New Guinea Cup.

Rabaul In Festive Mood.

From Our Own Correspondent.

RABAUL, September 25.

THE September race meeting of the Eabaul Amateur Turf Club was held on Saturday last, and was undoubtedly the best race gathering that has been seen in the Territory.

Record attendance was reported from the ticket collectors at the gate.

Not only was the meeting a financial success; it was also a social success. Frockings of the ladies were modish, and lent charm to the natural beauty of Lakunai course. New improve ments had been made to the track, the construc tion of buildings, the planting of flower beds, and the erection of garden seats.

The New Guinea Cup, which was the main event of the meeting, created a great deal of interest. The entries were:—Gaberdine (Mr.

G. Ellis’), ridden by Mr, Costello. 11.13; Enchant (Messirs. Erwen and Allan’s), ridden by Mr.

Allan. 11.1; Guiding Light (Mr. T. Thomas’), ridden by Mr. Robinson, 10.10; Virgil (Mr. C. A.

M. Adelskold’s), ridden by Mr. Coe, 10.7; Snipe (Mrs. D. Lyal’s), ridden by Mr. Smith, 10.5; Viola (Mr. V. B. Pennefather’s), ridden by Mr.

Mullaly, 10.0 (but carried 6½ lb. overweight).

The race is over a distance of nine furlongs, and was won by Mr. T. Thomas’ Guiding Light, which is a new importation into the Territory, having run only once before at the Kokopo Commemoration Day Races. Virgil came second and Enchant third. Gaberdine, one of the favourites, had a bad start, and never re covered. The time was a record for the course, being 2.2 1/5. Previous record time was held by Gaberdine, of 2.4.

After the race his Honour the Administrator presented the Cup and trophies to the owner and the rider, congratulating them both on the excellent performance of the horse.

Immediately after this presentation there .oc curred another gesture of appreciation towards Mr. Fisher, who for so many meetings had rendered invaluable assistance at the tote. Mr.

Fisher, as president R. L. Clark remarked, was about to leave the Territory, and the Club wished to present to him a small token of their gratitude. A smoker’s outfit constituted that token, and was greatly appreciated by Mr.

Fisher.

After the races the town was in festive mood. Special dinners were arranged at The Palms and The Rabaul Hotel, and a special racing picture was screened at the Regent Theatre. A dance was held at The Palms after the race dinner.

Mr. McKay has been appointed Sec retary of Native Affairs, Apia, Samoa.

His place at the Central Office will be taken by Mr. Quinn, who in turn is re placed at the Treasury by Mr. Murphy, of the Native Department.

Mr. A. Schaaffhausen, officer in charge of Public Works, Samoa, left by the “Maui Pomare” with his wife for a well earned holiday in New Zealand.