view raw text
FLEMINGTON A WELL-EQUIPPED COURSE. Mr. II. Byron Moore, secretary of the Victorian Racing Club, is one of the most widely-known men In Australia at any time, and when November draws near no one is more prominent in the public eye. Prior to occupying his present position he was a draughtsman in the service of the Victorian government. On a visit to England he was elected a member of the Royal Geographical Society. It was in 1SS1, or "Zulus year" to give it the proper trein according to the sportsman calendar, that he assumed the secretarial reins, and the famous course at Flemlngton has been Improved so wonderfully since, that it is now considered equal to any in the world. In a chat the other day he stated that in 1SS1 that is 32 years ago the club gave away 50,000 in prize money. This has been steadily increased each year until it has reached the total of 50,000. Mr. Byron Moores professional knowledge has enabled him to design and supervise Immense improvements in the accommodations at far-famed Flemington. There was one old stand in 1SS1. now there are several structures, some quite palatial In appearance. Mr. Byron Moore would not attempt to estimate the aggregate holding capacity of all the stands at Flemington. He is a sound mathematician, but tho fine buildings have grown apace, and a correct estimate almost borders on the impossible. The beautiful red brick double-decked stand, with its pleasant terraces, alone will enable 10.000 people to witness the races. The Victorian Racing Club secretary has been keen on providing for everyone an uninterrupted view of the horses from start to finish and with this object buildings and obstaces have been removed at all costs, and new ones erected in more suitable positions. The governor-generals apartments, and those of the state governor, at Flemington, are luxuriously appointed, and the committee, members, otlicials. jockeys and all connected with the sport are afforded every possible convenience in the quarters provided for them. The Victorian Racing Club does these things most handsomely. It is not alone by bricks and mortar that Mr. Byron Moore is keeping Flemington to the fore. The lawns are kent in a manner that betokens an immense amount of care. Flower beds and ponds make the whole picture extremely pleasing. There are nurseries for plants, and in this instance the flowers that bloom in . the spring have much to do with the case. The fences are iu many places festooned with roses, and to the botanist the noted course presents many attractions apart altogeher from the turf aspect. Asked if he considered that racing was on the upgrade, Mr. Moore answered: "Undoubtedly. The coming of the stipendiary stewards has worked wonders. Tho previous stewards were excellent men, and most particular in carrying out their duties, but they acted only for 10 days in the year, and only at Flemington, and were not equal to the present officials who act at all courses within the twenty-five miles radius, seeing the same horses week after week in different races, being thus enabled to surpass the work of the amateur. "Has racing in the country towns kept pace with the growth in the metropolis?" I asked Mr. Moore, and he answered: "Yes, the country clubs have picked up finely. In Ballaret, Bendlgo, Hamilton, Benalla. Kyneton, Wangaratta, Teraug, Camperdown and other places, the sport is Imnroving and becoming more and more popular." Sydney Referee.
