Waerenga-a-hika Race Club.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1236, 30 December 1882, Page 2

Waerenga-a-hika Race Club.

The usual settling in connection with the above Club took place last night, at the Waerenga-a-hika Hotel. A large number of gentlemen were present, and all bets were promptly paid. The Stewards met to consider the protest entered by Mr T. E. R. Bloomfield in connection with the Boxing Day Handicap. The meeting was private, but our representative was informed that the question was to be submitted to the “Australasian.” It will be fresh in the minds of our readers that the starter sent away Morning Star and The Cat before Tartar got to the post. The enquiry lasted some time, it being 9.3oo'clock before a decision was arrived at. After the stakes had been paid over those present sat down to a sumptuous repast which reflected the greatest credit upon host Cooper. The carte was almost unlimited, and the chef de cuisine had evidently put forth his talent. Mr M. H. Smith occupied the chair. The first toast on the programme was the Queen and Royal Family. Mr M. H. Smith proposed “ Racing in Poverty Bay,” coupled with the names of Messrs. Bloomfield and Carroll. Both gentlemen responded. Mr. Aislabie proposed “The Officers of the Club,” coupled with the name of Mr. M. H. Smith. Mr. Smith, in responding to this toast, said he wished to make a few remarks in connection with the Club’s Balance Sheet. The Balance Sheet was most satisfactory, as it showed a credit of £lOl Os 6d, as against £5l 6s, after the previous meeting. In the balance in hand, the sum of £52 10s, due in connection with the handicap, was included, although the matter had been left to the decision of the “Australasian.'’ He hoped next year the Club would be in a position to offer a handicap of £75 or £lOO, and so induce outside horses to come here. It would prove to be of great benefit to the Club in many ways. The Balance Sheet this year was certainly more creditable than that of last year. He concluded by thanking the company present on behalf of his brother officers and himself, for the manner in which their healths had been drank. Song—“ La de Dali,” Mr Durston. Mr Maynard said he was deputed by the Club to present a clock to Mr M. H. Smith, who had worked very hard for the Club and had invariably refused anything in the shape of an honorarium. He hoped Mr Smith would long continue to fill the position he at present occupied as Secretary. Mr Smith returned his heartiest thanks for the very handsome present, and the kind expressions accompanying it. He was fond of sport, and as long as he remained in the

Bay would stick to the clock, He found it difficult to say much, as the recipient of such a valuable present. He could not say he was taken by surprise, as he had been asked by Mr Nasmith to select something; and he chose this clock. He should always remember the kindness of the members of the Club, and as long as he had a few pounds would continue to promote the furtherance of racing.

Song— “ Teddy O’Neil,” Mr Maynard. Mr Smith said he had pleasure in proposing the toast of “The Jockeys,” coupled with the names of Messrs Honor, Durston, and Thompson, which was duly responded to. Song—“ Gallants of England,” Captain Chrisp. Mr Aislabie proposed the next toast, “Local Metallic!ans,” coupled with the names of Messrs. Beresford and Thompson, who returned thanks. Mr Smith proposed “ The Pressresponded to by Captain Chrisp and Mr Mogridge. Mr A. Davies, in a neat speech, proposed the toast of “The Ladies,” and called on Mr Bloomfield to respond. Mr Bloomfield proposed the “Host and Hostess,” which was received in a very hearty manner. Mr W. Cooper, on behalf of his wife and himself, thanked the company for the honor done to him. Song—“ March of the Cameron men,” Mr Aislabie. Mr Carroll proposed “ Unsuccessful Owners,” coupled with the names of Messrs. Smith, Waldron, Malone and Carden, who returned thanks. Song—“ A starry night for a ramble,” Mr Car roll. Song—“ Far away,” Mr S. C. Caulton. The evening’s festivities were brought to a close by “ Auld Lang Syne,” ana the company separated about 12.30.