WAIPORI ANNUAL RACES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 257, 2 January 1873, Page 8

WAIPORI ANNUAL RACES.

If beautiful weather, a large assemblage — each individual member- of which had made up his or her mind to thoroughly enjoy himself or herself, as the case might he, aud carried that intention into effect — and capital sport combined, make up a successful race meeting, then the Waipori race meet of 1872, which took place on Thursday and Friday last, was an unequivocal success. The weather was really magnificent, the number of visitors to the course was far larger than on any previous year, the entries numerous, and the competition for the various prizes spirited. About noon, the assemblage began to gather at the appointed rendezvous, tbe flat at the rear of Cotton and Henry's hotel. As time wore on, it numbered fully 400. A large number of ladies were among those present, clad in the gorgeous and wonderful summer costume of the period, adding a grace to the se'ene which nothing save their charming ■ presence could impart. Mr. Y.ial was the lessee of the booth, and did a trade which may without hyperbole be described as " roaring," both in solid and liquid ref/eshinent. The quality of the articles he supplied far the delectation of tbe palates of those of Her Majesty's lieges gathered at Waipori on Thursday and Friday v was really excellent, and many well-.d^^ryed enconiums w.ere passed on his maftage,rnent and catering by those wno piVtronjsed.biux We cannot quit this portion of our subject without advert: ing t°t t°ft conduct of certain, mean apologies for rep,ipesen r tativea of the human race. Tijeso individuals, knowing well that I^r. Vial ha,d paid a high price for the privilege of having a b.ooth, on Thursday established themselveSj without leave or license, pn^ the. course, aud endeavored to, take from, him a portion jof' the trade, be had purchased. "Tliey did not g^s %U,ch^

however, and the unprofitable nature of their adventure, combined with public opinion and their own sense of decency, preyented them from repeating their conduct on Friday. Great credit is due to the gentlemen, who formed the committee for the excellent arrangements. No bitches occurred, and everything passed off pleasantly and satisfactorily, both to spectators and competitors. In (addition to the races, there were athletic sports, which agreeably diversified the proceedings, and helped to gratify all sporting tastes. The programme for these latter was well drawn up, the prizes liberal, and the entries numerous. Two professionals from Dunedin presented themselves, but found local talent rather sultry. IVfr. Buchanan officiated as judge; and it is needless' to say he performed his duties admirably. Mr. T. Gormley, as clerk of the course, seeuqed to have been born to the position, and fulfilled his duties conscientiously, to the evident disgust of the inevitable dog and the " free and independent " who attempted to cruss tbe track at unseasonable times. Everybody was so bijsily engaged exchanging the compliments of the season with everybody else that on Thursday \t was two o'clock before a start was made. From the force of precedent, a aimilar delay occurred the following day. Below is a detailed report of the two days' racing.