RACE MEETING AT ELLERSLIE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 29

RACE MEETING AT ELLERSLIE.

TRIP T6~ItOTORUA. (From Omt Own Cobbesfondent.) AUCKLAND, August 12. To-day was one of Auckland's moefc charming days—the first we have had since the arrival of the fleet. Up to the present there have been only fitful gleams of sunshine, and the weather has been somewhat cold and raw, but to-day it is summer. The men on leave from the battleships are being entertained in various ways, but the event of the day is the race meeting at Ellerslie. This and the trip to Rotorua are the kind of thing the ofiicers enjoy. They have long since become tired of the ordinary, function, however brilliant it may bo regarded by the local inhabitant. The American naval officer is only too glad to pack away his lull-drees uniform and to" don mufti, and he is here in considerable numbers. The Jack Tar is also here in hundreds, and one and all are enjoying the delightful sunshine and the sport. The meeting is only what may be termed a scratch one, and there are no celebrated horses running, but there are big fields and good finishes, so everyone is pleased and interested. The Governor and the Admirals are present, and a fairly large and well-dressed crowd occupies the giaiidstand and promenades the lawn. There are some pretty dresses made for fleet week, but generally speaking> the scene is not such a brilliant one in this respect as one sees at Biccarton or Trentham.