The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1883. THE GERALDINE RACING CLUB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1179, 27 November 1883, Page 2

The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1883. THE GERALDINE RACING CLUB.

The meeting held in Geraldine for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of changing the racecourse from the reserve at Orari to the old course on Mr Postlethwaite’s estate, resulted, as was expected, in the conclusion being come to that the alteration was not desirable. There is no doubt but that this is a loss to the people of Geraldine, but they have themselves to blame. It was a very extraordinary notion on their part to take it away from the vicinity of the town in the first instance. Outsiders, who bad no pecuniary interest in the matter, were surprised at such a thing having been done at the time, and they prophesied that the result would be much discontent. There can be no doubt now but that their prophesies were correct, and how it was that the Geraldine people did not see it themselves is a mystery. It is said that some of them who saw it, and who would have been most benefited by having the races in Geraldine, were so apathetic that they did not take the slightest interest in it at all. And rumor says, moreover, that those very people who would derive the most direct pecuniary benefit were amongst the most apathetic supporters of the races, even when they were in Geraldine, If this is true it serves them right that they have lost by it., Anyone who could not muster up public spirit enough to spend a shilling on what would yield to him a pound, deserves no sympathy. We trust, now, that this matter will teach a lesson to the Geraldire people—that is, when they have what is profitable to them, let them support, foster and encourage it in every way they can, and not allow it to go out of their own reach. It is very bard on the Geraldine people, no doubt, after having expended so much energy, enterprise and money on getting up the Club, to see others reap the benefit of it, but we hope it will result in some of them being brought to a sense of the desirability of encouraging local institutions. If they had done this in the case of the racecourse in the beginning they would have the races in Geraldine now. It is hopeless to try to get the races taken back, The success that has been achieved at Orari puts it out of the question. There is nothing for it, therefore, but to get up races for district horses only. At the rate the present Club is getting on it will soon be so rich that it will be able to render help, in the shape of one or two prizes, and if the people of Geraldine go about it in the spirited manner that enabled them to start the Club they have lost, they will soon have good races. Such, a course would result in the improvement of district horse-flesh, and in putting some money in circulation in the town. MAIL TO JETLTON. For years past the people of the Kakahu, Hilton and adjoining districts have been endeavoring to get a mail service from Temuka, but nothing ever came of it. Recently, however, practical steps have been taken, and it is more than likely that success will be the result. At the request of the residents Messrs Mundell and Co. have placed a coach on the road, and efforts are being made to get the Government to send a mail bag by it. We cannot see how the request can be very well refused. The district is large and populous, and the necessity for a mail service cannot be denied. Under these circumstances there is every reason to hope that a mail service will be established between Temuka and Hilton. If so the news will be received with gladness throughout the district.