WAIKATO CLUB MAKES SPLENDID PROGRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 217, 2 December 1927, Page 7

WAIKATO CLUB MAKES SPLENDID PROGRESS

CLAUDELANDS TRACK OPENING TO-MORROW AFTER RENOVATION The Waikato Trotting Club, whose annua! fixture opens tomorrow at Hamilton, is one of the most progressive light harness organisations in the Dominion. While still ranked as a '‘country" club the Hamiltonians can lay claim to serving up a menu that would do credit to any metropolitan body. The light harness industry has shown signs of activity for many years in the Waikato district, and so well did the Hamilton enthusiasts conduct the popular pastime in their locality, they had little difficulty in securing an extra permit when the authorities were caught in a liberal mood. There was no doubt, however, in the mind of the general public, that the Waikato Club was justly entitled to an extra day, and it proved a case of the deserving one being rewarded. Up against it in some respects the club set out to cater for light harness enthusiasts in an up-to-

New Zealand Cups. date manner, but there was the stumbling block of a suitable ‘course and appointments. After a period of financial sunshine, due to the fact that it was permissible to hold two meetings at Alexandra Park, the committee, with President R. T. Reid at the helm, decided to march forward at tho double, and a most ambitious scheme was advanced, which promised to put the tracks and appointments of tho Waikato Club on an equal footing with tho best in the Dominion. The work of remodelling the course and general appointments was promptly put in hand, with thc gratifying result that everything is in order for the opening of the new course to-mor-UP-TO-DATE TRACK The new track, a little over six furlongs in circumference, and a chain wide, has been laid down, and a good solo of grass has come through. The circuit is banked at the two bends and

lengthy back and front straights are available. When properly consolidated the circuit will fully answer the utmost demands of light harness racing, and in this respect will prove an incentive toward the attraction of the aest class of horse to the headquarters of trotting in the Waikato. Tho club has undertaken a big scheme of additions and alterations to

the stand and lawn accommodation at Claudelands. The fact that the racing surface has been placed a chain further infield permits of increased lawn space for inside and outside patrons. The two stands have been remodelled and tiers on concrete steps placed along- the whole frontage. Considerable alterations have been made to the stands, including a central entrance to the upper area from the rear of the buildings. Additional ventilation of the structures has been provided, while the dining rooms have been materially improved both for the public and the staffs. Under the scheme the attention bestowed upon the outside public will provide increased facilities for viewing the racing. A stewards* stand has been erected, and this latest improvement is another striking testimony of the capable manner in which the light harness enthusiasts of the Waikato cater for the welfare of the sport in general. The improvement plan undertaken by the club is a bold one and the committee is deserving of congratulation on its keen desire to provide up-to-date facilities for the horses and for the public who axe patronising this

popular department of racing in large and ever-increasing numbers. As opportunity presents itself the club will undertake an entirely new building policy at Claudelands in the matter of stand accommodation. The "Waikato Club deserves to meet with success, as by its tine progressive policy it is fostering and catering for the light harness sport in an admirable degree, and also endeavouring to raise the standard of the popular pastime. May the efforts of the wide-awake executive be crowned with success, and may the sporting public show appreciation of the club’s efforts by assisting to make to-morrow's function a record on a.