Racing In Rabaul.

Amateur Turf Club’s Success.

THE Australian love of the sport of kings soon shows up in any com munity of Australians; and Rabaul is no exception.

Ever since the Occupation there have been enthusiastic horsemen in the Ter ritory and in 1930 these men were joined by other keen spirits in forming the Ra baul Amateur Turf Club.

Land was secured at Lakunai, near Matupi, and the Club’s funds had a be ginning in a “tarpaulin muster” among its promoters. A six furlongs’ course was laid down. It was crude at first; but at least it was a racecourse; and from the first meeting it was a success.

From these small beginnings the Club has grown into a popular and prosper ous concern. The rules of the Victorian Racing Club were adopted and, with the enthusiasm of the president (Mr. R. L.

Clarke) and an energetic committee, big strides have been made. To-day, the course at Lakunai is properly laid down, two furlongs of it are fenced with con crete, there are adequate stables, a grandstand and two totes.

The trophies raced for are worth win ning.

Among them are the “Perfection Cup,” presented by Messrs. D. and J. McCal lum; the “Waverley Cup,” presented by Toohey’s, Ltd.; and the “Dewar Cup,” all of which carry cash prizes as well, and there are also club handicaps, car rying substantial prizes.

The racing for the “Waverley Cup” has been remarkable. It was presented with the condition that it was to be held by the owner whose horse won it three times. The first year it was raced for, it was won by Mr. Fuller’s Greta Boy and that horse has carried it off each year since, so that Mr. Fuller is now the holder after only three races. Each year it was won in faster time.

The Rabaul Amateur Turf Club holds five meetings in the season. There have been three this season; the Cup Meeting in September and the New Year Meet ing and Anniversary Day Meeting in January. The Easter Meeting is fixed for April 22, and there will be another in June.

The secretary (Mr. Howard L. Clark), manager of the Bay Loo Company, is at present in Sydney; he is a brother of the president. The treasurer of the Ter ritory (Mr. H. O. Townsend) is judge;

Mr. C. A. M. Adelskold is timekeeper; and the committee has the following members: J. B. Cruise, J. C. Mullaley, M.L.C., R. A. Laws, D. S. Davis, C. A.

M. Adelskold, and W. R. Smith, Dr. E.

T. Brennan, Chief Medical Officer of the Territory, is honorary surgeon to the Club and is assisted by Dr. H. C. Hos king.

A scene on the Rabaul racecourse. N.G. The group in the foreground comprise Hon. B. B Perryman, Dr. Hosking. and Messrs. Dave Lyle and Miles Thompson.