STRATFORD RACING CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1915, Page 3

STRATFORD RACING CLUB.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Stratford, Monday.

Yesterday "your own" had a jaunt to the local racecourse, and was surprised to see the* improvements that have been made since last meeting. Previous to that meeting very extensive additions and improvements were made to the grandstand, luncheon rooms, totalisator, horse and people's stand. This year the committee has chiefly directed its efforts towards the improvement of the track, and the results appear to be very beneficial. The bend at the seven-furlong post has never met the approval of the committee, and at this point there is a considerable creek, which necessitated much trouble in making improvements. The matter has, however, been effectively dealt with, the creek being filled, the course widened and "banked" outside, and extended to a satisfactory degree. The appearance of the turf on this new filling indicates that it will stand any amount of galloping. At the five furlong post a straight has been fenced, levelled, and turfed. This will enable starters in the short distance events to enjoy a much better chance than was available when the start was made on the curve. The whole of this work was carried out by Caretaker Lloyd and staff, under the supervision of llr E. 0. Kobinson, and reflects credit on all concerned.

The totara posts, which have done duty for some years as barrier fixtures, have been replaced with hardwood. The track is in splendid order, the club having purchased a water roller and a pair of draught horses at a cost of £l5O. This enables prompt and efficient work. Much planting has been done during the winter. Eleagnus hedges have bee.n set along the road frontage ,and many .ornamental trees and shrubs have been placed along the approach to the lawn and grandstand. The sycamores planted in the paddock a few years ago have 8 flourished and now afford grateful shade.

Early in the present racing season the club decided to devote the whole of this year's profits to patriotic, purposes, and consequently desired to keep the expenditure at a minimum, consistent with proper conveniences. The only alterations to the buildings arc an addition to the totalisator house, which is now nearly completed, and ,yrhieh is designed to give investors greater facilities, and some minor additions to the catering arrangements.

The Stratford Racing Club has reason to be proud of its prosperity, and its reputation for providing race-goers with well-conducted and enjoyable sport.

The forthcoming meeting, to be held next Saturday and Monday, will assuredly add to the laurels of the club, whose energies well deserve recognition.

Many clubs are not so favorably situated to maintain a progressive policy as is the Stratford Racing t C!ub. Situate in the centre of a line scope of dairy farm land and well served by excellent railways and roads, patrons have every convenience for quick and comfortable access thereto. The property comprises 100 acres, situate within the borough of Stratford, and is the club's own freehold. The club lias during the past few years effected great improvements to the tracks and grounds, and the buildings were recently enlarged and improved. A new Dewsen totalisatnr was installed last year, and excellent accommodation at the totalisator house ouables investors to visit the ticket windows at a minimum of inconvenience. Both £1 and 10s tickets are available.