Himatangi Races.

Manawatu Herald, 28 March 1895, Page 3

Himatangi Races.

' ' The Natives residing on the Himatangi Block have had a racemeeting in progress for some time . and brought it off to a successful conclusion on Tuesday. The day was all that could be desired. The course was in good order, and there was a fair attendance of the public. The 'prizes were not high ranging from a few shillings to a few pounds, but the entries for these stakes were a&gopd as though the value raced for- was as large as the Wellington Cnpv - The management is to be congratulated upon the order maintained and the suppression of those sweet little ways attempted by " "horsey" men. The Stewards, mostly natives, wisely availed themselves of the services of Mr J. R. McMillan as handicapper, and also as fheir " guide, philosopher and friend," with the result that one jockey came to a just punishment. WPHemara was judge and his decisions were received with all reapeot. Mr Napoleon Heta was an «nerg«tio Secretary, and Mr George Gray acted as olerk of the scales. The meeting must have been a financial success. Oot protwt wm raised by the*

1 rider of Dobney against Boathook in i the Maiden hurdles but it was dismissed. Fred Price was disqualified for twelve months for a piece of most deliberate foul riding* which occurred in his pulling hi 3 horse Tuku round a hurdle and forcing Dobney off the course. In the evening the Natives held a race ball at Motuiti to which a number of visitors were invited. The dance is to be commended for its tiiost ordeily conduct find good dancing. A capital supper was also provided but, and a very wise thing, all liquid refreshments were of a non-alcoholic nature. The success attending this gather ing makes it probable that it may become an annual affair. The Metropolitan Club sanctioned the meeting, and with a little more publicity such a meeting bids fair to become a large gathering. Certainly much interest was taken in all the events, and the running was good. Following are the results : — Flying Stakes, f mile. — Never Mind, 1 ; Violet, 2. Nineteen started. HtTBDLE Race, 1| miles. — Turk, 1 ; Aconite, 2. Six started. Maiden Hurdles, 1 mile.—Boathook, 1; Dobney, 2. Thirteen started. MoTUITI-HIMATANGI HANDICAP, 1$ miles.— Violet, 1 ; Turk, 2. Four* teen started. Pony Race, 1 mile.— Leo, 1. Eleven started. Maiden Flat, 1 mile.— Electro, 1 ; Shadow, 2. Twenty-one started.