WAIROA RACES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 906, 5 January 1881, Page 2

WAIROA RACES.

The Wairoa Guardian thus refers to the coming meeting : —“ As the day appointed for our already popular race meeting is drawing nigh, a few notes anent the prospect of a good gathering taking place, may not be without some interest, at least to those of our readers who affect a sporting life. Opening the season with a balance of about £4O in hand, and promises of liberal support coming in, the Club has considerably increased the amount of the different stakes. Local talent will, this year, be better represented than ou the last occasion. Bata looks in good trim, and if fairly treated, may perhaps pull off one of the big events. His owner certainly deserves some such success, as being one of the most enterprising settlers in the district. The horse is in charge of Mr. Noble. Rebel Chief, owned by Mr. Thorpe, promises well. Mr. Strachan has Rattan and Naughty Boy in training at Mohaka, and we shall be surprised if the former does not give a good account of.himself this time. A number of other horses are being prepared in different parts of the County, so that altogether local talent will be well represented iu quantity at all events. The nominations already received for the Handicap Hurdles and County Stakes must be very gratifying to the Committee, and we hope the same will be maintained on the night of general entry. We are glad to notice that an improved grand stand has been erected this year for the convenience of visitors, and also that some improvements have been made in the appliances on the ground. To add to the attractions which we offer on this occasion to other than “ horsey ” men, we may instance the cricket match to be played the day before the meeting, and the Catholic bazaar which will be opened the same evening and also on the race night. Elsewhere we particularise the amusements provided for the Christmas and New Year week. Our Napier and Gisborne friends will, we hope, enjoy themselves, as we feel sure those of our own people who attend this popular meeting will.”