AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 454, 6 April 1899, Page 12

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING.

First Day—Monday, April 3. In the matter of weather the Auckland Racing Club was fortunate, lhe sun in the morning was a trifle hot, but as the day wore on a cool breeze, with light clouds, tempered Old Sol’s rays, and made the outing at Ellerslie thoroughly enjoyable. The course was in splendid order, and the appearance of the lawn and general surroundings reflected great credit on the superintending care of Mr Hill. Ihe club is exceedingly fortunate in having the services of such a capable official, who at all seasons of the year is to be found at his poet carefully superintending the improvements which the committee from time to time orders. The most noticeable improvement that has been effected this year is the widening of the course at the cutting near the five furlong post. This work has been well carried out, and greatly improves the course. The attendance was not quite up to that of last year, but, nevertheless, it was good. His Excellency the Governor put in an early appearance, and occupied the newlyerected vice-regal box in the grand stand for a short time, and after that he was to be seen strolling about the saddling paddock or in the committee’s stand, taking a lively interest in the proceedings of the day. The general arrangements made by Mr Percival were good, and a special word of praise is due to Mr Harry Massey for the way in which the number board was managed. The music of the band was entertaining, and the old habitues of Ellerslie were glad to see Mr Tom McEwin in his old post as caterer. The rooms upstairs and downstairs were well patronised, and the viands of a first-class order ; ■ but somehow there seems to be an impression— possibly a wrong one—that the members in i Heir privileged quarter receive better attention at the hands of the waiters than the ready-money public in the room below. In the absence of Colonel Bunks, who was away at the sham fight, the Hon. Mr Mitchelson occupied the judge’s box, and Mr Cutts, as starter, gave every satisfaction.