WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 214, 30 August 1894, Page 4

WELLINGTON.

[by

WIRE.]

August 28. It is proposed to devote about £so° for two classic races in connection with the Wellington Racing Club. It is mentioned in the report of the annual dinner of the Foxton Racing Club that several speakers commented strongly on the proposal to take one of the existing two days’ racing from the club. It was pointed out that such a step would be most unfair, considering that racing has been continuous in Foxton for the last forty years, and that the present club has during the past twelve years expended about /"6000 in stakes and about in improvements. An opportunity was taken at the dinner to present Mr H. Gillies, the late starter of the club, with a handsome gold match box and sovereign case in recognition of his past services. Mr Lawry has received a telegram from the Auckland Racing Club asking him to act in concert with Dunedin members in opposing in the House of Representatives the clause inserted in Sir R. Stout’s Gaming Bill by the Statutes Revision Committee re power being given to the contemplated N.Z. Jockey Club to issue totalisator licenses. Mr Lawry has been asked to advocate that the issue of licenses should be left in the hands of the Colonial Secretary as heretofore. With his usual regard for the interests of his district, Mr Lawry intends to do his utmost to carry out the wishes of the club which he represents, and in conjunction with the Hon. G. McLean (who is at present out of town) will decide on the course of action best calculated to serve the interest of racing. It is impossible at present to anticipate how the division on the clause will result, but it is expected to be a very close thing. Ido not think the Bill will come before the House fora couple of weeks. The local betting market is stagnant.