President, E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R.; vice president, W. C. Walker. Esq ; stewards, . v Messrs Hay T. B_tth, John Carter, L. E. Corsbie, &. Friedlander, Neil McLean, J. Hunt, E. Saunders, A. McLean, K. S. Coster, Dr. Ross; judge, Mr M. Stitt; starter, Mr John Carter; clerk of the course, Mr E. Saundera; clerk of tho scales, Mr B. F. Wright; hon. secretary, Mr J. Wilkin; hon. treasurer, Mr CO. Fooks; handicapper, Mr H. P. Lance. The Ashburton Winter Steeplechases came off on Saturday hut on the grounds of Mr Hunt, who, with his usual kindness, gave h» paddocke for the use of the committee. The weather, though oold, was very fine and tho ' attendance large, many Christohurch visitors putting in an appearance. The going was very heavy and country a little big, whUe the water jump, though not nearly «o formidable as those at Waimate and Oamaru, brought most of the animals engaged to grief. The licensed victualling department was under the supervision of Mrs Butler, who seemed to be weU patron sed. The arrangements were, thanks to the indefatigable secretory, Mr James Wilkin, exceUent, and the various events got off with great punctuality..Six weighed out for the Ashburton Handioap, which was the first event on tbe programme. The favorite was furnished in Grey Momus, who, however, fenced very unkindly, and WM very soon out of "it. Fakir, who jumped in;,. his old style, made nearly all his own run ning, and won at the finish very easUy from the local horse Raven. The others, all of whom came more or less to grief, were no* persevered with. Five, of whom Jack (lato Spider) was a strong favorite, went to tne post for the District Handicap. As was the case in the first event, tbe favorite was very won out of the hunt, the winner in Tarn o'Shaater, who won pretty easily, tne Lad beinghis immediate attendantatthe nnise# This race showed ns a rather pro^Sj" 1 . in Sir George, who, judging from his igJJJ. . ance,both in this event and the IsrawM.,.
