NEW ZEALAND METROPOLITAN MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4537, 8 November 1882, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND METROPOLITAN MEETING.

FIRST DAT. The number of passengers carried on the railway to the course was about lflOO, which was a little lets than the record of last year. The passengers by the first train which started for the course reached their dcatination about an hour before the time ad- | vcrtised for the beginning of the day's sport. There wa», therefore, plenty of time for an observer to look about him, and take stock of the alterations made in the surroundings of the course since the Autumn Meeting. The alterations in question, though not extensive, were all undoubted improvements. On entering the lawn from the saddling paddock, one of the first objects to attract the visitor's attention is that now indispensable adjunct of a racecourse— the totalisator. This, in order to provent the crowding found to be so inconvenient on former occasions, has been surrounded witk what looks at first Mght like a "maze," but which is in reality an arrangement of narrow paesagej, admirably contrived for regulating the impetuous tide of would-be investors, and therefore enabling business to be transacted with "quickne»s and despatch." Another improvement is tbe ersction of a fence in front of the weighing-room, whereby tho Olerk of the Scales is protected in the exercise of his duty from the over-inquisitive crowding of thoee who havo not tho sense to understand that their presence tends rather to hinder than help the official aforesaid, who on this occasion was Mr T. A eland, Mr Garforth being absent from illness. Uho comfort of the time-keeper has also been consulted, for at the side of the judge's box has been constructed a stand for his especial accommodation. At tho eastern end of the lawn is now a most convenient and well-arranged ladies' refreshment booth. A portion of the lawn has been fenced off, and within the enclosure an awcing was ereoted, where tea, cake, ices, and other light refreshments were served. For those who did not cure to enter tho bootb, tables and teats were placed on the sward oufcßide. What may bo styled " the regular luncheon" was provided by Mr Buggey in the large room underneath the Grand Stand. Here a most excellent repast was laid, and served in capital style ; in fact the wholo of the arrangements for the accommodation and comfort of visitors were admirable, and were highly creditable to the judgment, and capacity cf the Secretary of the 0.J.C., Mr Penfold, who has certainly shown that he possesses qualifications for management which bid fair to earn him tho titlo and position of " the Bagot of New Zealand." Tho otate of affairs outside the fence was much tho same as in previous years, and here were also located two toUlieat ore, belonging, like that on the lawn, to Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin. One of these — that close to the entrance of tho saddling paddock — did a Tery good business. The transactions at the other, which was placed at the end of the shilling stand — which stand, by the- way, was not at all well patronised — were somewhat limited, owing to its unfavourable position. Altogether £5300 was put through the three machines. The results of the first day's events, reported in our several editions of yestorday were as follow :— Fbbk Handicap.— Sir Modrad, Hilda, Siesta. The Dbkbt Staeis.— Oheviot, Nonsense, Leos. 0.J.0. Handicap.— Welcome Jack, Bundoora, Vanguard. WbloomkStaiks.— Oudeis, Water Nymph, Helena. BICOABTON WBLTKB HANDICAP — Whitbach, fiebeccs, If So. Boratoh Bacb. — Th» Joker.