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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5260, 1 February 1878, Page 4

We are very much pleased to see that so much interest is being displayed in the prosperity of the Wellington Jockey Club, and feel certain that the stewards must bo very grateful for the valuable advice they have been receiving recently, more especially as it has been given free of charge. Still we are inclined to believe that the stewards are quite as likely to form a correct opinion as high authorities connected with the Press, or an obstructive secretary. We happen to know that it is very desirable that the number of members of the Wellington Jockey Club should be increased, and agree with the stewards in thinking this important object will never be attained unless inducements are held out to join the club. Under the old arrangements any person could see the races and get admittance to the grand-stand for six shillings, or twice this amount it he attended each day, whereas a member of the club is expected to pay two guineas and only enjoy the same privileges. The stewards cannot raise the prizes, improve the course and grand-stand, build additional stables, provide a place for training horses, widen the road to the racecourse, and expend large sums of money in various other ways, unless funds are forthcoming. They made a very vigorous attempt to get a branch railway constructed from Petoni to the racecourse, but were unable to accomplish'this in time for the February meeting, but hope by this time next year the access to the course will be greatly improved. They have spared no exertion to make the Wellington meeting a success. But there are people in this world who are never satisfied, and 'we fancy if no charge was made at the gates, and free admittance granted to the grand-stand, still there are persons who would grumble because a conveyance was hot provided to take them from the railway station to the course and back again.