FAREWELL LUNCHEON TO MR AND MRS J. S. M. THOMPSON.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9274, 21 April 1891, Page 2 (Supplement)

FAREWELL LUNCHEON TO MR AND MRS J. S. M. THOMPSON.

A very pleasant incident of the races on Thursday was the farewell luncheon given on the course by the Stewards of the Racing Club to Mr J. S. M. Thompson, one of the Vice-Presidents oi the Club, and Mrs Thompson, who are about to leave for Auatralia. The luncheon, which was laid out in a spacious marquee opposite tho Grandstand, was of a moat recherche description, and comprised all the delicacies of tho sea* son, together with wines of the choicest brands. Messrs McEweu and Churchill, the caterers, had evidently taxed the lesourcca of their establishment to make the collation as complete as possible. About 50 guests sat down at 1 o’clock, among those presout bing Mr H, D, Ball, the other Vice-Presi-dent, who took the chair, all the Stewards of the Club, the Hon J. D. Ormond, tho Hon Mr and Mrs Cbas. Johnston, Mr G. H. Clifford, Mr Geo. Hunter, Dr and Mrs Collins, and n cumber of other ladies and gentlemen who have generally assisted at the Club’s meetings, and taken an interest in its progress. After partaking of the good things provided, Mr 801 l gave the toast “ The Queen,” which was duly honoured. Mr Bell then proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Thompson. He ealdthatto MrThompsou, more than to any other gentleman la Wellington, was duo the gratitude of tbe stewards and officers of the Club, and of all who took an interest in racing, for he had stood by the Hutt Paik Club through evil report and good report, and had given his time and attention not only to the larger concerns of the mootings, but to the minor details which were so often neglected, but of which the sum went to make or mar the success of « meeting. Bat the stewards bad more to admit—it had to be confessed that it was due to the courage and untiring perseverance of their guest that the improvements lately effected had been commenced and carried out, aud that many of his colleagues had doubted the wisdom of tho course into which he had driven them, but the result had proved him to be right. If the company present should seek Mr Thompson’s monument after he hud left them, they had but to look around them and compare the present condition of the grandstand aud the conveniences of the course with the past. The stewards could not part without great regret from the genial leader whoso wisdom and courage had been so proved. It was with no less pleasure that they now met, and with no lees regret that they parted from Mrs Thompson, the daughter of one who, amid hosts of friends, had never made a single enemy in Wellington, and on behalf of the stewards he.had to offer Mrs Thompson their grateful thanks for tbe graceful hospitality she had bo often extended to them and to the guests of the club, and for having so well represented them in the presentation of their Cup to tho winner at the last meeting. Mr 801 l having referred to the loss which the club had sustained in the death of Sir William Fitzhorbert, their President of so many years, an event which had for the moment constituted him their spokesman, called npon tbe Company to join in saying farewell to Mr and Mrs Thompson, and in tho cordial wish Tor good speed, good fortune, and good health to both in the new country and new life they had chosen.

The toast was drunk in champagne with all honours.

Mr J, S. M. Thompson, on rising to reply, was greeted with a round of applause. Ho expressed himself deeply moved at the honour which the Stewards had done him in inviting Mrs Thompson and himself to such a magnificent lunch as that which was spread out before them, and which would more properly •be styled a ' sumptuous banquet. He could not help thinking that Mr Bell had altogether spoken too highly of him. Whatever be bad done he had to a large extent done for his own amusement, and through the interest he had taken in racing in the Colony for over 20 years. On that, the last meeting he was likely to be present at for some years, ho could not avoid contrasting it with what had been tbe order of things in past years. To give a summary of the Cup meetings for tho last three years,the totalisator investments he noticed were as follow :—ISB9. £5567 ; 1890 (first year of the new stand), £11,200; 1891 (lirab year of totalisator house), £17,100. For the same years tbe total receipts for the Cup meetings had been £1359, £1778, and £2578 respectively, and the booths and cards had realised £25, £lO2, and £llß. The Club had now a handsome credit balance, and was altogether in a most prosperous condition. But he would remind them that there was still a groat deal to be done, and he hoped they would excuse him fur enumerating tbe various improvements which it would be now necessary for them to turn their attention to. There was first the training track and the top dressing of the running track. It was most important that this should be seen to at once, ae also fencing the course to keep sheep off the track. Other works which ought to be taken in band as soon|aß possible were—diverting the stream at the back of the stand into the Walwetu bo as to give room for the extension or the lawn and saddling paddock, tho erection of open and close boxes at the extreme cast end of tho paddock, providing a better jockey’s room, and visitors’ cloakroom and lavatories, and erecting a much larger welghiog-room, with Secretary’s room attached. He also thought that a members* carriage paddock and carriage paddock for tbe public should bo provided on tbe stand side of the course, ani that no vehicles should be allowed to invade the inside of tbe course. A refreshment bar was also wanted ia the saddling paddock. He was in favour of tbe principal race at tho Spring Meeting being a short one, say a mile or a mile and a furlong. Tbe Gup distance should bo kept at tho mile and a half, and the principal race at the Autumn Meeting should be a big handicap not exceeding six furlongs. He strongly condemned the idea of introducing pony and trotting races. He eulogised the press for theircordial recognition of the efforts made by the Club during the last few years to put things on a better footing, and spoke warmly of the harmonious feeling which had always animated tbe Stewards. He hoped, in conclusion, that ho should have the pleasure of seeing tho Cup Meeting of 1893, when he had no doubt he should see the greater number of tbe improvements he had enumerated carried out. He again thanked them very sincerely for the kind way they bad drunk the health of bis wife and himself. Mr Thompson sat down amid loud applause. The party then broke up.