PHAR LAP’S RETURN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 279, 25 November 1931, Page 5

PHAR LAP’S RETURN

BACK TO NEW ZEALAND. RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON. [Special to “Chronicle.”! WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. More than three years ago an unnamed Night Raid colt left Wellington for Sydney; to-day that same animal, now the mighty Phar Lap, set foot once again on his native soil. As he rose in his box from the hold of the Ulimaroa he looked interestedly around him, gazed at the crowd that was clapping and cheering, then a few moments later when the door of the box was opened on the wharf walked out in quite unconcerned manner. The plaudits of the spectators to the scene were not in the least novel to him, but he appeared to scent a strangeness in it all, and his proud head was always moving.

He landed again on his New Zealand terrain at exactly ten past 1. It was a short walk along the fencedoff wharf to the shed where the float was awaiting him. He was taken in at once, but the crowd, one of the biggest seen on the wharf for a long time, cried out, “Show him to us.” His attendant, T. Woodcock, then led him out on to the wharf again, through the barrier, and amid the throng of people, who patted and stroked him and again cheered him. The parade did not give him noticeable concern, but he looked round about him with a somewhat puzzled air. Taken back to the float he entered quietly, and was quickly on his way to his temporary Dominion quarters in Hugh Telford’s stable at Trentham. Woodcock, in an interview, stated that the trip had been wholly uneventful. It was the first time Phar Lap had been on a ship since his racing career began, but he was not the least put out about it, and seemed to enjoy the change. He ate well, and was feeding while waiting to be disembarked. His companions were a troupe of circus animals—brancos, mules, and donkeys—a branco, also chestnut in colour, on one side of him and a donkey on the other. He maintained his equine, dignity always. Woodcock was the only attendant with him. Mr W. Neilson, a veterinary surgeon, and E. J. h artin, who is apprenticed to H. R. Telford, will join up later if the trip to America is continued. As to the American venture. Woodcock had nothing to add to what has already been cabled from time to time.