POVERTY BAY TURF CLUB.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 667, 6 October 1891, Page 3

POVERTY BAY TURF CLUB.

THE NEW RACKCOURSE AND BUILDINGS.

The senior Racing Club of the district, (triking out for itself, has moved with the times, and has now its own lease of a fine course at a centrally situated place, with handsome buildings specially designed for the needs of the public who patronise racing, and those who may be induced to patronise it by the many attractions offered. As a natural course that at Waerenga a hika could not be surpassed for the charm of the spot, but it was not everyone who could enjoy the long ride or drive out, while in the course of events the tenure upon which the land was held produced a difficulty which had to be faced sooner or later. There are many who regret that tho Turf Club and the Racing Club could not work together, but their destiny seems to be other, wise so far as the meetings are concerned • Owners of racing stock are probably pleased that this is so, for it opens out greater opportunities to them. Seeing that there is room for two Clubs, their existence must be considered an advantage from a racing point of view—a healthy rivalry is created, and as success can only be attained by consideration of the needs of the public it follows that tbe public gets well served. The Turf Club’s new grandstand and buildings having been completed, there was a little formal gathering on the ground yesterday, among those present being the architect, Mr Finneran; the contractor, Mr W. O. Skeet; the contractor for painting, Mr F. Hall; the Secretary, Mr Aislabie, and Press representatives. Mr Harding had kindly driven out a party, including the latter, the occasion being the formal passing of the work done. A cursory examination at once drew forth expressions of admiration from those present, and a closer inspection fully justified the first impression made. The site of the new racecourse is at the spot known years ago as the sports ground. It was then always regarded as a pretty place; time has been in its favor, and the way that things have been laid out, combined with the natural beauties, make the site an especially attractive one. The property comprises seventeen acres, six acres of which are occupied by the grandstand and saddling and outside enclosure. The course is a mile and a distance, and the not very original, but none the less applicable phrase of as level as a billiard table, may be used to give an idea of the excellent course. There is a fine straight of 17 chains, the width of the course being If chains. The competent Secretary and those who had the work of preparing the course are to be complimented on the excellent judgment and workmanship shown. Fears were at first given voice to that the course would be too damp in the winter and too bard in the summer, but Mr Aislabie is of opinion that such fears are illusory. The way in which the land is drained should keep it in good order in tbe winter time, and the prolific growth from the rich soil should keep it sufficiently moist in tbe summer time. Tbe soil is of such quality that it takes a great deal of mowing to keep the grass down.

The erections are all of a specially suitable kind. The grandstand is a handsome, nicely furnished structure, capable of seating 500 people, apart from the other accommodation. It is 50ft by 30, of most substantial structure, the material being rimu, totara, and kauri, Adjoining it is a stand for the convenience of stewards. There are two staircases for entrance to the main stand, and there is a great additional convenience for the use of those who just as a race is about to start wish to get a good view of a contest without going right up into the stand. It ig sometimes annoying the way people rush up and down the stand before and after each race, and the front Staircases will be regarded as a great convenience. The three first rows of seats have got backs to them and are for the special benefit of ladies. The interior of the stand is well fitted up, and has concrete flooring, with a flooring of 6ft width on the outside as well. The diningroom of course occupies the greater portion of the space. The bar is situated on the right hand side, having shutters so arranged as when opened out to form a sort of verandah in front. There is a pantry in the oorner, and on the left hand side of the diningroom is a stewards’ room. There is also a very comfortable room for ladies, with conveniences. All the buildings have been nicely painted, and the ceiling of tbe grandstand has a pleasing appearance with blue borders to the light paint used for it. The plan of the grounds is just the reverse order of that of the Park, the totalisator being on the western side of the stand and the saddling paddock on the town side. The totalisator building Is 20ft by 10ft, and includes all offices necessary for the efficient despatch of business. One excellent feature is that the entrances are so fenced as to prevent anyone Stealing an advantage in the rush to place money on the machine. The outside booth is 24ft by 16ft. On the saddling paddock aide there is every convenience. There is a building 32ft by 10ft, in which accommodation is found for the Secretary, the Press representatives, and jockeys. The latter have roomy lookers provided for the care of their paraphernalia, and a special weighing machine is provided, so that each jockey may test his weight before going to the official scale. The stand is railed in on the top, and a good view of the races may be obtained from this stand. There is a commodious weighing-in ebed, With glass fitted in to give plenty of light, Itnd a red ball has been fixed for hoisting when all the horses have weighed in, and when after a race tbe winner has weighed in again eorreetly. This acts as a telegraph system for the officers working the totalisator, who thus know when to pay out. The result board is close to the Secretary’s office, the Judge of course having a box so arranged as to secure accuracy in cloee finishes. There are six scraping sheds and four loose boxes in the saddling paddock, with all necessary conveniences, ' The way the grounds have been laid out is a subject of much admiration. The drive leads in from near the Roseland Hotel, and then round to the back of the grandstand grounds. Special provision is made for the carriages ’of members, and also of the general public. The pens for horses are so arranged as to ensure security and convenience. There is a plantation of trees on the outer grounds, and in the inner grounds there are a few pleasant seats provided, under the shade of willow trees. A tasteful plantation of firs and other trees has been made, and in a short time there will be a Very pretty rural walk provided, and the place will be specially suited for pionic parties. The view from the grandstand is sufficient to cause a thrill of delight in any admirer pf the beauties of nature. To the south lies the bay, which has quite a picturesque appearance from the distance. The eye has a wide range of the Gisborne plain, which looks charming just now with its spring mantle, giving everything an air of freshness. The plain is dotted with the fleecy animal whose coat and flesh (the latter frozen) now form our main staples of export, Cattle and posses are of course also to be Seen grazing about, but in very small proportion to the other stock. Ths dusty main roads are to a great extent bidden by the blue gnm trees and othei foliage surrounding the ground, and the view in every respect a highly pleasing one, In clumps pi trees along the plain the houses ol ffipny settlers are observed, and to the east Wird its tall chimney of tbe freezing work! peeps forth as a monument of the leading industry of the plage, Without being at t great distance from town the site has striking natural beauties to commend it, and n< doubt the Club’s opening race gathering then in about a fortnight’s time, will be wal patronised. ■fhe whole work has been conceived sni parried out in keeping with Mr Sheet’s re potation as a builder, and that ol M Finneran as an architect. Captain Winte: gave valuable assistance throughout in tbi suggestions which his experience enabled bin t» make,

Before tbe party returned to town a visit was paid to the popular hotel at tbe corner, Messrs Currie and Hogan’s Roseland. Success to the Club was drunk, and congratulations were tendered to the Secretary, the architect, builder, and painter, on the creditable way in which all the arrangements had been carried out. Mr Aislabie said that only fine weather was now required to make the forthcoming spring meeting a great success. The town party then returned home, after having had a pleasant afternoon’s outing.