Foxton Racing Club.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 12 September 1891, Page 2

Foxton Racing Club.

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The first annual dinner of the Foxton Racing Club was held at Whyte's Hotel on Thursday evening. The majority of the members at* tended. Two tables were set out in the dining-room, and Mr Thynne, Vice-President, acted as chairman, and was supported by Mr McMillan opposite. The lion, secretary, Mr Russell, took the head of the other table, and was faced by Mr T. P. Williams. The Club had not overlooked their friends, and amongst the guests were Mr Cox, of the Sandon Racing Club, Mr David Scott, Mr Coyle, and Mr Chadwick, of the Refei cc.

When dessert was placed upon the table the Chairman read apologies from Messrs J. G. 'Wilson, H. Davidson, J. McLennan and T. Purcell. He then proposed the toast of the Queen, after which song and toast followed each other in quick succession until the " wee short hour ayont the twtil."

Sonic of the principal toasts referred naturally to racing, but even such an interesting subject failed to provide vent for the warm-hearted feeling which such a pleasant reunion inspired. Mr David Scott recalled the first races on the course some thirty years ago, and it was noticed that marked suggestions were made to induce Mr John Davies to recapitulate some of the stirring events " in flood and field " which the older residents considered he could have narrated if he would. Luckily, perhaps, he would not, but the fun and good fellowship existing would .not have minded some such little jokes which are bound to be connected with those who have moved in the fore-front of the progress of the district. In proposing the toast of " the Secretary," Mr Scott, speaking as one having authority, described him as being one of the best on the Coast, that all owners had found him most obliging, and if he could be equalled he was " hard to beat." In replying, Mr Russell blushingly disposed of the remarks as being due to himself, but kindly acknowledged the assistance the Stewards had rendered him. He showed also that the Club was the means of causing a very large expenditure of outside capital in the district, as during the ten years of the Club's existence they had received and expended something over £5000. He had reckoned that the improvements done to the course alone at a sum close on £800.

Mr Chadwick, in replying to the toast of the Press, with which his name had been coupled with those of Messrs Eussell and Thynne, reminded the company that he had prepared the first handicap for the Club. He was extremely pleased to be able to take part in the first annual dinner, which he looked upon as a capital idea, and which would be likely followed by other Clubs. He was, as they knew, interested in all sport, and desired to express his acknowledgement of the kind and hospitable manner he had been met by all the settlers in the district.

The songs were supplied by all those who possessed the slightest knowledge of music. The last toast, except that to the chair, was that of Mr and Mrs Stansell, during which it was pointed out that they bad most materially assisted in the success of the innovation by the manner they had catered for the comfort of their guests, as they had provided the very best without consideration of profit.

It is over. It has achieved that which was expected of it, and it may be asserted that an annual dinner will become an institution. It is true that such " functions " tend to unite a body of men together, and thereby strengthen the action of the flub for the purposes for which it W;i^ fovnvl,