THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1174, 6 January 1880, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT.

His Excellency passed through Hamilton on Saturday en route to Gorton, Mr Fergusson's residence. On his way back from Gorton to Auckland yesterd yhe stayed a short time in Cambridge to change horses. He was accompanied by his son, his private secretary, Rev. Massey Thomson, Hon. F. Whitaker, Hon. James Williamson, and H. P. Lance, Esq. ,The Governor having expressed his desire to his host — Mr Fergusson — to inspect the Cambridge Jockey Club's grand-stand and the racecoiu*se, the party, accordingly, when proceeding on their way to the train on arriving at Gwynnland, drove off the road to the grand-stand. Here he was met byseveral of the stewards and ttte secretary of the club. He then minutely inspected the building and proceeded to the top of the stand, expressing himself highly pleased with the arrangements and the surrounding view, particularly inquiring from the secretary where the different townships and other places of interest lay. One feature of the course he highly commended, namely the dark background, having this advantage over many racecourses of muoh larger pretentions. After this His Excellency walked on the course and particularly inquired how the going was in wet weather. The secretary was in a position to inform him that the soil was of such a natnre and the drainage so complete that there was nothing to prevent it always being very quick, no matter how wet the season. After this His Excellency got into his trap and drove slowly round the steeplechase course. He made particular inquiries about everything connected with the racing, throwing out useful suggestions to the officials present. After such commendation from so high an authority, There appears little else for the club to do but go on and prosper. His Excellency then drove on to Hamilton, leaving by express train about half -past 12 o'clock.