HANKINS'S NEW STABLES

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 40

HANKINS'S NEW STABLES

Wingatui is naturally a pretty course, the rievf from any part of it being as charming to -the eye as can be obtained on any racecourse that I have seen in New Zealand, and Ted Hhnkins has chosen one of the most picturesque sites for his racing establishment just completed. The view from the door of the cottage is one of which an artist would never tire, and Hankins, who himself has an eye for the pretty, is justifiably pleased at being the possessor of such a nicely-placed building. In his case, too, the useful is combined with the beautiful. The doctrine of an old saying, to the effect that good looks and utility are not always combined, must not always be pushed too far. In respect to many things, what looks good is good. This is particularly true of the establishment under notice.. While the premises and their fcurroundings are such as to please the eye, they also fulfil their primary purpose, in giving the best possible accommodation for man and beast. Hankins has seen to it that his stable faces the rising sun, and by makinc use of the row of bluegums he has secured shelter from the south-west wind and bucli shade as will keep the boxes nice and cool in warm weather. These gums, by the ■way, extend for a considerable distance, and on "a hot day the walk along by this range of trees v.ill be an ideal exercising ground. The property consists of an acre recently purchased from the Dunedin Jockey Club, situated between the saddling paddock and the •Eon. G. M'Lean's stable, and about 400 yds from the railway station. The stable, 69ft 3ong\ contains four loose boxes 12 x 12, with "large fanlight over each door on a pivot, and a. ventilator at the back, thus ensuring good ■ventilation ; also a feed room at the end, 32 x 10. At a convenient distance from the stable stands the cottage of two raoms — •kitchen (12. x 12), containing a Shacklock range, and bedroom (10 x 12), all well-lined, ■warm, and comfortable. The water supply for the use of the stable is well looked after, the holding capacity of the tanks being 1200sral. The drainage of the property i-s excellent. A natural fall to the back makes it impossible for water to stay on it fcr any length of time. The whole place has been well built, the workmanship being a credit to the contractor and his workmen. Tlia horses that occupy the boxes are Mr J. Boreland's br h TTulmen, by C:>Ftor — Hilda, and ~hr f Lady Madge, two years, by St. Clair — L.idv Florence; Mr L. Kazletfs b % Benson, by Far Nientc — Kalimna ; and Mr E. H. Hankins's b g Secret Service, by Stcpniak — Dundee's ctaro. Three lads are employed, and tlir- whole estabHahment is under the personal siinervision of Hankins himself, whom I heartily congratulate on his prospects.