FOXTON RACING CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1049, 11 January 1913, Page 3

FOXTON RACING CLUB.

IMPROVEMENTS TO ' H HE LOCAL COURSE.

Since the last meeting of the Foxton Racing Club greac improvements have been effected to the course and public appointments, a! considerable cost. Through the courtesy of the caretaker, Mr L. Proctor, our representative was shown over the course, which at present looks in splendid condition. The first improvement that met the writer’s eye was that the macrccarpa hedge at the back of the club’s buildings had been cut dowu and a substantial galvanised iron fence erected extending 'right down to the bottom of the saddling paddock, and in case of fire in the adjoining paddock this fence would protect the club’s property from any great damage. The jockeys’ room, which used to stand right up agaiust the hedge above mentioned, has been connected to the back of the stewards’ stand, an improvement which will be greatly appreciated by the visiting jockeys. As we wended our way towards the tea kiosk the writer was greatly impressed with the alterations since the last meeting. The saddling paddock has been shifted right back under the big pine trees, thereby considerably extending the lawn, and a picket fence and rails erected so that the horses can come direct trom the saddling paddock to the bird cage without mingling with the public; a*lso auother great benefit to owners of horses is that a well has been sunk at the bottom of the saddling paddock, which does away with carrying water, this no doubt, will be greatly appreciated by owners. The tea kiosk has also been renovated and concrete steps erected at the foot of the bill, which is a splendid addition and also an ornament to the club’s property. The top of the hill by the tea rooms has been levelled aud top dressed and presents a very nice appearance. Another great benefit to the public is an automatic number board erected opposite the lawn stand, which enables the public to see what horses are starting and what are scratched, from anywhere on the course, a marked improvement on the old style. A great handicap at previous meetings was the smallness of the horse paddock, but this year the difficulty has been overcome, there being a large enclosure in the centre oval set apart for this purpose, The course, on the whole, looks iu splendid order and reflects the greatest credit on the caretaker, who has spent considerable time and energy in preparing the course for the forthcoming meeting. This year the club’s meeting promises to be the most successful yet held, aud judging by the number of nominations, the acceptances, which close ou Monday next, should easily constitute a record. SPECIAL TRAIN FROM WANGANUI. In order to cater for patrons from the Wanganui district, the club has arranged for a special train from Wanganui, which will leave at 6 a.m. arriving at Palmerston in ample time to connect with the Foxton special and will return the same night. The running of this train is an expensive experiment which, however, the club hopes will be justified by the increased number of patrons from the northern end of the province.