AUCKLAND ITEMS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, August 26.

Otago Witness, Issue 1907, 28 August 1890, Page 27

AUCKLAND ITEMS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Auckland, August 26.

In yeara past there has been an ontory annually In this diitriot at the manner in whioh the totalisator was being abused by the large number of country meetings promoted. From the fact of three pony and trotting olubs having been added to the list, we are likely to find matters in even a worse state thii season. If these pony and trotting scrambles are held (as is intended) on raoeoouries on which meetings under metropolitan rules are conducted, it seems to me that the metropolitan olub will have something to say in the matter when the programmes come before them, for under Eule 21 it is dear that there is an infringement. Major George's New Zealand Oup representative, Beprisal, has been a regular attendant at Bllerriie, but the fact of his only being treated to mild exerolie shows pretty plainly that his trainer is doubtful of the little son of First King pulling up BOHnd if a fast gallop is undertaken. After an absence of about 10 years in Australia Fred Matthews, the well-known trainer and jockey, has returned to Auckland, and should any inducement offer he intends taking up his residence here. T. Taylor, having of late so run into flesh as to prohibit his riding under 8.5, has decided on combining training with his other profession. At present he has the Leollnus— Venus Transit filly in hand. The annual meeting of the Pakuranga Baolng Olub was held on Friday last, when a satisfactory statement was presented. The total receipts for the year were £261 and the expenditure £232, leaving a balance of £31. The old committee were re-elected, and the date of the next race meeting was fixed for November 22.

The only foalings of note announoed flinoe my last message are Raupo (dam of Mata) and Lovebird (dam of Leopold), who have each produced a colt to the imported St, Leger. Raupo, I may remark, is now the property -of Mr W. B. Wilson, of Victoria, he having purchased her last January for 22gs. A smart spurt in the mining; market has bad the effeot of making everything in the betting line very quiet, and even the "booklet" have caught the mining fever. 0. F. Brimblecombe, an old knight of the penoil. who has long lince turned up the book, is said to have done very well out of the recent ipurt.