A POPULAR SPORTSMAN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6964, 2 November 1909, Page 6

A POPULAR SPORTSMAN

MR W. E. BIDWILL ENTERTAINED. IMPROVEMENTS AT TAUHERENIIvATJ. RRO3I OUR OWN COBBBSPONDBK2. MASTERTON, November 1. To-day tho stewards of the Wairarapa Racing Club tendered a complimentary luncheon to Mr W. E. Bidwill, a vicepresident of tho club, on bis return from a visit to Australia, where Provocation had been running. The Tauherenikau course was visited first. Visitors were present in large numbers, and were shown over the course, which .is admittedly one of the best in New Zealand. Tho course is a chain wide. The top and bottom of the straight has been graded in excellent manner. The whole is fenced with concrete posts and tiotara rails. By the time of the club’s Now 1 Yeajr meeting tho course should be at its best. The luncheon, was to take place at Featherston, but before leaving for there Mr W. C. Buchanan proposed the toast of the new Tauherenikau course. He referred to Mr Bidwill’s visit to Australia, which had not been as successful as the latter’s many friends could- have wished. It was a matter for congratulation that the Wairarapa Club was keeping well to the front in the matter of improvements. Great credit was due to the stewards in this connection.' It was cerainly to be regretted that bookmakers were allowed to ply their calling on the racecourse, and - it was to be hoped there would lie an amendment in the Act to remedv this.

Mr J. S. Gundy said the stewards of tho club had always moved in the direction of improving the course, aud iu regard to certain matters in,this respect had given other and bigger dubs a lead..

Mr Quinton Donald said the next thing to ocoupv the stewards’ attention would be removing the stewards’ stand. Their aim would also be to give greater stake money, which would result iu a better class of horse competing. The toast was enthusiastically drunk. Then tho journey to Featherston was made. The luncheon at the Empire Hotel was a huge success, there being a large attendance. Mr H. S. WardcLl, the president, occupied tho chair. The speakers all referred in eulogistic terms to ; the good , work Mr Bidwill had done for the club, how his untiring efforts had largely assisted to place the club in its present splendid position among racing institutions, and how he had always done his utmost to keep the sport clean. Mr Bidwill’s popularity had also in a large measure contributed to the success of the club. Mr Bidwill met with a tremendous . ovation on risinj to replv. and after 1 acknowledging the , complimentary , remarks made gave those present a very interesting account of racing in Australia while he was there. ■ |