AWAPUNI RACECOURSE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 229, 27 August 1932, Page 7

AWAPUNI RACECOURSE.

REPLACEMENT OF STAND. IMPROVEMENTS EFFECTED. Although somewhat similar in general outline to the original building which was destroyed by fire a few months ago. the accepted plan for the new stewards’ stand at Awapuni differs in many respects structurally. While the balconies which graced the rear wall of the original building were very popular with members, it has been deemed preferable to delete these in the new plan, although there will be numerous points overlooking the totalisator as a substitute. Careful provision has been made for combating the cold south-westerly winds which on occasion sweep across the course. In the new building porches will guard the entrances from the elements, while in the case of the offices a vestibule will offset the discomforts of old.

Ways and means of transferring the stewards’ stand to a different site have been given serious consideration on account of its distance from the winning post, and the committee may at some future date undertake the task of remodelling the course by carrying it out into a paddock it possesses, at the town end of the straight and immediately behind the caretaker’s residence. However, to undertake such a task at the present time is impossible and the executive of the club has decided to rebuild on the original spot, although the new structure will occupy an additional 10ft frontage. Gaining access to the building by way of the porch and vestibule leading into the public office on the ground floor, the visitor will enter into a commodious office in which will be placed two counters, the central one dividing the public from the staff, while the other, which is positioned on the inner wall, will communicate with the weighing room by way of a slide. On the southern corner and overlooking the totalisator will be the secretary’s office, which will have connecting doors leading to the office and to the president’s room adjoining. In alignment and at the front of the building will be a social room, wherein any little functions may be held. Separating it from the judicial room, which is behind the general office and overlooking the course, is a passageway leading to the verandah, while nearby is a stairway which descends from the upper storey and which emerges at the side of the stand on to the lawn at the end of the main stand. SPLENDID SERVICES.

In the centre of the building and on the ground floor is a commodious weighing room with buffet and. sandwich counter, while the jockeys’ dressing room adjoining runs the full depth of tho building. In the latter room provision is to be made for 60 lockers with a neat bracket for the jockeys 5 saddle, and four coat hooks in each. At the rear there will be showers and other conveniences for the horsemen. The dressing room gives access to the weighing room and to the outer verandah and the mounting paddock. The needs of the jockeys have been given every consideration, while the providing of seating accommodation lor trainers and jockeys, when not engaged in a race, on the upper balcony and. under cover is another amendment which will no doubt be appreciated. Direct access to the trainers’ and jockeys’ portion of tho stand will be gained by an outer stairway leading direct from the birdcage. A special entrance at the rear of the building into an office where nomination, acceptance and other fees may he paid or entries made is also to be provided. AVliile the stewards and officers of the club will be able to mount to the upper storey by way of a staircase leading from the ground floor at the southern side of the building, members and guests will proceed to the upper floor by way of the stairway, also an interior one, at the rear and with direct communication to the courtway fronting tho totalisator. Tho stairway emerges on branched landings overhead, one leading to the guests’ room and the other to the members’ room at tho southern corner of the building. The guests’ room is commodious and in it will be placed the totalisator booth, bar, lunch counter, etc. The members’ room is likewise commodious, and provision for a bar and lunch counter has also been made. On the northern wall will bo the Press room, which will have a door leading into the guest room and an outer one to the balcony at the front and overlooking the course. The balcony will have seating accommodation in divisions for stewards, guests, members, trainers and the Press.

The ground floors will bo of concrete surfaced to an even and smooth finish with a dust coating finish of cement. The walls will be lined with dadoes of different heights with fibre plaster above, while the ceilings will be of fibrous plaster board divided into suitable spacing with fibrous plaster covered battens and cornices. The woodwork in the interior, unless otherwise stated, will be oiled, knotted and flat varnished. In addition to the windows on the ground floor, there are 11 upper windows and it is thus confidently expected by the architect, Mr liobin Hood, of Palmerston North, that ample lighting provision has been made. The Pacing Club is rebuilding in wood, and it is hoped that the building will be, if not fully completed, at least available for occupation by the time of the Christmas meeting.