RANGITIKEI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6699, 6 October 1882, Page 5

RANGITIKEI.

(EBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) . October 4. Tbe Rangitikei Jockey Club held their annual meeting on Saturday night to arrange a .programme for - the Ist of January, the usual race day. It is anticipated that a good many horses will compete, as Palmerston has issued a good bill of face for Boxing Day, so the owners will _ be killing two birds with one stone in visiting both courses. ■ - The annual ploughing match was held last Saturday. Fifteen competitors put in an appearance, and double-furrow ploughs had a majority. The work was very well done indeed, the J edges, Messrs J. Kilgour, Atkinson, and A. Mclndoe, having a difficult task to -decide which was the best. The first prize of £6, in double furrow class, as. awarded to D. Crabb, C. Hunt taking second, F. Howard third, W. Johnston fourth, and J. Johnston fifth prizes. In the single furrow, J, Northcott got first prize, and T. Hilsden second. In the evening a dinner was held at the White Hart Hotel. About forty persons were present, and justice was done to the good things provided by Host Gibbons. Sungs and toasts followed each other in succession until .the «mll hours, and the company broke up, hoping to meet around the festive board again next year. The annual horse parade was held on Saturday, under tbe patronage of the , Farmers’ Club. A fair number of horses were shown. Hippocampus attracted- the largest amount of attention, as he was far acd away the best thoroughbred horse on tbe ground. Papapa was next in.point of favor; although low in condition, having injured his near front ■ feet; the entire hoof is nearly off, and : it will be some time before he can travel the district. Fathom, Diomedes, Matai, and others were shown. Opawa Was in prime condition, and is one of the best constitutioned horses out, his years of hard racing not having made any impression on him, his legs being as clean as the day he was foaled. .The equinoctial gales. have been blowing, ■with a vengeance, trees being uprooted in all directions. Wo had oar share of thunder, lightning, and rain for the fortnight, and no

sign of clearing up. Feed is very short ; stock consequently in low condition.

A very nice compliment was paid to R. Hammond, Esq., on Thursday last by the Hunt Club, the members presenting him with an exceedingly handsome silver lamp. It stands about 3ft high, and can be used as a lamp or flower vase. His domain Is always at the di-posal of the Hunt and Jockey Clubs to hold their meeting on, and he renders every assistance in his’ power to make the meetings a success. May his shadow never grow less.