HAWERA RACE MEETING.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 224, 2 June 1877, Page 2

HAWERA RACE MEETING.

Towards the end of February last, a few of the leading spirits at Hawera mooted the idea of holding a race meeting, on or about Queen’s Birthday. The idea was scouted as ridiculous by some of the settlers, who nevertheless expressed themselves willing to contribute coin if any gentlemen could be found bold enough to endeavour to make the necessary arrangements for holding the meeting. It was urged that it was too late in the season, besides which there was no racecourse available.. After the public pulse had been felt privately, a public meeting was held, on the 24th February, at the Hawera Hotel, which resulted in officers being selected, rules adopted, and working committee appointed. Promises of help were, freely given, which promises have, in most cases, been faithfully kept. There are, of course, a few laggards, who, now the meeting is over, will lose no time in redeeming their promises.

The difficulty as to probabilities of raising funds, having vanished into thin air, the difficulty as to a racecourse was also overcome. J. M. Goodson, Esq., on whose property suitable sites for racing had been observed, and which also had the advantage of being convenient both for Hawera and Normanby residents, was no sooner consulted by a committee, than he readily offered the use of ground, and expressed himself willing to aid the promoters in every possible way. The proposed meeting was at once advertised, bothjn Wanganui, Taranaki, and in the Patea Mail, Later on the amounts to be jun for were decided upon and made public.

As events had been announced for Wanganui on Queen’s Birthday, the Hawera meeting was postponed till Thursday and Friday, the 31st May and Ist June. Altering the date as above, no doubt, had the effect of bringing to Hawera both horses and riders of a better class than could otherwise have been hoped for. The result has been' highly satisfactory to the promoters, arid the large attendance at the race meeting, showed that the public also appreciated and endorsed the action of the committee.

Considering that such frightfully rough weather has prevailed here, as in other parts of the colony during the past fortnight, it was no wonder when rain fell during the early part of the week, and Wednesday proved so cold and gloomy, that fears were entertained as to the result of the meeting. Nevertheless, from Monday horses and jockeys began to arrive. Wednesday evening showed a large muster of racing men from Wanganui and other parts, besides five or six from New Plymouth. The accommodation at the various, hotels, though ampler than is usually found in similarly small townships, was fully taken up. In spite of the crush,

good humour prevailed. At each of the hotels two and three sittings were found necessary before all wants in the eating line could be supplied.' The various stables were also well filled with horses, choice places being' reserved for the racers, which were freely inspected while daylight lasted, the majority proving to be in fine fettle. “ What about the weather” to-morrow, was on everybody’s lips, being again and again repeated. A shrug of the shoulders •and an expressive upward look, indicated what was expected.A Calcutta Sweep, auctioned by Mr C. Brown at the Hawera Hotel in the; evening, helped to while away the time. Between seven and eight o’clock, a committee meeting was held, when final arrangements for the next clay were completed. The time of the secretary (Mr W. Hamilton Inman) was fully occupied, and he was kept hard at work till quite late at night. On Thursday morning, though rain threatened, there were occasional gleams of sunshine. It was; however, very cold. The grooms were astir early, and at about eight o’clock the horses were to be seen returning from their morning exercise. Between nine and ten o’clock, Mr Flynn, the expressman, was moving about with a few lady passengers, and finally making up his load, started for the course. The departure of the course-keeper (Mr T. Bills), clad in scarlet, was the signal for a general move, and horsemen in parties, and -sundry foot passengers, might have been seen “ off, to the races.” As there were no less than three roads leading from Hawera to the racecourse, equestrians and pedestrians had plenty of choice. ; The road leading to Normanby, past Prosser’s Hotel, though bad in places, was passably good until the barrier was reached at the commencement of Messrs Stevenson & Co.’s metalling contract. At that point, it was necessary to take the turn to the right, horses having to Wade for a short distance through slush. The newly-formed parts of the bye-road proved particularly bad, traffic after the late rains having cut up the soft road. Persons who took the coach road, had nothing to complain of, as they passed over metal most of the way, and the short length of unmetalled byeroad leading to the course proved tolerably dry. Between twelve and one o’clock, appearances as to visitors looked healthy. Some of the stewards had been on the course early, and completed roping-in the run homo, saddling paddock, and had attended to the other needful work. A large refreshment booth, well stocked with liquors, sandwiches, &c., by mine host of the Normanby Hotel, had. been erected and the waiters had already commenced business. Mrs Evans, of Hawera, occupied a smaller booth, at which ladies or gentlemen could regale themselves with tea and tarts, bread and butter, &c. In the small booth there was also an abundant supply of poultry, boiled ham, roast sucking pig, beef and mutton, and hot potatoes, for such as were inclined to indulge in dinner. The usual racecourse games apparatus — aunt sally, pigeon pool, and so on, were on the ground, and at odd times during the day the owners appeared to be doing business.

The bell rung for the first race—the Produce Stakes—about half-past twelve, but a start was not effected till after one o’clock. There were seven entries, but Gazelle being scratched reduced the starters to six. The race proved an interesting one throughout. For the Hawera Stakes, Tamouri was scratched, leaving only Opawa and Resolution to compete for victory. Both horses were in prime condition, and favours appeared about equally divided. A good start was effected. The horses went at a good pace throughout, Opawa winning by nearly a head. The Hack Race brought eight horses to scratch, and a rattling race was the result. For the District Race, three horses were entered and started—Bully-for-you, Gazelle, and Sea Bird. The race created great excitement. The race was by many looked upon as a.gift to Gazelle, though Bully-for-you,'found admirers. Sea Bird began to lag behind early in the race, and it appeared for a time as if there would be a hard tussle between Gazelle and Bully-for-you, but in the last halflap, Bully forged a-head, and won by five or six lengths. As soon as the first and second horses had passed the winning post, Sea Bird was looked out for, but was nowhere to be seen. A few horsemen started across the course, to ascertain if anything had happened, when it was discovered that the jockey—a youth named Turner—had been thrown and was lying senseless and bleeding on the ground. There was a general stampede of horses to the scene of the accident. A member of the A.O. Force, assisted by others, applied restoratives. A messenger was sent for Dr Cole,, as it was feared the back was injured. After a time the youth recovered consciousness, and it being found no limbs were broken, he was carried away. A Maori Hack Race concluded the day’s proceedings. The stewards, and other officers, through whose endeavours the Hawera race meeting has been inaugurated, are deserving of every praise. The President, who had so considerately and willingly lent the grounds, was in attendance, and showed himself willing to work. The Vice-Presi-dent, Mr James Livingstone, was not found wanting. Mr James Davidson, as judge, was voted to be the right man in the right place, and faithfully discharged his onerous duties to the satisfaction of all parties. Mr J. S. Greig attended to the scaleing, and there were no hitches. Mr Charles Brown, who acted as starter, was fortunate enough to get the horses away well together each event.' Mr T; Bills,, in a flaming scarlet coat, distinguished himself as Clerk of the Course. Some few who were disposed to dispute his authority, failed to ruffle the clever rider and whip wielder. Other gentlemen also rendered valuable aid on the course. Credit was deservedly awarded to the mounted members of the A.C. Force, for- efficient aid rendered. Mr W. Hately’s services as handicapper are deserving of acknowledgment. The following are the names of the stewards Messrs J. McMichael, S. Broadbent, Espa'gne, McGregor, S. Adamson, Greig, and Cockburn, the majority of whom worked efficiently and heartily. Without detracting from the valuable services of other members of the committee, it must be acknowledged that Mr W. H. Inman, has earned, and will no doubt be awarded special thanks for the large amount of work done, and trouble taken by him, to carry out the wishes of the committee, Few could afford—nor indeed be willing—to devote so. much time to racing^

matters, and as he has had the lion’s share of work, he is deserving of special commendation for the efficient discharge of his multitudinous duties.

The course proved to, be a little rough, in spite of the labour which had been spent on it. It was, however, clearly marked out, the fern having been cut all the way round, and slight hollows filled in with earth. Tall polos had been erected all round, at moderate distances apart, Mr J. S. Greig may ta*e credit for having selected the ground. In the evening of the first day landlords of the various pubs, went out of the ordinary way and provided dinner at six o’clock. At Prosser’s Hotel dinner was laid in the large new billiard-room (not yet finished), It was a sumptuous repast, for quality, quantity, and variety, and would have done credit to any first-class hotel in the capital towns of the colony. There was a marvellous specimen of what a good cook can do in the shape of made dishes. It was brawn made up in the form of a pig’s head, highly ornamented. Our reporter learned afterwards that firstclass set-outs had been indulged in at the other public houses. The following is a list of the events:— FIRST DAY,

Produce Stakes, of £2O. One and a half miles; weight for age; entrance, £1 Is;

second horse to save his stakes ; seven

entries. W, Taura’s Kalipo, 4 yrs, 9st 31b (Turner) 1 j. Fleetwood’s Deborah, 4 yrs, 9st 41b (Belcher) 2 J. Currie’s Chance, 2 yrs, 6st Clb (Donald) 3 G. (Stevenson’s Jonathan Wild, 4 yrs, 9st 61b (J. Ray) 0 T. Quinlivan’s Sea Bird, B yrs, Dst 101b

(Potto) 0 T. Espagne’s Bounding Buck, 4 yrs, 9st 41b

A good start was made, but the Buck bounded off the course at the second pole, and after prancing around was got on to the course again, and made for the ruck. In going round the course, the horses settled into two groups, in the foremost of which was Deborah and Katipo. Passing the post first lap, Deborah led, with Katipo close up. There was a fine run home between Katipo and Deborah, both jockeys whipping hard. Mcßae and Nicholson’s Gazelle was scratched. A protest was entered by the owner of Chance against Katipo and Deborah, on the ground of the former having previously inn for public money, the latter for being over four years old. At a meeting of stewards in the evening, both protests were dismissed. Hawera Stakes, of £3O. Two miles ; weight for age; entrance, £2 2s ; second horse to save his stakes ; three entries. T. Rowe’s Opawa, 6 yrs, 9st 121b (Kraft) 1 W. H. George’s Resolution, 4 yrs, 9st 41b (R. Hoskin) 2

Mr W. Harding’s Tamouri was scratched. Both horses had many admirers. If anything, Opawa’s chance was considered best, though the heavy weight was expected to tell against it. The horses started well together, Resolution being on the inside. Opawa was kept well ahead during the running. Resolution dropping behind a length or more occasionally, was brought up again apparently with ease. When the first lap and a half had been run, the horses were running neck and neck together. Resolution then fell behind over a length, but pulled up on the straight, and on passing the judge both horses were together, Resolution’s jockey, to prevent being run off the course, having to jam leg and leg with Opawa’s jockey. About a quarter lap from the winning post in the last round, Resolution was again behind, but fetched up on the straight, and passed the winning post barely a head after Opawa. Hack Race, of £5. One mile ; entrance, 10s 6d ; seven entries. W. H, George’s Rob Roy 1 Moreton’s Annie - 2 Hicks’ Titania 3 Bourke’s True Blue ... 0 Stevenson’s Win-if-you-can 0 Hawke’s Catch-if-you-can... ... 0 George’s (Maori) Wheo ... ; 0 The horses got fairly started, some of the riders letting out at full speed. Gradually there was a dropping hack. Just before reaching the straight, Rob Roy shot ahead, and came in winner by eight or ten lengths, followed by Annie and Titania, the rest being close behind. A protest entered against Rob Boy was not entertained. District Race, of £ls. One and a quarter miles ; catch weights; post entrance, £1 Is ; Three entries. C. Brown’s Bully-for-you ... (Fleuin) 1 Mcßae and Nicholson’s Gazelle (Belcher) 2 Quinlivan’s Sea Bird... ... (Turner) 0 Directly after starting, Bully took the lead, Gazelle being second/ In passing the post first lap, Bully and Gazelle were running even, Sea Bird being behind. The two former kept well together for some distance. At the half length Bully began to lead, Gazelle, however, keeping well up. Just before reaching the straight, both jockeys began to whip, and Bully soon shot away, and won by six or seven lengths, amidst great cheering. Sea Bird was a long way behind from shortly after the start, and half lap from the winning post threw the jockey. For the Maori Hack Race seven horses were entered, and the running showed them to be tolerably well matched. We were unable to ascertain the names.

SECOND DAY. [By Telegbaph.] Hurdle Race: Te Whitu’s Marama 1 C. Brown’s Bully-for-you ... ... 2 A protest was entered. Hawera Handicap: W. H. George’s Resolution ... ... 1 William Handley’s Tamouri ... ... 2 T. Rowe’s Mamama ... 3 T, Rowe’s Opawa ... 0 The Consolation Stakes was won by Mamama.