CLICK HERE TO GO BACK

In July 1921 it was reported that a satisfactory working arrangement had been entered into with the Canterbury Park Trotting Club for the use of the grounds.

In August 1922 as the plans for the development of the Riccarton property were being proceeded with the Committee agreed to offer the lease of the Addington property to the Canterbury Park Trotting Club. This offer included the freehold property, except that purchased from De Rigo, together with buildings and improvements but furniture, plant and the starting barrier were excluded. The price asked by the Club for the sale of the leasehold was £17,500. Within two days the President of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club, Mr H J Otley, met the Committee and offered to purchase the lease and buildings for £15,000. In October the Club’s Committee decided to accept the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s offer.

An article appearing in the NEW ZEALAND REFEREE of 7th September 1922 reported that it had been announced that as a result of negotiations between the NZ Metropolitan and Canterbury Park Trotting Clubs the latter body would transfer its operations from Sockburn to Addington and take over the course when the Club moved to its Riccarton property. The article stated that on sentimental grounds some people would regret the departure o the Canterbury Park Trotting Club from the Course with which it was for so long associated both under its present name and under its former title of the Plumpton Park Trotting Club, the name chosen when the Club was established. The article further said that the property had had a long connection with sport of various kinds and had been used for coursing and galloping as well as trotting. When the Club was renamed the Canterbury Park Trotting Club a new era began at Sockburn and it quickly established itself as one of the most flourishing institutions in the Dominion. Its solid financial position had been a striking testimony to the efficiency of its management.

The disappearance of the mile grass track was not expected to be appreciated by all but the arguments in favour of the change far outweighed the disadvantages. The expenditure necessary to bring the equipment at Sockburn up to present day requirements would have been enormous and when the opportunity was offered to secure the Addington property at a reasonable figure the Canterbury Park Executive was commended for its wisdom in clinching the bargain. The Addington course on which the Metropolitan Club had expended something like £100,000 was considered the best trotting property in the Dominion and it was satisfactory that it was to be retained for the sport which had become so popular with New Zealanders. It was reported that with their experience at Addington to guide them the Metropolitan Club’s Executive could be depended upon to make their new Riccarton course perfect in every detail and the final result of the change would be of great benefit to the two Clubs and to trotting generally.

The lease at the time of its purchase by the Canterbury Park Trotting Club had nine years to run and it was not anticipated that the Club would have any difficulty in securing its renewal. It was estimated that as the development of the Riccarton property would take approximately two years the Metropolitan Club would remain at Addington in the meantime.

It was reported in December 1922 that the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s grounds at Sockburn would be closed from early in the new year which proved to be a great set back to the large number of trainers in that area. The article went on to say that the decision by the Canterbury Park Trotting Club to transfer its headquarters from Sockburn to Addington proved to be a wise one in view of the increased attendances and totalisator turnovers that were recorded at its New Year Meeting on 1st and 2nd January 1923.

In January 1923 the agreement between the Metropolitan Club and Canterbury Park foe the transfer of the lease was completed and a sub-committee was appointed to dispose of the land purchased from De Rigo.

It was reported in the NEW ZEALAND REFEREE of 22nd November 1923 that at the Land Sales Rooms of H Matson & Co acting under instructions from the Canterbury Park Trotting Club, H Matson & Co in conjunction with Pyne, Gould, Guinness Ltd offered for sale by public auction the property known as Canterbury Park Sockburn. The property consisted of just under 82 acres and was offered as a whole with all buildings erected upon it. There was a fairly large attendance of the public with bidding starting at £5,000 and advancing by £500 bids to £6,500. After this figure had been reached an offer by the auctioneer to take £250 bids found no response and the property was passed in.

In accordance with the agreement the Canterbury Park Club advised the names of its representatives on the Grounds Management Committee and they were Messrs J Lester and R Wallace. The Metropolitan Club’s representatives on the Management Committee were Messrs E Fox and W Hayward.

The Chairman reported to members at the Annual Meeting in June 1923 that the course leasehold had been sold to the Canterbury Park Trotting Club at a satisfactory figure, the sale being made in anticipation of the Club’s move to Riccarton and that pending the completion of the new course the Club would carry on its operations at Addington.

The Chairman of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club in reporting to his members at the Annual Meeting said that the Committee had gone carefully into the question of carrying out repairs and improvements at Sockburn which would cost in the vicinity of £50,000. Not wishing to involve the Club in such heavy expenditure the proposition was put forward by the Metropolitan Trotting Club offering their interest in the Addington grounds for £15,000 was considered by the Committee and accepted.

By early 1928 it became obvious that the development of the Riccarton property could not be proceeded with and in May of that year arrangements were entered into with the Canterbury Park Trotting Club for the Club’s tenure of the Addington course to be as a tenant. In July a deed of agreement with the Canterbury Park Trotting Club was completed.

In June 1932 the Club’s Solicitor advised that the arrangements between the Club and the Canterbury Park Trotting Club regarding racing at Addington was not a lease but only a licence to race on certain days.

In December 1936 the CPTC was approached to sell its interest in the Addington course lease to the Met or to amalgamate. There is no record of this being developed further at the time.

In December 1943 the Committee appointed a deputation to approach the CPTC to enquire if it would be prepared to sell the course back to the Met but the following month CP advised that it was not prepared to do this and at the same time advised that the rental payable to the North Canterbury Hospital Board had been increased to £1,500 per annum.

In March 1945 a sub-committee was appointed to meet representatives of the CPTC regarding control of Addington. It was decided that its Committee should be informed of the Met’s proposal that a holding Company be established but this was not acceptable to the CP Committee who made a counter proposal to sell their interests to the Met provided they could race at Addington permanently. The CPTC was asked to make an offer and submit terms for their right to race. In May of that year the CPTC offered to sell its interest in Addington for £27,000 with the proviso that they be granted the permanent right to race at a rental of 1 and a quarter % of their On-Course turnover. At that point it was agreed that the Club’s sub-committee investigate the matter further.

In December 1947 with the object of reaching an agreement between the two Clubs the Met appointed Mr S P Godfrey its Investigating Accountant, to confer with the CPTC’s Accountants and bring down a joint report with the object of establishing a basis of tenure which would benefit each Club. In the following February the CPTC advised that Hicks & Ainger, its Accountants, would confer with Mr Godfrey regarding the tenure of the Addington Course. The following month Canterbury Park advised that its Accountants were not ready for further discussions as its Solicitor, Mr H P Smith, had advised them that the discussions should not be held until a settlement on the representatives on the Board of Trustees was agreed upon. In August the sub-committees of the two Clubs met regarding the control of the course and the CPTC asked for equal representation with the Chairman being appointed by each Club in alternate years.

In September 1950 concern was expressed by the Club for what appeared to be undue delay in the completion of the documents regarding the tenure of the Addington grounds and the Club’s Solicitor was asked for an immediate report on the matter.

In January 1951 it was reported that the Valuation Department valued the Canterbury Park Club’s interest I the course at £80,000, the Stamp Duty on which was £800. The question of Gift Duty then arose and this it was stated could amount to thousands.

In August 1951 it was reported that the arrangements for control of the grounds had been finalized but that a general meeting of members would have to be called. In September it was reported that the Stamp Duty on the transfer of the grounds to the Trust Board was £865/14/0 and that a Memorandum and Articles of Association were being prepared by the Solicitor. In the following months the Solicitor advised the Committee that he considered the delay in the completion of the documents governing control of the course was unreasonable. In December it was reported that the papers for the Trust Board had been drawn up and when finalized by Mr H P Smith, Solicitor to Canterbury Park, were being referred to Mr L J Hensley, an authority on Company Law for his perusal. In March 1952 the Memorandum and Articles of Association having been checked at a conference between Mr Hensley, Mr Twyneham, the Metropolitan Solicitor and Mr H P Smith were placed before a general meeting for ratification. In May of that year copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Addington Trotting Course Ltd were presented for execution and were signed by Messrs C S Thomas and C E Hoy on behalf of the Club.

At a Special General Meeting held in April 1952 the minutes recorded the following Notice of Motion:

“That this Meeting approves the proposal for the taking over control of the Addington Trotting Course by a separate body representing the NZ Metropolitan and the Canterbury Park Trotting Clubs and authorizes the Committee of the Metropolitan Trotting Club to execute all documents considered necessary to carry the proposal into effect”.

In August 1956 the draft of a proposed agreement (Licence to race) between the Club and the Company was not acceptable to the Committee and it was passed to the Club’s Solicitor for redrafting. The amended draft was subsequently approved by the Committee but with reservations by Me C S Thomas.

In March 1957 the licence to race between the Club and the Company was finalized and the document executed. The original licence to race was stamped in April 1957, the duty being 15 shillings. The Stamp Duties Department later considered that an error had been made in assessing the duty which should have been £70/19/6. The extra charge would not have been made in all probability if both the original and counterpart had been stamped at the same time.

The Committee held over the view that the Company should establish a fund with the object of having a reserve which could be used for the purchase of the property. In July 1960 it was reported that, after consultation with a representative of the CPTC, it was doubtful if that Club would agree to the setting aside of £1,000 per annum in a sinking fund as being mandatory. The Club advised Canterbury Park that in the interests of both Clubs it was necessary that no less than £1,000 be set aside each year. This was eventually agreed to.

The CPTC developed a mobile starting barrier and in October 1974 the Club was advised by Canterbury Park that its mobile starting gate would be available to the Club for its Cup Meetings at $100 per day or night.

In December 1983 the Club suggested that the replacement of the CPTC’s mobile barrier should be undertaken by Addington Raceway Ltd. In February 1984 the CPTC advised that they had purchased a suitable vehicle on which the starting gate could be mounted and that they were prepared to discuss the ownership with the Directors. In June 1985 Addington Raceway advised that the CPTC had offered to sell the gate to the Raceway at cost price less the subsidy received from the NZ Racing Authority and that the Raceway had the option to purchase the gate for $19,704. The gate had cost Canterbury Park $33,809 to manufacture and the Racing Authority had reimbursed the Club $14,105 from the Amenities Fund. The Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s offer was accepted.



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

The Canterbury Park Trotting Club traces its origins to the Plumpton Park Club, which raced on a 74 acre course at Sockburn centred on the present Air Force Museum. The early history of the club was fairly chequered and, for three seasons, it went into recess.

On Feb 2, 1884 the CANTERBURY TIMES advertised the "inaugural" meeting of the Plumpton Park Racing Club would be held on March 11, 1884.

Seven races were held including one Trot. The totalisator, operated by Hobbs and Goodwin, handled £1,300.

Club stewards for that first meeting were: B J Hall, E R Deacon, J B Hill, W Attwood, A McDonald, S Bailey, W H Porter, T H Ranger, T Acland & Captain Bell. The treasurer was W G Judge (also the chairman of the directors of the Coursing Club in 1886) and the Secretary was Mr E S B Bell.

The trot was won by the mare, Formosa, which was also owned by Mr E S B Bell, who is shown in the bookmakers' settling lists a few days later as being paid £28.

The trot also revealed a rather amateurish ring-in attempt. The CANTERBURY TIMES recorded thus:

"The handicapper having no knowledge of a brown mare called Kathleen, put her on 55 secs. But it became known that the mare resembled strongly a grey mare called Peggy, which had won the Dunedin Trot in 1882.
During the day the mare sweated and white patches on her tail became apparent. A steward ran his hand through her tail and it covered in a brown, sticky substance.
The horse was quickly removed from the course. She holds nominations at New Brighton and Lancaster Park meetings, but is unlikely to be seen again on a Canterbury racecourse."

The Club ran five meetings in the 1884-5 season, all with the same format. In 1886-7 there were four meetings and the following season Plumpton Park reverted to five meetings. At the February and April meetings the Club ran two trots on the programme instead of the customary one.

The last meeting of 1887-8 was held in July and in August the CANTERBURY TIMES reported there appeared to be a problem with successful owners not being paid out.

It transpired the meeting had been run solely by Mr E S B Bell, who was now adjudged bankrupt. Quite a scandal erupted and investigations revealed that Mr Bell's licence to run the meeting under the name of Plumpton Park had been granted by the Canterbury Jockey Club, which, for no apparent reason, had refused a similar request from a Mr M Taylor.

Stewards of the Club in those days were liable for the payment of stake-money but Mr Bell was found to have advertised his meeting without including the names of the stewards or other officials on the day.

The owners and public had contributed some £160 to Mr Bell and there should have been enough to pay out the stake-money and still leave some £40 over.

Mr Bell appears to have dropped out of sight, but the scandal continued.

On September 14, 1888, the CANTERBURY TIMES reported a court case involving Mr C Hood Williams, owner of Sultan, a winner at the meeting and to whom £28/10/- was due. Mr Williams sued a Mr P Campbell, who had been listed in the official race book as a steward and thus culpable to pay the stake.

During the case it was learned that Mr Bell, Secretary also of the Plumpton Park Coursing Club and the Island Bay Racing Club in Wellington (it was in recess at the time) had approaced Mr Campbell to act as a steward on the day.

Others in that capacity were a Captain Bell, Mr E S B Bell and Mr George Cutts.

On September 20 Judge Beetham found against the owner, Mr William, and ordered him to pay costs of £6/7/-, saying he had no claim against Mr Campbell.
"You entered into an agreement with Mr Bell, not Mr Campbell, and did so with your eyes wide open," said Judge Beetham.

The judge's decision aroused considerable controversy and the CANTERBURY TIMES was moved to comment: "It is a pity Judge Beetham was not better acquainted with the customs of the racing world in such matters."

The Plumpton Park Club then went into recess. It did not operate at all in the seasons of 1888-89, 1889-90 or 1890-91.

Then on July 9, 1891, the CANTERBURY TIMES carried an advertisment for a Plumpton Park Steeplchase meeting to be run on August 1.

The Club was granted a "conditional permit" by the Canterbury Jockey Club to run four steeplechase events and, at the time of advertising, still did not have a totalisator licence.

Stewards of the Club were given as: D O'Brien (also the judge), E W Roper, F Beverley, J A Holmes, C S Howell, J B Hill, T Quill, A S Clarkson (also hon. secretary), A Loughrey and R J Mason.

It was known officially as the Metropolitan Plumpton Park Company.

The CANTERBURY TIMES commented on the return of a Plumpton Park Club, recalling the debacle of 1888 and claimed there was "no known club racing at Plumpton Park".

The steeplechase meeting was moderately successful. The CANTERBURY TIMES on August 6, noted the club had now changed its name to the Plumpton Park Racing and Trotting Club and this is confirmed in a report from the New Zealand Trotting Association.

On October 8 1891, the CANTERBURY TIMES advertised the "inaugural meeting" of the Plumpton Park Racing & Trotting Club to be held on November 12.

It was to be the club's first full trotting meeting with eight races. Stewards were listed, the same as for the meeting on August 1, but the treasurer was Mr C S Howell, the secretary, J A Connell, and the starter, H J Derrett.

Nominations were taken at the Scotch Stores Hotel.

The meeting was a great success, the totalisator handling £2,409, and the honour of winning the first race went to Mr J Gaskin's grey mare J.M., which also won the last race.

Encouraged by that meeting the Club held another on January 1, 1892, offering increased stakes of £220.

On April 4, 1892, the first annual meeting of shareholders in the Plumpton Park Company was held. Mr T Quill was listed as chairman of directors and a profit of £62 was announced.

Mr Quill noted that during the last 12 months the Plumpton Park Racing and Trotting Club had operated as a separate body, having taken over the course and grandstands at cost price plus £25 per annum rental.

The Plumpton Park Club continued to operate successfully, mixing full gallop and trot meetings until 1896-7 when its two meetings that season were strictly for trotters.

The meetings were split into four days and were known as the spring and autumn meetings.

In 1898-99, for the first time, the club was officially known as the Plumpton Park Trotting Club, having dropped the word "Racing" at its annual meeting.

In 1898 Mr F Beverley was elected president. Until that time Mr C S Howell had been recognised as the chairman and he was voted president in 1899.

In 1895-6 the club made a profit of £212 and listed its assets at £433/1/4.

In 1896-7 it made a profit of £390/6/7 and listed assets of £2,625 which included the freeholding of the Plumpton Park course at £2,400.

Around this time it was decided to move the club's offices to the Duncan's Buildings, which were also the home of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club and the Canterbury Trotting Club.

The name of the club was changed to the Canterbury Park Trotting Club in October, 1909.

Credit: CPTC: Centennial History

CLUB PRESIDENTS: Canterbury Park TC

1898-1899 F Beverley
1899-1901 C S Howell
1901-1906 J L Carl
1906-1909 A L Myers
1909-1920 C S Howell
1920-1924 H J Otley
1924-1927 J Leslie
1927-1929 Hon G Witty
1929-1931 W T Franks
1931-1934 C E Cross
1934-1936 W F Parkinson
1936-1938 P F Ryan
1938-1940 J E W Cross
1940-1942 A Rose
1942-1944 M O'Brien
1944-1946 C Flavell
1946-1948 J F Franks
1948-1950 W Milne Shand
1950-1952 H H Wauchop
1952-1954 R T McMillan
1954-1956 C S Peate
1956-1958 F E Sutton
1958-1960 H T Fuller
1960-1964 L S Smart
1964-1966 T A Leitch
1966-1968 H F Butland
1968-1970 E F Mercer
1970-1973 S C Cordner
1973-1976 S Andrews
1976-1979 W G P Cuningham
1979-1981 F R Brebner
1981-1984 R H Duff
1984-1987 L A Smart
1987-1990 B F Hastings
1990-1993 J L Hughes
1993-1996 G E Dickey
1996-1998 B Andrews

1998 Amalgamated with NBHRC & NZMTC to form a new Club