AWAPUNI RACECOURSE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 17 December 1932, Page 2

AWAPUNI RACECOURSE

REPLACEMENT OF STAND. GROUNDS A BLAZE OF COLOUR. Patrons at the Christinas meeting of the Manawatu Racing Club will lind in the new stewards’ stand much for comparison when the original, which was destroyed by lire, is recalled. While the absence of the balcony at the rear of the new structure may be regretted by some, it will bo generally conceded that the new stand is preferable in all other respects. By courtesy of the architect, Mr Robin Hood, a “Standard” representative was shown over the building this morning. Mr Hood explained that although there had been 70,000 ft of timber required for the job, the contractor, Mr. E. Anderson, of Terrace End, had been exceptionally favoured in respect to weather conditions. The finish of the interior is neat and effective without being unduly ornate. The rooms to be occupied by the president and the secretary are situated at the southern end of the building, having connection with the main office. In alignment and at the front of the building will be a social room. Separating it from the judicial room, which is behind the general office and overlooking the course, is a passageway leading to the verandah, wlnle nearby is a stairway which descends from the upper storey and which emerges at the side of the building on to the lawn. Having access from the birdcage and also direct from the jockeys’ dressing room is the weighing-in room with buifet and sandwich counter. At the rear is a circular counter where a clerk will attend to the needs of owners and trainers, although access can also be obtained by way of a door at the rear of the stand. The club has replaced the scales lost in the fire with a set of walk-on scales, which are considered to be more rapid in action. Adjoining is an up-to-date dressing room. In addition to having access to the weighingin room, the dressing room gives access to the mounting paddock, and to the stairway leading up to the stand where a portion has been reserved for trainers and for jockeys when not actually engaged in a race. Upstairs and at the southern end of the building is the stewards’ room with splendid windows overlooking the main lawns, the course and tlie totalisator, while adjoining and separating the stewards and the general members rooms is a lounge. The general members' room is most commodious and has plentiful seating accommodation. Whereas in the old days members desirous of investing on the totalisator lrad to descend from the stand and cross to the machine, they will now be able to follow the activities of the totalisator from their own room and make their investments at a machine in the room itself. At the extreme northern end of the building is the Press room, all the rooms emerging to the double staircase leading to the outer courtyard. The seating accommodation on tire verandah itself will cater for 230 in all, while a further 70 will have standing room. An improvement which will be generally appreciated when the wind is from the south' or southwest is the enclosing of the ends of the stand in glass. On the outer wall of the building and at the immediate rear will be tire results board which will be operated by weights, it being but one cf the many improved features on the old building. THE SURROUNDINGS.

Although the permanent staff attached to the property at Awapuni lias undergone a considerable reduction, Mr G, Attick, the caretaker, has taken pains to have the course in order Epid tlie solo of grass thereon is excellent and should offer the best of conditions on race day. The grounds and gardens present, as usual, a beautiful picture and much credit is due the head gardener, Air W. Stevens, for their condition. Entering the courso by way of the main drive one passes through two great lines of flower beds, sweet peas of all colours forming the background, with dahlias, antirrhinums, etc., in front, prior to reaching tho back of the totalisator house, whore there is a glorious display of roses of various varieties. The medical Corps Memorial is again surrounded by flowers which nre a mass of colour, the pale and deep shades of the stocks presenting a charming contrast, Tho trees which dot tho lawns and tho beds fronting the main grandstand, the course itself, and. tho judgo’s box pro all n blaze of colour, tho whole forming a picture which is a delight to the eye.