WESTPORT NOTES

Grey River Argus, 29 December 1934, Page 7

WESTPORT NOTES

(Out Own Correspondent). The Races: WESTPORT, December 28. The economic position on the Coast especially in the Buller district, inflicted itself in no unmist<akeable manner on the tote turn-over and gate receipts at the annual trotting meeting held at the Mill Street course. The big decrease in both instances suggest that the corner is still a long way off and that there is little money available, amongst the Buller workers, a third of whom are required to eke out a living on the dole, for amusement purposes. The decrease in the totalisator turnover reached the substantial sum ’Of £1.616. The machine handled £4,714 for the first day, compared with £5,471 last year. On the second day when compared with last year. a drop of over £BOO was revealed. The sport at this year’s meeting was of a high standard, and the racing was exceptionally interesting. Most «oi the events were won by horses which were well hacked, and this had a tendency to keep the money in circulation. Trotters trained locally got their share of the prize money. .1. R. Simpson, Karamea. was .the most successful owner at the meeting, while Walsh Bros, landed a double with Racketeer. The biggest dividend at the meeting was paid by Mr F. J. Freeth’s Mabel Chimes. The big money, the Trotting Club’s Ilan dicap, which carried with it a valuable ease of cutlery presented by the Buchanan Whisky firm, went Mrs M. Harrall’s plain Pear], The three dividend tote proved popular with the public. The starter, Mr Roche, gave entire satisfaction, and it was quite apparent that ho held the confidence of the drivers. The catering this yeai was in charge of Mis Pfeffer, ami the dainty after noon tea provided, together with the courtesy of her staff, wore favourably commented upon. The mooting 'was n well-managed affair, and reflected credit on all associated with it.

Mokihinui Sports: The following handicaps have been declared for the sports meeting t»o be held at Mokihiuui on New Year’s Day:— 120 Yards Sheffield: .1. Jones sc l *, T. Tiplady syds, A. Muir. 11. McMillan, Henry Power, P. J. Power, J. S. Watson 11. 440 yards: J. Jones scr, P. J. Power, llenrv Power, 11. McMillan. AMuir, J. Bly th. T. Roberts'On, J. S. Watson 30yds. Handicap saw. 14-inch, double cut. Ist prize £l. 2nd £2: W. Maloney and 1,. Maloney scr. Af. Maloney and T. Rogers 3sec. M’. Mumm and J. Mumm 4sec, J. Mumm and A. Muir 7sec, R. King ami .1. McNeight 7sec, D. Pearson ami A. Pearson (held over). Upright chop, 13inch log, Ist prize £3, 2ml £2: W. Champion scr, W. Maloney 2sor, W. Mumm scr, D. Mather ssoc, .1. Mumm lOsec, P. G. Bird 12 «ec, R. King I.Ssec, W. Stevens (held over), B. D .’..Ten (held over). D. Pearson (held oxer). Handicap chop, 14-inch, upright. Ist prize £3 and Chandler Cup, 2nd £2: W. Champion scr, W. Malon*y 4sec, W. Mumm scr. D. Mather 7see, J. Mumm 15soe, H. F. Mumm 18see. Underhand chop, 14-inch llog. Ist prize £4 and axe donated by Mr J. H. Powell (Charleston), 2nd £2, 3r<’ £1: W. Champion scr, W. Mumm scr. W. Malonev ssec, D. Mather Ssee, J Mumm 15sec, IT F. Mumm 18see., P G. Bird ISsec W. O'Keefe 20soc. W. Hains'worlh 20sce, T. Rogers 22, M. Maloney 22-ce, R. King 22sec, G. Mumm 22sec, W. Stevens (held over). B. Dahreu (held ovei).

Dry Weather: Tho~long spell of dry weather is becoming serious, and the shortage of water especially in the countrv is causing concern. Carriers on Millerton are busy delivering water for domestic use. and in many instances it has to he taken by hand long distances.

Morgan’s Picture* WESTPORT. Some of the snappiest dialogue heard on the screen for a. long time is used in “Female,” Ruth Chatterton’s latest First National picture, showing at the Victoria Theatre tonight (Saturday) only. II is a somewhat startling story, and the east includes Georje Brent, Lois Wilson, Ruth Donnelly. Johnny Mack Brown, etc. If is recommended liv Censor for adults. Supports include a two reel Musical. a two-reel Comedy, and News, etc. Late train at. 10.30 p.m. MONDAY ONLY. Two feature attractions will be screened on Monday only, at a special matinee at 2.30 p.m. and in the evening' at 8 o’clock. , Tim MeCov, the young people’s hero, in a Western romance, “Rusty Rides Alone, ’ approved for universal exhibition: and “Devil Tiger.” a thrilling adventure romance of wild beasts of the jungle recommended by the Censor for adults. Late train at 10.30 p.m. on Monday night (New Year’s Eve). Pigeon Race: The lOranitv Homing Pigeon Club run from Wellington was contested hv 28 birds under ideal flying conditions The winning bird negotiated the dislaneo in 4hrs 14min 10«ee. The notable velocities were as follows: — .1 Tyler’s Don Benito 1082.40yds per ntin:' J. Tyler’s Dooley 1081.00; J. Evans’ Red Shadow 1080.80; G. Woods’ Red Eagle 1080.63; Dixon and MeKechnie’s Steel Bar 1080.60. With one more race to fly, the old

bird aggregate totals are: J. Tyler 7025.24yd5; G. Woods 6970.94; J. Evans 6903.37; W. Hawkins 6880.04; Dixon and McKechnie 6751.83; TLongstaff 6358.42; A. Bradley 6093.92- Miss Al. Cochrane 5855.71; P. Gennon 5151.42. Shipping: There were no shipping movements yesterday. . .