The Trinity Young Men's Institute is one of the best-known social organisations in Wanganui, and has had a successful career, is well managed, and has a large membership. It was founded in the year 1896 by the Rev. George Bond, of Trinity Wesleyan Church, and the Institute meets every evening for the pur-pose of debates, recreation, and physical culture.

Wanganui Rugby Union has been in existence for some years, having been founded in 1888. Officers for the year 1907:—Mr W. Empson (patron), Mr G. Spriggins (president), Messrs G. R. Simpson, H. F. Tilley, and J. C. Wesney (vice-presidents, A. W. Mountfort (treasurer), W. Hall (secretary), and a committee consisting of one representative from each club. There are a number of clubs affiliated with the Union, besides three sub-unions, namely—Rangi-tikei, Awarua, and Primary Schools. The Union is one of the oldest on the Coast, under the New Zealand Union; it controls all Rugby football in the Wanganui district, holds five competitions during each season in addition to a primary school competition. Representatives from the Union have played against the British, New South Wales and Australian teams in Great Britain, Australia, and the Dominion.

The Wanganui Jockey Club claims to be the oldest institution of its kind on the West Coast of the North Island, and was founded in the year 1848. The racecourse, which is held by trustees (for whom Mr F. Moffatt is secretary), is regarded as one of the sights of the town. It is situated in Ingestre Street, is surrounded with a fine ring of shelter trees, and embraces an artificial lake, page 598 fountains, and flower-bordered, well-laid-out walks. There is a grand stand with accommodation for about 3,000 persons, and other necessary offices and appointments. The club has a membership of 100. Three race meetings are held annually, for two days on each occasion, all of which are largely attended. The spring meeting is held in September, the Autumn meeting in March, and the Winter meeting in May. For the year ended May, 1907, the stakes amounted, to £6,965. Officers for 1907:—Dr. Earle (president), Messrs. H. N. Harrison (vice-president), J. H. Nixon (treasurer), W. Hall (secretary), with ten stewards and a representative committee of thirteen.

The Wanganui Agricultural Association was founded in 1889 to replace the old Agricultural and Pastoral Society. The Summer Show is held in November, and the attendance is invariably large. There is a membership of 850. Officers for the year 1907:—Mr J. H. Nixon (president), Mr Selby Morton (secretary), and five vice-presidents.

Mr Selby Morton, Secretary of the Wanganui Agricultural Association, was born in the year 1867, in Turakina, where he was educated at the Rev. J. Ross' College, and later studied accountancy under Mr William Alexander, Wanganui. In 1899 he was appointed secretary to the Agricultural Association.