REFLECTIONS ON THE LATE AUTUMN MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1384, 17 May 1881, Page 3

REFLECTIONS ON THE LATE AUTUMN MEETING.

Mr Walters's ill-luck seems to attend him wherever he goes. I firmly believe that if every hoise entered for ;i big race was scratched exceptiug the representative of the Papakura stable, that representative would break hia leg or his neck beforo the race, or in some other way incapacitate himself from walking over for Mr Walters. At the recent Auckland meeting the only prize won by the stable w.i^ the ConsoI.ition, pulled off by the skin of her teeth by BillingKimte's half-sister. 1 sincerely hope that Mr Walters will have luck next Heason. He does growl loudly at times, ceitainly; but for all that the public would like to see him more successful. Mr M'Donald seems to have been the lucky man of the meeting. With the aid of Paramena and Foul Play he won four out of the twelve events, which would bring him in about £200. He was made a bit of a hero on the second day by the crowd, who cheered him most heartily for sending Foul Play and Paiamena on their merits for the Short Handicap, instead of making a declaration with one or the other. This action was doubtless prompted by the best motives, but I doubt whether it would have been applauded on the Forbury or any other course where much money was involved. A declaration is a guide to the public as to how to place their investments ; and neglecting to adopt this usual course not only plays into the hands of the ring, but may be distressing to the horses, as appearß to have been the case in the present instance. Ne one doubts Mr M'Donald's integrity ; there was no need to advertise it so publicly. My selection for the Steeplechase " camp off" with flying colours, all the other animals { refusing with more or less obstinacy to tackle the absurdly -difficult jumps that spoil the Auckland Steeplechase course. I never was and -never shall be able to see any sense in sticking up such big ob&tacles in a cioss-country race. Some fla}r there will be a fatal accident, and then the committee will see their fooli&hness. Put up a particularly dangerous fence and set a tew plucky horses at it, and ten-to-one but some of the jockeys are smashed or maimed ior life. But for the instinct of the horses — cowardice many would call it— there would be a heavier list of casualties in this colony each season. Sir George justiiled his Wangamu running pulling off two events, but in neither did he win much glory. He is not a first-rater, or he would be able to give King Quail 101 band a beating. Maid of Honour ran consistently, as most of the Kelpies do, and I was glad to see her owner win a prize. Mr Lennard got five places, but nary a fiist among them. His Kenilworth will piobably be more successful as a lour-year-old, but not if he is raced off hia legs. — Saturday Advertiser.

The new flour mill at Mount Ida has caused a fall of a penny in the price of the four-pound loaf, and a further reduction is anticipated as oon as the mill is fully supplied with local grown wheat. At an inspection of the Oamaru High School Cadets, last week, the new uniforms were worn. There were present on parade — 1 captain, 3 lieutenant, I sublieutenant, 5 sergeants, 51 cadets, and the drill instructor. A writer in a contemporary says that hawks are remarkably plentiful in. the Wyndham district, and states that he counted 27 in on<3 flock. The birds are rather encouraged by the farmers than otherwise on account of their well-known antipathy to the rabbits. A company is being formed for the construction of a cablegram way to Mornington via Hi^rh Street, similar to that to lloslyn. The cost of a double line is estimated at -£13,200 ; of a single line, £9750. The I'ulmvnton Tiuici, mentions thafc farmers lost week had to take loaded drays homo again from Goodwood Station, as the goods shed was full, and the authorities had Do place to put the produce. The new pure cash system now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly pro\e a benefit to the public. It has been a great success_ in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at sin establishment where the goods are marked low to ensure a rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell' their drapery milhnary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon tobearaportionofthelossshould the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public haye hitherto shown them, and arc determined to give the' pure cash system a fair trial; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, beddintr, and general house furniture, th,e largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five per cent, will be allowed to thoso who pay al the time of purchase. G. Si C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late , cash sale, the present stock is new and ckkm-lv bought. An inspection is invited.— Garlick and Cranwbll, City Hall Furnishing Arcade Queen, itreet, Auckland