideal training ground, which was well patronised all the year round. [Mr McMasters, of Auckland, was training'a trotter at the time.] Helensville could easily be made a good racing centre, and he hoped the commissioners would recommend a tote for them. The Chairman of Commissioners (Mr Hunter), in reply, said he was pleased with what he had seen of the racecourse and the district; Helensville certainly had strong arguments in favour of the granting of a tctalisaior, and he would strongly recomment the application. Legitimate racing was the means of breeding good horses, while the tote put down gambling. Mr Coates, M.l*., had given him great support in his contentions, and he wished the Club well. The party were then driven to the rjat Springs, afterwards to P-arkhurst, and eventually to McEwin's Hotel, where dinner was provide^, The Commissioners and Mr J. Gordon Coates, returned to Auckland by the 3 p.m. train.