STAND CATCHES FIRE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19198, 3 January 1928, Page 16

STAND CATCHES FIRE.

THRILL AT MOTOR-CYCLE SPORTS. (PBBSS ASSOCIiTIOK TELXOSIU.) GISBORNE, January 2. A mild Bensation was caused on the Park Racecourse to-day during tho motor-cycle sports, when smoko was seen issuing from the downstairs portion of the grandstand, which was crowded with hundreds of spectators. A hurried rush was made for the lawn. The officials, fire brigade,' and police co-operated, and the outbreak was located in a support beneath the seating accommodation. A bucket brigade was promptly formed, a number of seats torn up, and the outbreak quickly suppressed. More smoke was seen issuing later, and the outbreak was finally suppressed, damage to the extent of about £SO being caused. The fire is believed to have been caused through a' lighted cigarette butt carelessly thrown down. The sports resulted: —

Novice Handicap, five laps— J. Hamilton (lOsec) 1. The only rider to finish.. Time, smin 22 l-ssec.

Whataupoko Handicap, nine laps—A. Harker (95sec) 1, J. S. Spence (85sec) 2, L. Southward (60sec) 3, C. Goodwin (45sec) 4. Won easily. Time, lOznin 17 3-ssec. Light-weight Handicap, eight laps—C. Goodwin (lOsec) 1, A. Harker (40sec) 2, J. R. Arnott (scr) 3. Won by a furlong. Time, Bmin 59 4-ssec. New Zealand Heavy-weight Championship, 12 miles—P. Coleman 1, J. R. Arnott 2, C. Goodwin 3, C. Southward 4. Won by ■nearly a lap. Time, llmin 29 2-ssec. Te Hapara Handicap, eight laps—A. Harker (55sec) 1, C. Goodwin (15sec) 2, L. Southward 3, J. R. Arnott (scr) 4. Time, Smin 54 l-ssec. Gisborne Open Handicap. 12 miles—P. Coleman (scr) 1, C. Goodwin (80sec) 2, J. R. Arnott (80sec) 3, A. Harker (85sec) 4. Time, llmin 41sec. President's Handicap, ten laps—P. Coleman (scr) 1. J. Arnott (65sec) 2, A. Harker (80sec) 3, L. Southward (65sec) 4. Won easily. Time, lOmin 4 3-ssec. Sports Handicap, five laps—C. Walker (40sec) 1. J. C. Goodwin (35sec) 2, J. Arnott (35sec) 3, A. Harker (45see) 4. Won easily. Time, 43 3-ssec. Consolation Handicap, five laps—L. Southward (ssec) 1, J. Arnott (scr) 2, K. Graham (lOsec) 3. Won by half a wheel. Time, Smin 6sec.