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Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 139, 9 December 1918, Page 8

The late jMr. George Wratt, whose death occurred at the Wairau Hospital last week in consequence of influenza, was a very successful racehorse owner years ago. He was born at Spring Grove, Nelson, 71 years ago, and was the eldest son of the late Mr. William Wratt. His string of racehorses included Hinemoa, Fairchild (named after Captain Fairchild of the Government steamer Hinemoa), Hinewhitu, and Hinerau, and they had a very successful career, annexing important cup races in various parts of New Zealand. Fairchild and other horses were trained by the wellknown Christchurch trainer, Mr. E. Cutts, whilst Mr. Wratt was associated with the late Mr. S. Powell in the control of a large racing stable at Wanganui. Relinquishing a very successful association with the Turf the deceased followed pastoral pursuits, and he proceeded to the Clarence district, where he was on various stations. He was wide-ly-known and highly-esteemed in the Marlborough province, and his death will be much regretted. He was unmarried, but he leaves one sister (Mrs. W. H. Rnapp, Nelson) and one brother {Mr. W. Wratt, Christchurch).

The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, Minister of Agriculture, has received advice that the Board of Agriculture, London, has confirmed the existence of. foot and mouth disease in Sussex, and that an order has been made prohibiting the movement of animals in a large area surrounding the seat of infection. It is understood that at the date of the advics the disease was probably confined to one farm. Meanwhile, no shipment of cattle,'sheep, or pigs from England to New ZeaSfind will be permitted.

The Minister for Defence was asked in the House of Representatives by Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., to-day if in the event of interned aliens being deported the members of the guard, especially long-service men, would be given the opportunity of forming the escort. "I can't make any promise," said Sir James Allen with a smile. By section 49 of the "Washing-up" Bill, the Johnsonville Town Board is to be empowered to redeem existing debentures by an issue of fresh debentures under the Maori Land Claims Adju6t- > ment »nd Laws Amendment. Act. 1907.,