COURSING.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1920, Page 3

COURSING.

10TES AND COMMENTS. It was an agreoable surprise to many to find the members of the New Plymouth Coursing Club so persevering in their efforts to , popularise this pastime with the general public. Latterly considerable Improvements have been effected, and these Alterations have met with the general approval of owners of competing dogs. A satisfied customer will call again, and this sentiment was largely expressed by visiting nominators at the recent meeting, when the club officials tendered a social evening on the occasion of the paying over of stakes. One or two minor alterations have been mentioned by dog owners, and when these are completed the club will possess one of tho best coursing grounds in tho Dominion. This is no idlo boast, but the testimony of Messrs. Jarrett, Hannah, James, and Mclvor. With these testimonials of fitness of locality and arrangements, It is not surprising that the nominations are -already coming in freelv for the Waterloo Cup, wheh Is to be a three days' meeting at the end of the present month. For this occasion tho club intend making every effort to eclipse previous gatherings, and with a continuance of the present enthusiasm this desire should be accomplished. Whilst I dogs and owners are being catered for, the comfort and convenience of the public is also receiving every consideration, and already preparations are being made to secure seats on the natural grandstand, whilst on the Saturday, the day for the finals, a band will bo present. The hares liberated in the recent coursing were an exceptionally strong lot, and It Is expected that by the time of the Waterloo meoting they will be In the pink of condition, and fit to give any set of dogs the race of their lives. The measure of success achieved in this direction is attributed to tjie care and attention given the hares by the club officials, and/this was reflected by the small percentage of kills, "pussy" generally having no difficulty in locating the escapes. It Is very satisfactory, also, to record the fact that in the opinion of visitors tho dogs competing here were quite capable of holding their own In the best of company, either In the Dominion or Australia, Whether this Is so or otherwise, the fact remains that to those who have watched the progress of events, it _must be conceded that the speed and stamina of the dogs has considerably Improved, owners generally recognising that to do justice to their nominations they require something more than an occasional run, Wellington enthusiasts are also contemplating the establishment of a club, having been offered the uso of trotting grounds at Petone. Wanganui owners are also Interesting themselves in tho matter, and with men like Messrs. Wilson, Hannah and Mclvor to push things along the Inhabitants of Wellington should soon possess grounds, and will be able to hold meetings.