Waerenga-a-hika Jockey Club.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1018, 31 December 1881, Page 4

Waerenga-a-hika Jockey Club.

The usual settling after a race meeting took place at the Waerenga-a-hika Hotel, on Wednesday evening last. Previous to going to business the genial landlord of the Hotel, Mr William Cooper, invited the members of the Club to a sumptuous repast nicely laid out in the dining-room. About 18 gentlemen sat down, and each one did full justice to the spread. Major Pitt presided as Chairman, ably assisted by Mr M. Smith, the painstaking Secretary of the Club. The usual toasts on such occasions were duly drunk with much enthusiasm in “ fiz.” The first toast proposed was “ Host Cooper,” who responded, and thanked the comSfor the honor done him. Then wed “ The Secretary,” “ The Successful Winners,” and “ Unsuccessful Competitors.” Mr Montagu Smith .proposed the health of the Waerenga-a-hika Jockey Club, and in doing so stated that the Club was financially in a good position, and that after all expenses then due were met, a balance of about £4O or £45 would remain in hand. Major Pitt responded, and expressed a hope that the Club would long continue to hold the position it does at present. Major Pitt, in proposing the health of the “ Professional Jockeys,” said that without them there could be no racing, and he believed that Poverty Bay possessed some of the best jockeys in the Colony. They were a class of men that were closely watched, and for his part he considered that some of them required watching. He noticed that only two of the profession were present, and he proposed the toast co ipled with the names of Messrs Doleman and Thompson, and trusted that they may long live to ride, and ride straight. Messrs Doleman and Thompson, on behalf of the profession and themeelves, returned thanks. Mr Montagp Smith, in a neat speech, proposed “ The Handicappers,” coupled with the name of Mr Austin. Mr

Smith, in the course of his remarks, heartily thanked the office-bearers of Club, one and all, for the manner Ki which they had assisted him (as ■ecretary; in his duties, during the ■ste meeting. He said that it was Mntirely owing to their valuable aid, pthat enabled him to start each race punctually. Mr Austin responded. The health of Mr Maynard, Clerk of Scales, was next proposed. Mr Maynard responded, and stated that he was simply doing what Mr Caulton, through an accident, was unable to do. Then followed the healths of the A.C.,” coupled with the name of Constable Currie ; “ Gentlemen Biders,” coupled with the name of Mr W. Mill; “ The Press,” coupled with the name of Mr. Mogridge; and “The Ladies the last toast was responded to by Mr Montagu Smith. An adjournment was then made to enable the table to be cleared preparatory to having a little harmony. While this was in progress the settling for the late races took place, and • the money being apportioned in the following manner:—

Total £175 15s After the business of the evening ■was over, a return was made to the •dining-room, where Mr W. Hydes kindly presided at the piano, and Messrs. Sceats, Maynard, Carroll, M. Smith, Baker, Nasmith, Doleman and J. Bedmond favored the company with songs until midnight, when the meeting broke up, after a very pleasant evening’s amusement.

£ s. Mr W. Bailey ... 66 10 Mr I). Page ... ... 47 10 Mr F. Carden ... 23 15 Mr G. Burnand ... ... 19 0 Mr M. Boe ... 9 10 Mr —. Bangi ... 9 10