TUAPEKA JOCKEY CLUB ANNUAL RACES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 155, 26 January 1871, Page 5

TUAPEKA JOCKEY CLUB ANNUAL RACES.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday last, were gala days in Tuapeka. Everything seemed to contribute towards making this year's races a grand success. The weather was glorious throughout. The rain, which fell in the early part of the week, made the course all that could be desired. We have never before seen Tuapeka look so gay. Business during these three days was entirely suspended, and everybody was dressed in holiday attire. Crowds of visitors from Tokomairiro, Waipori, and other parts, might be seen flocking into Lawrence early on Thursday morning, either on horseback or in buggies and other conveyances. About one o'clock, there was a general move towards the racecourse, and the streets were alive with human beings. An unusual number of the fair sex was in the crowd, and after they had gathered together and placed themselves on the rising ground at the race-course, the scene presented was quite enchanting. There were many family groups to be seen on the hill-side and on the flat, and by 2 or 3 o'clock there must have been very few short of 2000 persons present. Between 30 and 40 racehorses entered during the meeting, amongst which were some of the purest bred horses in New Zealand. The following refresh mentjbootbs were on the ground : — The Grand Stand, Mr. Donovan; Booth No. I, Mr. Tanton ; and No. 2, Mr. Chalmers. The refreshment stands were as follows : — No. 1, Mrs. Tyler ; No. 2, Mr. Reid ; No. 3, Messrs. Clark and Co. Notwithstanding the fine view to be had from the hills surrounding the race-course, the G-rand Stand was very well patronised. The booths appeared to do a very good trade, and although a high price was paid for the privilege, we believe the purchasers would make their money out of them and have a margin of profit. The u«ual accompaniments of races were to be found on the course- — Aunt Sally and the Shooting Galleries were well patronised ; and two or three private races took place- . during the meeting. General satisfaction ..was expressed by the jockeys with the con-

dition of the course, which reflected great credit upon Mr. Geo. Walker, who spared no amount of time and expense in executing his contract to the entire satisfaction of the Stewards.