TE RAPA IMPROVEMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 6

TE RAPA IMPROVEMENTS

NEW BARRIERS INSTALLED BITUMENISING OF ENTRANCE The installation of the Henry barrier and the bitumenising of the entrance to the members’ enclosure are improvements at Te Rapa that will be in use for the first time this week-end on the occasion of the Waikato Racing Club’s summer meeting. The Henry barrier, a similar type to that in use at Ellerslie, is a vast improvement on the old style of starting barrier and is so operated that the possibility of a rider being caught in the tapes as they are released is reduced to a minimum. The mechanism is shifted from barrier to barrier as required, and as the starting lever is pressed the tape or tapes (several can be utilised if required) fly up and away from the field drawn by a set of powerful rubber springs. Little noise is attached to its operation and is therefore not so likely to upset a highly-strung horse. The members’ entrance from the main road to the car parking area has been bitumenised and the dust nuisance apparent at several past meetings will now be obviated. The course at Te Rapa was never better than at present and the fine sole of grass on the course proper and the general appearance of the appointments reflects great credit on the caretaker, Mr G. Wilcock and his staff.