LAST YEARS AT KINGSCLERE 447 



From the outset the racing at Newbury 

 enjoyed a large measure of popularity. So much 

 so, indeed, that before many months had elapsed 

 we had to enlarge the accommodation for the 

 public. Never a year has passed — except during 

 the war — without some structural improvement 

 being made, the cost always being easily met out 

 of the revenue. I take advantage of this oppor- 

 tunity gratefully to acknowledge the splendid 

 way in which the Great Western Railway 

 Directors supported us. By fulfilling their 

 undertaking to construct a racecourse station 

 and run special trains from Paddington to 

 Newbury within the hour — the distance is prac- 

 tically fifty-three miles — and at a first-class fare 

 of ten shillings return, they virtually ensured 

 the success of our venture. I trust I shall not be 

 thought unduly boastful when I state that the 

 Newbury Racecourse is an accomplishment of 

 which I am intensely proud. 



Let me close on a personal note. The wife 

 who had been my constant helpmate and com- 

 panion and a devoted mother to my children 

 since the days when I was at Findon, passed to 

 her long rest in 1902. Two years later I married 

 Miss Pilsbury. I humbly give thanks to God 

 for the happiness that has been vouchsafed to me 

 in my home life. 



