OUR GREYMOUTH LETTER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 8756, 1 April 1889, Page 7

OUR GREYMOUTH LETTER.

[tecm oto own correspondent.] Grbxmouth, March 18. THE QRETMOUTE JOCKEY CLUB* 8 AUTUMN MEETING. The weather breaks, unfortunately, wet, and the question arises in the public mind whether the Stewards are justified or not in postponing the races., There has now been’ a continuous downpour since Sunday night, and at twelve o’clock the rain is still falling. The people are, however, flocking into town, evidently on pleasure bent at all hazard. But uow the dark clouds are beginning to show their silver linings, and, to the delight of some hundreds of holiday-makers, the son’s rays, although slightly watery, are doing their level best to make things dry and comfortable. It is now pretty evident the meeting is to he held, for here comes Adam Blair with hia drag and splendid team of six horses, with Judge Kent and the various Stewards and Committee of Management on board. Numbers of people, are making their way to the' railway station, while others Kte taking the road walking, driving, or riding. The course is at last reached, and. in spite-of the weather a very animated scene presents itself to the eye of the observer. The grounds and course during the last six months have been put in first-class condition, a _ large sum _of money having been spent in the erection of additional buildings, sheds, saddling paddock and fence, and the grounds' generally beautified. The meeting is well patronised by horse-owners, as not less than fifty first-class horses have been entered for the various races, Westport, Rsefton, Qreynaouth and Timaru contributing, the J 6700 of prize money being the incentive. The bell is now rung, and the worthy' Clerk of the Course, Mr Hildebrand, in all the pomp and vanity of his gorgeous scarlet dress and velvet hunting cap, has taken his stand near the Judge’s box, while John Mitchell, flag . in hand, makes his way to the starting point, and the homes are got into position for the Westland Produce Stakes, which eventuated in Maid of the Valley, well ridden by Gilbraith, coming in first,-Skybird a good second, and Playboy third. This race was splendidly contested by Sky bird, and the winner and called forth loud applause from all sides. There was JE3u9 on the totalisator. Dividend, £9 15s 6d. The Metropolitan Stakes also proved a very fine race, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The riding was excellent, and Poulton deserved great credit for his judgment and ability. The re. ult was that the Westporthorse Sweetie, belonging to Mr Jr.mea Colvin, came in first. Come Vic second, and Sherman’s Quibble third. Totalisator, .-6305. Dividend, £S 11s. The Selling Race Handicap resulted in Zulu coming in first. Tramp second, and Omuturangi third. In the Brunnerton Handicap there were eleven entries. The race was one of the best ever seen on the Qreymouth course, and was eventually won by Morse’s Tyrant, ridden by Doran in a masterly manner. Hobbs’ College Boy came in second, and Morse’s Martonian third. A protest was entered by Mr Hobbs on somewhat novel grounds—viz., that Tyrant was overweighted. It was, however, disallowed, as in the opinion of the Stewards the condition of the course was sufficient to account for the addition. Totalisator, JJ39B. Dividend, i>ll 18a. ' The day’s proceedings concluded with the Hurdle Race, for which four horses started. Mac, Colonel, Waipapa and Captain Abram. Mac was prime favourite, and a large sum of money was placed on him ; but, unfortunately for his backers, he could not be induced to take the hurdles, so was entirely out of the running. Captain Abram came in first. Colonel second, and Waipapa third, and so ended a very excellent day’s enjoyment. The arrangements were perfect, and reflected credit on the Board of management.

Tbo police and all parties concerned. The entertainment, given with the Greymouth amateurs to Miss Besey Martin, who ia about to leave the district, took place at the' Public Greymouth, on Friday "night last. T&e fl at part consisted of a concert, in which the leading amateur tahmt. c mtiibuted. The Misses Hamilton and Seabrook played the overture from Zampa, and displayed great taste and . execution. The “ Belfry Tower ” was well given by the Company, and Mr Bees delighted the audience with "The Dear Li. tie Shamrock,” iis encore song being “ What Can we D» Without the Ready Mon y.”&. number f *om "Les Huguenots,” by Miss Seabrook ( piano) and Mr Woon (flute) gave great pleasure to the lovers of good mu.-ic that were present; after which. Miss Martin gave "Home Memories,” • and fairly gained the sympathies of tho entire house. Messrs lUaU, Pavinngson, Guthrie, and Berest'ord sang the well-know a Orpheus glee. The chapel at' its conclusion received the well-merited applause of the audience. . Ot.ier numbers, were given by Messrs Guthrie, Spenso, Chamberlain, and Misses ' Muff, Merton, &o. The second part of the entertainment consisted of a performance oy the Bijou Dramatic Club of the ' oomptlifctta, “My Turn Next.” The jliaracters were ably sustained by Misses tOlgour and Hamilton, and Messrs Webber, Wicks, Zachariah, and Nathan. 1 The whole was under the management and direction of Messrs Elmer and Berthold, ■ and resulted in a substantial amount being raised for the object in hand.