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CLUB HISTORY

ADDINGTON TROTTING COURSE LTD & ADDINGTON RACEWAY LTD

Following the passing of Notices of Motion by the Members of Canterbury Park and Metropolitan Trotting Clubs in April 1952, the body originally known as Addington Trotting Course Ltd was established to control the Course.

In June 1952 Messrs C E Hoy, D McCormick and J Palmer the Club’s Representatives on the Grounds Committee, were appointed the Club’s Representatives on Addington Trotting Course Ltd thus becoming the first Representatives on the Directorate of the Company. The first meeting of Directors was held on the 11th September 1952, and the Board comprised the three Metropolitan Representatives and three Representatives from the CPTC Messrs J E W Cross, W Milne-Shand and H H Wauchop. Mr Hoy was the Company’s first Chairman.

In February 1953 the Club’s Solicitor, Mr R Twyneham, Submitted a draft of a proposed licence from Addington Trotting Course Ltd setting out the Club’s rights to hold Race Meetings at Addington. This was referred back to the Club’s Solicitor with various queries raised by the Committee. In April of that year, several amendments were made to the lease and a further draft was submitted by the Solicitor who in June was asked to submit the amended draft which he did later in the month for consideration by the Committee. In July the proposed Licence was considered by a sub-committee comprising Messrs C E Hoy, W M Ollivier and C S Thomas and they agreed that it should be discussed with Canterbury Park and both Club’s Solicitors. In February 1954 the Licence to race was not finalized, and in May it was reported that the completion of the Licence had unavoidably been delayed. It was then agreed that it be held over until Mr W M Ollivier returned from overseas. In October it was decided that the question of a “Licence to Race” should be reopened.

Back in March 1953 the capital of Addington Trotting Course Ltd was increased from £36,111 to £225,357 this Club holding 156,016 £1 pound shares or nine thirteenths of the share capital, while Canterbury Park held 69,341 shares. The increase in Capital was necessary to cover the assets taken over from the Clubs by Addington Trotting Course Ltd which were not taken into account when the capital was originally established. The original capital of £36,111 only covered the Club’s cash payment of £25,000 (9/13ths of the Capital) and the Canterbury Park’s goodwill which was estimated at £11,111 (4/13ths). The 9/13 and 4/13 basis related to the number of Racedays each Club conducted.

The Club agreed to a suggestion put forward by the Canterbury Park Committee in May 1955 that a sub-committee of three from each Club confer with the Addington Directors to establish some method of transferring additional funds to the Company. The outcome was a recommendation that 20% of the TAB profit distribution be transferred to Addington Trotting Course Ltd.

Following the loss of the Public Stand by fire and the possible introduction of Night Trotting the question of the New Brighton Trotting Club racing at Addington was discussed informally.

In May 1962 it was decided to appoint an investigating Accountant to go into the assets of Addington Trotting Course Ltd and bring down a report so as to arrive at a realistic basis for negotiations with the New Brighton Trotting Club. In the following month the Accountants Report was received and provided a basis for opening negotiations with the New Brighton Trotting Club. The report was referred to both Canterbury Park and New Brighton without prejudice. In July a further informal meeting was held between the Presidents and Treasurers of the three Clubs, at which S P Godfrey & Co’s Report on the valuation of the Addington shares was discussed. New Brighton was advised that the £1 shares were valued at £1/15/- each, and it would cost them £91,734 to buy into the Company on a 4/17th basis. With their share of the balance of the cost of the new Stand and lighting they would require more than £123,000. Representatives of the Addington Clubs felt this was an unrealistic figure to place before New Brighton as it had been agreed previously by the Representatives of the two Addington Clubs that a realistic basis for negotiations would be to offer New Brighton the right to purchase from the two Clubs 4/17ths of the existing shareholding at £1 per share. The New Brighton Trotting Club was also asked to pay their share of the cost of the lighting. When this offer was made to the New Brighton representatives they were informed that the offer was not subject to any reduction and they were given three months to accept or decline. In September New Brighton advised that, subject to endorsement by their Members, they were prepared to accept the offer to buy into Addington.

In October 1962 the members of the New Brighton Trotting Club endorsed their Committee’s recommendation that shares in Addington Trotting Course Ltd be purchased, that the Club race at Addington and that Day and/or Night Meetings be held. The Club purchased sufficient shares to hold 4/17ths of the Capital, and they paid 4/17ths of the cost of the lighting installation.

In December 1962, at a meeting of Presidents and Treasurers of the three Clubs, the Secretary was instructed to advise the Clubs’ Solicitors that the New Brighton Trotting Club was joining Addington Trotting Course Ltd, and asking that they confer on the re-drafting of the Articles of Association. For the purpose of preparing the draft, the representatives on the Directorate were two from each Club, and one of that number was to be appointed Chairman on rotation. From May 1963 two representatives from the NBTC were invited to attend Directors’ Meetings, up until the Annual Meeting, without voting rights. The NBTC offered to hand over free of charge, any furniture, or other assets that could be used at Addington and a sub-committee was appointed to decide what items were suitable.

In February 1963 at a Special Meeting at Addington Trotting Course Ltd Mr C E Hoy representing the Met and Mr L S Smart representing the CPTC, voted in favour of resolutions altering the Articles of Association to provide for a Building Reserve Fund to be established against the contingency that the Company was unable to secure a satisfactory renewal of the present Lease from the Hospital Board, and also that at any time and for any reason the vacating of the grounds at Addington was necessary. It was also resolved that the Fund be set up for the purchase of lands which were at present held under lease, or upon the erection of amenities on such other lands as may be purchased. In the following month a resolution was passed that the Club seal be affixed to a special resolution altering the Articles of the Company to allow for the inclusion of the New Brighton Trotting Club as a Shareholder in the Addington Trotting Course Ltd.

At this time a Committeeman expressed the view that undue prominence was being given to the words “Raceway” and “Closed-Circuit” in the Club’s advertising, and that less publicity should be given to “Closed-circuit Television” as it was only on trial, although it was put into operation for the 1962 Cup Meeting.

In June 1963 the Solicitor advised that the Memorandum of Mortgage with Commercial Union Group was in hand, and that the Seal of Addington Trotting Course Ltd had been affixed to the documents. In October the Club’s Treasurer Nr C S Thomas reported that he and the Treasurers of the other Clubs recommended a revised financial structure for Addington Trotting Course Ltd whereby the three Clubs would make interest bearing loans to the Company, and it would then be unnecessary to borrow from the Commercial Union Group. The Treasurer was given authority to dispose of investments as and when required to meet the cost of capital expenditure. In October 1963 the Directors decided that in view of the arrangements made for the financing of Capital Works, the Commercial Union Group be advised that the Company would not be calling for loans under the Mortgage, and that it be cancelled and the costs relating to it bourne by Addington. In July 1963 a resolution was passed approving the transfer of shares to the NBTC 16,316 from Canterbury Park and 36,709 from the Met. At the same time the Licence to race between the Company and the New Brighton Trotting Club was completed and signed under Seal. In December 1964 a Report was received from the Addington Trotting Course Ltd Auditors regarding the accumulated Loss & Depreciation, and as a result the Auditors, Hicks & Ainger were asked what was the liability of the Clubs for the deficit of the Company. The Auditors stated that there was no legal obligation for the Clubs to contribute further to cover any losses or deficiency incurred by the Company, as it was a limited liability Company in terms of the Companies Act 1955. The financial position of the Company was sound, in view of the value of the assets and the claiming of full Depreciation was the reason for the accumulated losses. Full Depreciation continued to be claimed, because if it was not, then after six years it would be lost as a claim against future profits.

In October 1965 the Secretary’s suggestion that the name of the Company be changed to Addington Raceway Ltd was agreed to in principle, and in December the Company’s Solicitor was authorized to take the necessary steps to change the name to Addington Raceway Ltd and it February 1966 a Special Resolution under seal was passed by an entry in the Addington Trotting Course Ltd’s Minute Book, authorizing the change of name.

In September 1965 the New Zealand Trotting Conference made an approach to erect an office building on the Addington property, and the Hospital Board was in agreement. The following month Conference advised they were planning to go ahead with the building on a site facing Lincoln Road to the South West of the Taxi entrance on a half acre of land. The NZ Trotting Conference Architects were Colin Lamb & Stewart, and the cost of all necessary alterations to gateways, channel crossings and lighting were met by the Conference as was the cost of having the site surveyed. The Company’s Solicitor drew up an agreement between Addington Trotting Course Ltd and the Conference for the tenure of the land and a Memorandum of Lease was signed under seal in April 1967.

In October 1970 the Trotting Conference was advised that in the event of the Company being able to purchase the Freehold of the Raceway, the Directors would sell that section of land on which the Conference Office was built to them at the unimproved market value if they bought at the time the Company purchased the whole block from the Hospital Board. The Conference paid for its section at the same rate as the whole was purchased by the Company.

In September 1970 acting on the recommendation of the Treasurers of the three Clubs the first office car was purchased for use on the Club’s and Company’s business and for the Secretary’s personal use, and a Toyota Corona was purchased the following month.

In February 1971 the Christchurch Greyhound Racing Club, met the Chairman Mr J K Davidson and the Secretary to discuss the possibility of racing at Addington. In March Mr Davidson reported on the meeting with the deputation from the Greyhound Association, and said that it had been pointed out to them that they would be charged the same basic rental as the Addington Clubs and how difficult it would be to light their track. These points appeared to convince them that Addington was not a suitable venue.

In March 1973 representatives of the Rangiora Trotting Club met the Executive Officers of Addington Raceway when it was agreed that they be charged for the one Meeting only, a rental of one half percent of their turnover.

In October 1974 the interest rate on monies advanced by the Clubs for three projects, the toilets, the upgrading of bars in the Public Stand and the Derby Lodge Complex was increased to 7.5%.

In December 1975 the Club expressed its concern to the Conference about the introduction of Totalisator Permits for Greyhound Racing. If the Dogs were accepted as full partners in the off-course betting system, without any capital contribution to the TAB it could be detrimental to the three Clubs racing at Addington, as well as other Racing and Trotting Clubs. In February 1976 the Trotting Conference advised that the combined Conferences were to meet the Minister of Internal Affairs, and were to impress upon him that any move to allow off-course betting for Greyhound Racing would be opposed, unless the Greyhound Clubs desiring off-course facilities were prepared to pay their share of the capital costs of the TAB.

In June 1977 the Committee agreed to a proposed alteration to the Articles of Association of Addington Raceway Ltd to enable the Chairman to hold office for more than one year in succession to provide a continuity of Chairmanship during periods of change.

In May 1977 it was agreed that temporary accommodation be provided in the office for the staff of the New Zealand Trotting Calendar while the Trotting Conference Building was being extended to house the Calendar and a rental of $400 per annum be charged.

In August 1977 the CPTC suggested that as a further source of income for the Company, advertisements be placed round the track. The Directors referred this to the other two Clubs, and explored the idea through Adamson Dudley who advised that the Company could receive $3,127 per annum from this source. In February 1978 Addington Raceway advised that the other two Clubs had agreed to the signs being displayed, and the Met agreed to abide by the majority decision provided the area around and behind the winning post was kept clear for the Club’s sponsors. As Benson & Hedges, the sponsors for the Inter-Dominion Championships 1979, were unhappy about infield advertising during the Inter-Dominion, Addington Raceway held over track advertising until after the Championships.

In August 1981 the Directors advised that the value of the land on which the NZ Trotting Conference was built was $70,000 and a plan of the area to be sold was submitted to the Waimairi County Council for approval, and the NZTC was advised of this fact. The Conference stated they had received a valuation of $20,837 for the land which it currently leased from the Raceway and requested a meeting of the Conference Executive and the Directors to discuss the difference in valuation. The meeting was held and the matter discussed.

In January 1982 the Company’s valuer advised that the Arbitrators had fixed the value of the land at $23.68 per square metre. In March 1983 the Solicitors reported that the sale of the land to the Trotting Conference had been finalized, at $53,872 less charges. The net amount from the sale was offset against the capital owing on the mortgage to the Hospital Board and was $52,649. The Government Valuation of the property sold to the NZ Trotting Conference was $18,000 for the land and $400,000 for improvements.

In September 1981 it was reported that Addington Raceway was facing two major items of capital works, one being the conversion from gas which was estimated to cost $240,000 and the other being part of the principal payment due to the North Canterbury Hospital Board, namely $150,000. A meeting of the Treasurers of the three Clubs was held to consider various ways of bridging the shortfall such as increasing the rental payments by the Clubs to the Company from 1¾% to 3% of on-course turnover; prepayment of subscriptions for a number of years by not more than 200 members, and the organizing of a national raffle.

In December 1981 the Met agreed to loan $150,000 to Addington Raceway Ltd to be used in making the mortgage payment rather than financing the conversion from gas to electricity. The Club also agreed that the increase in rental to Addington Raceway from 1¾% to 3% starting at the commencement of the 1981-2 season. Following a recommendation from the Joint Treasurers that a national lottery be run, the Club agreed that it be conducted through Mr Peter Ranford with 40,000 tickets at $5 each, with prizes to the value of $80,000. In March it was reported that the Internal Affairs Department had issued a permit to conduct the lottery, and in June it was reported that an interim profit amounting to $10,000 was credited directly to accumulated funds. The total profit from the lottery was $23,968.73.

In August 1982 advice was received that the Waimairi County Council intended to construct a roundabout at the Wrights Road/ Halls Road, Birmingham Drive intersection, and would be taking seven to eight perches of land for the purpose. It was unlikely that the Company would receive any substantial amount in payment for the land, but it was decided that a new hurricane fence be erected on the new boundary line. In the month following it was decided as the fence was being re-aligned the Waimairi County Council be contacted regarding compensation. In February 1983 the new fence line was completed but no reimbursement for the area taken over by the Waimairi County Council had been made.

In August 1983 the Waimairi County Council submitted plans for an extension to the Pump House situated on the Wrights Road Boundary and an offer for the purchase of land for road widening at the corner of Halls and Wrights Roads and Birmingham Drive. The Directors agreed that as the offer of $1,500 was insufficient for the land required for street widening it was declined.

In October however, the Directors agreed to accept the Waimairi County Councils increased offer of $3,500.

At the end of 1982 CPTC approved, in principal, the payment of 3% of their on-course turnover and 30% of their TAB distribution being paid to the Raceway by way of rental for the current year. In the following February the Met asked Addington Raceway Ltd to investigate the basis of rental charges and each Club’s commitment to the Raceway. The NBTC advised that due to their financial position only 20% of the TAB distribution could be paid and their rental remain at 1¾%. The Directors agreed that the basis be 3% of the on-course turnover and 20% of the TAB distribution.

In order to boost the Company’s finances, a proposal was received in January 1983 that an area of land currently used for car parking, could be better utilized by the installation of a display centre to be set up by Decabond. The area proposed covered approx. 2.5 hectares at a suggested rental of $10,000 with the consortium being responsible for all outgoings. The proposal was approved and the Chairman given power to act in negotiating a lease. In February it was reported that Decabond had offered to pay rental of $15,000 per annum and that the conditions raised by Waimairi County Council to the proposed display site could be overcome. A plan of the area was to be prepared by a Registered Surveyor.

In August 1982 the Company had a large debit balance and it was decided to arrange a transfer of 10% of the Met and CPTC 1983/4 TAB distribution to the Company and the NBTC be asked to meet the amount still outstanding. The Clubs were asked to pay 4% of on-course turnover and the basis of calculation reviewed after the Cup Meeting. The Chairman of Directors, Mr H M S Dawson, and Mr Hartley outlined the different methods for calculating the rental charges to be levied on the Clubs. Mr Hartley and Mr McCormick, President of the Met were asked to prepare a budget for the forthcoming year for consideration by the Directors.

Following a report on office expenses and repairs and maintenance it was decided that it be a recommendation to the Clubs that the rental be calculated at 2.5% of on-course turnover and 1.5% of off-course turnover per race day. In December however it was decided that the rental remain at 3% of on-course turnover and in June 1984 the Treasurers of the three Clubs requested that the Company’s Auditors investigate the payment of rental by the Clubs to the Company being on a per meeting basis.

In June 1983 the Decabond Solicitor advised that they had lost their case against the zoning restrictions but intended to appeal the decision.

In July 1984 Mr R Stark of Wrightsons Real Estate was asked to update his report regarding the development and subdivision of the land beyond the motorway and bordering Wrights Road.

In December the Directors decided to proceed with the recommendation that hoardings be sited on the fence along the back straight, twenty along the back straight and a further six starting from the showgrounds bend. The contract would be for three years and the rental $1,000 per annum paid in advance. Maintenance was the responsibility of Addington Raceway Ltd.

In July 1985 Weenick & Thomas reported on their investigations into incorporating a Functions Centre at Addington with particular regard to the adequacy of the fire alarms and emergency lighting. As a result of this investigation a new standby diesel generator with automatic starter was purchased for $22,000. It was also decided on Weenick & Thomas’s recommendation that a Type C fire alarm system at a cost of $9,000 be installed.

In October it was reported that the concept of the Functions Centre which was in fact the upgrading of the Members Restaurant would cost in the vicinity of $120,000 to effect and P Burke & Co had agreed to reimburse the cost of carpeting and drapes. The Committee approved the project and requested that it be proceeded with post haste. Later concern was expressed at the slow progress being made in renovating the Members Luncheon Room as a functions area.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

NIGHT TROTTING

Scene on 20 November 1963

Night trotting was first introduced to the public of Christchurch at the Club’s Cup Meeting on Tuesday, 20 November 1963 which previously was the third day of the Meeting.

Ever since the successful introduction of night trotting by the Auckland Trotting Club in 1958 the question of its introduction was repeatedly raised, and in July 1959 the Addington Trotting Course Ltd Directors advised that night trotting should be investigated. The Club agreed that a sub-committee comprising three representatives from the Met and three from the CPTC be set up and it first met on the 14th August 1959 when it was decided to ask National Electric & Engineering Co Ltd to report on the requirements for and the cost of, lighting the track and facilities at Addington.

In November representatives of NEECO attended a meeting of the sub-committee and advised that it would cost £61,697 to light Addington using a high pole system for the Track, as well as MED charges for two feeder cables and a transformer building. In May 1960 the recommendation by the Treasurers of Canterbury Park and the Met that consideration of the introduction of night trotting be held over until the new Members Stand and Amenities Building was completed and paid for was adopted by the Committee.

In July 1961 following a Notice of Motion by Mr W M Ollivier, a Committeeman of the Club, a sub-committee was appointed to prepare a report on the introduction of night trotting and its costs. The sub-committee comprised Messrs J K Davidson, R W Saunders, W M Ollivier, C E Hoy and G W Blaxall. In December enquiries were made from NEECO into the lighting of Addington and conducting both day and night Meetings, and Canterbury Park was approached at Presidential level to ascertain if they would discuss the question of night trotting. In February 1962 the sub-committee receive representatives from NEECO and their lighting specialist from Auckland, Mr Wheeler, stated that there was nothing better than the high pole system, and pointed out that only three high-poles at the Showgrounds bend could cause any shadow problem. The sub-committee approved in principle the suggestion that NEECO be appointed as engineering consultants and prepare plans and specifications, and call for tenders from local firms using NEECO’s equipment.

In May 1962 the Night Trotting sub-committee agreed that both Clubs give favourable consideration to a combination of Day and Night Trotting using the existing dates. In July the Committee decided that as the Members had endorsed the Committee’s recommendation that Day and Night Trotting be instituted at Addington the night trotting sub-committee act on its implementation.

In September the displaying of progressive dividends over the closed circuit TV, was approved and put into operation for the 1962 Cup Meeting.

At a Meeting of the night trotting sub-committee held on the 16th August 1962 as the two Committees had approved night trotting the recommendations of NEECO were accepted and in December it was decided that the area under the west end of the Stewards Stand be used for the MED sub-station, and NEECO’s switch room. NEECO were then instructed to proceed with the installation for a cost not exceeding £65,000.

The introduction of night trotting following on the loss of the main Public Stand and the re-siting of the horse stalls near Wrights Road was carried out as a joint operation by Addington Raceway Ltd.

In December 1962 the Secretary/Manager reported that as only eleven months remained before the completion of the new Stand and the introduction of night trotting urgent decisions were required on many matters including ground re-arrangements, totalisator facilities and others relating to the major changes being made.

In March 1963 while the installation of the lighting was proceeding, the building permit for the erection of the switchrooms was not granted because the Drainage Board had advised that the sealed pipe serving that area would be under the concrete floor of the low tension switchroom and the patio in front of the entrance to the Stewards Stand. The permit was obtained following the laying of the sewer outside the building lines.

Also in March 1963 at a meeting of Presidents and Vice-Presidents, a number of decisions were made including the provisions of electric signs for certain facilities. They also decided that the name “ADDINGTON RACEWAY” be adopted so that the plans showing details of all facilities could be finalised and published in the newspapers and circulated to Members and other interested parties. The New Brighton Club signified its decision to race at Addington, and sell its property thereby providing additional funds for Addington. This made it unnecessary to take up the loan from the Commercial Union or take advantage of J J Construction Ltd’s offer to charge 6% on any monies outstanding on the horse stalls.

In July 1963 it was agreed that the operational loss sustained at night by the Christchurch Transport Board in providing an additional trip to each of sixteen termini, at a minimum cost not exceeding $16 per trip, be met by the Club racing.

In July Mr Fenwick said that following an inspection of the lighting of the main indicator, it was found it was impossible to read it under the floodlights. As there was no problem with the doubles indicator it was decided to obtain quotations for the provision of a ribbon indicator to replace the drum indicator and prices were obtained from F W Matthews Ltd and Sherlock & Cotton Ltd.

In August with the introduction of night trotting almost a reality, improvements and alterations were made to catering facilities so as to provide a wider range of take-away foods with a new take-away booth on the lawn, the provision of hot and cold meals in the Public Tea Kiosk, and the upgrading of the Members Restaurant. The overall cost of carrying out these improvements was £7,200.

In October with the majority of lighting turned on, it was decided that 13 neon signs be purchased from Nuclear Neon and erected on certain amenities. Ripple signs were positioned on the Totalisator Buildings.

In October 1963 a meeting was convened by the Club at which representatives of Bodies associated with the operation of Addington were present, and they were advised of the procedures to be adopted with the introduction of night trotting. The matters discussed were of vital concern to Owners, Trainers, Drivers, Newspaper representatives, Gate Supervisors, the Ministry of Transport, the Christchurch Traffic Department, St. Johns Ambulance, the Police and others.

In June 1964 the Committee discussed the question of Licensed Booths, and Mr K C Booth advised that after obtaining a legal opinion an application should be made by the Caterers for a Booth Licence for Night Meetings, and that their application should be a conservative one, with the hours being between 6.30 and 9.30pm. In July it was decided that the approach to the Government should be made by the NZ Trotting Conference, and this was endorsed at its Annual Meeting. In February it was reported that nothing further had been heard and the Conference was requested to approach the Government on the matter. In April 1965 the Conference advised that the case for the consumption and/or sale of liquor at Night Meetings was being prepared for submission to the Government. In September 1966 the NZTC advised that written submissions were completed, and being presented to the appropriate authority. In December the Conference advised that their Counsel had expressed the opinion that a direct approach to serve liquor at Night Meetings would not jeopardize its submissions, but no further action was taken.

In April 1965 it was reported that the final cost of lighting the track and facilities for Night Trotting was £72,674. NEECO £72,072: C E Fenwick, Consultant £214: J L Shaw Ltd, Extra Floodlights £188: Sundries £200.

Following a track lighting failure during the running of a race at a Wellington Trotting Club’s Meeting, the Directors considered the installation of emergency lighting to eliminate the risk of a total blackout being experienced at Addington. NEECO obtained tenders for the installation of a standby plant and emergency lighting comprising one floodlight on each pole. In September 1965 an engine to drive the generator was purchased and J L Shaw Ltd’s price for installing the system was £3,917 and accepted by NEECO who advised that the system would be proceeded with at the end of February 1966. The installation was delayed so that investigations and experiments could be carried out to see if the generator could supply sufficient power for a system which would provide sufficient light for the video taping of races. As the number of quartz iodize lights required to provide satisfactory lighting was beyond its capacity it was decided in May to proceed with the installation of the emergency plant.

NEECO expressed concern with the wastage of lamps in the floodlighting system, and put forward a case to the suppliers for their replacement gratis. At the same time it was decided to purchase 175 1500 watt lamps, to be held in reserve as an insurance against lamp failure.

In May 1966 the Secretary/Manager advised that NEECO were making enquiries into a new lamp being designed and produced in America which was capable of giving a much higher lumens output. But some time was to elapse before any further information became available.

In August 1968 NEECO put forward a proposition for the replacement of the incandescent lamps used for the track lighting with the new multi-vapour lamps. At Special meeting attended by the Committees of the three Clubs on the 16th October 1968, a demonstration of the 1000 watt multi-vapour lamps was given and NEECO advised that the estimated life of these new lamps was 6000 hours, whereas the estimated life of the incandescent lamps was only 100 hours. The cost of the latter lamps was $5 each, whereas the multi-vapour lamps would cost $53 but it was estimated that there would be a great saving in operating costs. Light readings of the multi-vapour and incandescent lamp showed that the former produced at least ten times the foot candles. The estimated conversion cost was $43,500 with the being carried out by local firms. The Directors instructed NEECO to prepare specifications and call tenders for the conversion of the track lighting system and they advised that the delivery of the multi-vapour lamps would be ten weeks after receipt of order. In February 1969 they advised that due to a strike in the United States there would be some delay in the shipping of the lamps, but the Contractors work could be done between April and May, and the new system available for the Canterbury Park Winter Meeting. In April they advised they still had no idea when the lamps would arrive from the States, as the Longshoreman’s dispute was not settled. However, NEECO did advise they were prepared to carry out the modifications, provided they had an assurance that they would be absolved from any financial loss to the Clubs, should it prove impossible to complete the installation prior to the Canterbury Park Meeting. The CPTC Committee was prepared for the work to be proceeded with, and in the event of it not being completed, due to unforeseen circumstances, their Meeting would be held in the daytime. The Installation was completed in time, and the new system was used for the first time as planned at the Canterbury Park’s Winter Meeting on the 24th May 1969 and was an unqualified success. A fog settled over the course during the evening, and some thought it was caused by the brilliance of the new lights, but this was a fallacy. The final installation cost of the multi-vapour system, was $42,432.

In February 1978 following a request from the New Zealand Trotting Horsemen’s Association an investigation was carried out as to the best method of overcoming the possibility of horses jumping the pole shadows, at day Meetings. The possibility of hinging the offending poles was investigated.

Shadows cast across the track at day Meetings by the lighting towers was the subject of an investigation carried out in October 1978, by a member of the University of Canterbury School of Engineering who prepared a plan which was referred to Messrs Morris & Wilson, Consulting Engineers, who advised that there were three possible solutions to the problem. The first was the relocation of the offending poles. The second the replacing of the poles with telescopic ones, and thirdly lowering them to the ground during day Meetings. It was decided by the Directors in May1979 that the suggestions were not practicable and any action on the matter was deferred. However, in September of that year, Mr Pickering the Engineer of NEECO advised that he was endeavouring to obtain information from General Electric in Canada and the USA relating to various methods of track lighting. A report from NEECO in May 1980 advised that a new type of lamp was being produced in America which was of a better quality and less subject to failure, and would be suitable for future replacements. The question of shadows from the lighting poles had been discussed with their American representatives and NEECO prepared a report on both the new lamps and the shadow problem.

In October 1982 concern was expressed at the cost of lighting and heating the course during a race Meeting, and instructions were issued regarding the time the lights were to be switched on. Discussions were held with officials of the MED and the Department of Trade & Industry in an endeavour to lower the unit cost of electricity, and have the Company’s rating changed from commercial to industrial use.

In April 1985 the Secretary was instructed to pursue the question of the cost of replacing the current track lighting system with one similar to that installed by Thorne Lighting Ltd at Cambridge Raceway.

In October the Chairman reported that he had inspected the density of the lighting a Claudelands Raceway and Alexandra Park and that in his opinion the Addington Raceway lighting compared favourably with Claudelands. It was decided that the matter be deferred.

In March 1986 the quotation of $12,455 submitted by Christchurch Electrical Ltd for completely overhauling the lamp holders and replacing fastenings, cleaning and reinstalling 30 light poles was proceeded with.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY

A great deal of concern was expressed by the Club when it was reported that the route of the proposed Southern Motorway was a line from Jerrold Street, crossing Lincoln Road at Twigger Street, through the residential block to the Lindores-Moule Street corner then through the Derby Lodge property, the Member Car Park and Horse Stall area, crossing Wrights Road adjacent to the front straight. This information was placed before the Committee in October 1962, and three years later Miss Nancy Northcroft, Town Planning Consultant, advised the Directors of Addington Raceway Ltd, that in her opinion there were two courses open in regard to the Motorway. One was that it be completely removed from the Course, and secondly if that was not feasible then the Motorway be elevated. She undertook to investigate whether an alternative route was possible together with costings. She said that if it became necessary for her to go to Court or an Appeal it would be difficult for her as a Town Planner to give unbiased evidence on oath in Addington’s favour, if in her view the proposed route was the best one. She was authorized to discuss with the Regional Planning Authority and if she thought it necessary the Roads Board, the routing of the Motorway through the Raceway with the object of saving the facilities as they existed. In December it was reported that following discussions with the Minister of Works in Wellington, it appeared that the Motorway could not be moved off the Company’s property, but the importance of it being elevated to give access to the parking areas was stressed.

Miss Northcroft submitted her report on the Southern Motorway in May 1966, and asked that she be authorized to write to the Regional Planning Authority, placing on record the Company’s objections to the line of the Motorway across its property, and if the line could not be changed then the Motorway should be elevated, and access to the Course provided under the Motorway. In June 1967, Miss Northcroft advised that to construct a viaduct over Addington Raceway, would cost an additional £400,000 and the Authority had recommended that the Motorway across the Company’s property should be elevated. She said that the section of the Motorway crossing Addington would probably be the first section to be constructed and should be completed by the mid 1970’s. Miss Northcroft was sure that the Regional Planning Authority was concerned with Addington’s particular problem and had recommended a full investigation. In October advice was received from the Acting Town Clerk of the City of Christchurch that the Southern Motorway could affect the property in Moule Street, known as Derby Lodge. In February 1969 it was pointed out that objections to the Motorway route should be lodged with the Christchurch City Council by the 11th July. In May 1970 Miss Northcroft reported that she had stressed the point with the Planning Authority that the car park should not be split and that access to and from the Course must be maintained. She advised that the Motorway was almost exclusively a matter for the Ministry of Works as the National Roads Board had formally adopted its line and as the Ministry was preparing costs it should be dealt with directly. Any Compensation due for land loss would go to the owner of the land, the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and all Addington Raceway could claim was compensation for loss of use.

Just over eight years elapsed from the receiving of the first report of the Motorway until test bores were taken to examine the feasibility of providing a viaduct over the Company’s property. In April 1971the District Commissioner of Works advised that careful consideration had been given to the suggestion that the embankment on the property be reduced by the provision of a viaduct, and gave the reasons why the Department was not in favour of the proposal. The cost of the viaduct would be greatly in excess of the value of the land cost and its appearance would not be as favourable as that of an embankment. The number of days on which the car parks approached saturation point was limited and as the Raceway zoning could be changed in the future, and the area used for other than Raceway car parking, a viaduct would be quite inappropriate. In June following the Club’s Solicitor’s approach to the Commissioner of Public Works to ascertain whether or not access could be provided through the Motorway to the car parks and the Course, the Commissioner suggested that the requirements should be marked on a plan by the Company. Addington Raceway Officials conducted negotiations directly with the Public Works Department and at a meeting with the Commissioner, the Chairman and Secretary of Addington Raceway Ltd and the Club’s Solicitor were given an assurance that there would be no difficulty in providing access through the Motorway by the provision of two vehicular and one pedestrian under-pass and that there would be no drainage problems created by the Motorway. In August 1972 plans were by the Ministry of Works showing the provision for access under the Motorway and the Directors agreed that an opening at ground level through the Motorway with two 20 foot roadways and two 13 foot pathways would be acceptable. In the following March Mr Suggate of the Ministry of Works, was asked for an indication as to when work would commence so that tree planting and re-aligning of fences could be put in hand. In October 1974 the Ministry advised that they would be building an access road to the test pile site, and that the top soil would be available to the Raceway. In June 1975 the Ministry provided plans showing their requirements and advised that the amount of land to be taken was approximately nine acres, two roods and thirty eight perches, and that they would be entering the area within 3 or 4 weeks of the 16th June. The Ministry met the Directors to discuss the question of access, car parking and gateways and other relevant matters on the 7th July 1975, and advised tat they were nearly ready to commence work on the provision of a haul road and stock-piling fill for the four bridge abutments. A new gateway to No.2 car park was provided before stock-piling commenced and the question of drainage investigated. They undertook to provide access for Members cars and pedestrians at all Meetings. The relaying of cables and the re-siting of lighting towers had to be completed before work on the Motorway commenced and quotations were received from Christchurch Electrical for the work in compliance with the requirements for the Motorway. The quotation was accepted in December 1975 subject to approval by the Ministry.

A further two years was to elapse before the National Roads Board’s proposal to proceed with the Motorway as a two lane design was received from the Ministry of Works, and would include a bridge over the Members car park access road with the provision for pedestrians. Work on the foundations for the Lincoln and Wrights Road over-bridges commenced at the end of 1977. And in June 1978 a sub-committee comprising the Executive Officers prepared a preliminary plan showing the changes required to the entrances to the Raceway for consideration by the Committees of the Three Clubs.

In October 1978 the Ministry of Works forwarded an application form for an advance payment of compensation totalling $4,561 for the re-alignment of fences in the Members car park. In January the following year the Ministry submitted a programme of construction showing the line of the Motorway through the Raceway property, and advising that the Members driveway would be operable by March and completed following the Inter-Dominion Championships.

In April 1979 the Ministry of Works advised that the proclamation for the acquisition of the area of land required for the Motorway would follow legal surveys of the area, and that it would be at least 12 months before these were completed.

In April 1980 the Ministry of Works advised that the Raceway land shown as designated for the Motorway was greater than that actually required, and steps were taken by them to rectify the error. The Company’s Solicitors were instructed to submit a pro-forma objection and an account for $2,618.50 from Gabites, Alington and Edmondson for their services in preparing a report as a basis for a claim for compensation.

In May a representative of Gabites, Alington & Edmondson perused a claim to be submitted by the Company to the Ministry of Works for loss of land, and suggested three amendments which were agreed to. The claim amounted to $39,000. In March 1981 an agreement for payment, without prejudice, was received from the Ministry of Works and on completion the Company received $25,000. At this point it was agreed that the Consultants liaise with the Company’s Solicitor over areas of contention. In March the following year advice was received from the Ministry that it had been agreed to compensate Addington Raceway by the payment of $28,613.11 back-dated to the commencement of the work with interest at 10% compoundable with all normal reasonable legal and professional expenses to be paid by them. The Chairman pointed out that, if accepted, it would not be possible to lodge further claims for compensation but the Directors agreed to accept the terms as stated.

In June the Solicitors for the North Canterbury Hospital Board advised they felt entitled to claim from the Ministry of Works compensation for the land severed by the construction of the Motorway but it was pointed out that the Company had the sole rights to claim compensation.

In March 1984 the Company Solicitor advised that he was desirous of amending the claim for compensation on the Southern Motorway for loss of interest earned as a result of the delay in settling the Company’s claim. By August 1985 only $16,000 had been received from the Ministry of Works of the Company’s claim for compensation amounting to $132,000 but in September the Ministry intimated their approval in finalizing the Company’s claim which was accepted by the Club’s Solicitor. The Directors signed a Memorandum of Agreement for compensation and the total amount was $145,717. In May the Company’s Solicitors advised that $90,275.46 had been paid on account of the Ministry and the balance of monies had been placed with the Public Trustee.



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

The Club took entries for its inaugural Race Meeting at Addington up to 10.00pm at its Office in Duncan’s Building, Cashel Street which was rented from Mrs Duncan.

Earlier the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club took its entries at Cokers Hotel and for its Meeting on Saturday, 13th April 1895, at its rooms, Hobbs Building, Cathedral Square. For its Meeting in April 1897, entries were taken up to 10.00pm at the rooms rented by the Canterbury Trotting Club in Duncan’s Building, Cashel Street. Following the amalgamation of the Canterbury and MZMTC, the latter Club took over the offices from the Canterbury Trotting Club paying rent until 1901.

In mid March 1901, the Club moved its rooms from Duncan’s Building to Tonks, Norton & Company’s new building in Hereford Street. Although not fully completed, the arrangements provided a Members Room with seating for up to 50 people. The Secretary’s Room was furnished and complete in every detail. The premises, although accredited to the NZMTC were used by the Canterbury Park (formerly Plumpton Park) and the New Brighton Trotting Clubs each making a rental payment to the NZMTC until the offices were established at Addington Raceway. The Christchurch Racing Club also made a rental payment in 1904.

In August 1909, a sub-committee was formed to enquire into the possibility of obtaining suitable offices to rent or the purchase of a section on which to build. Their enquires resulted in the signing of a lease for offices in the Victoria Buildings, Armagh Street where the three Clubs remained until April 1924 as tenants of Mr G Treleaven and later his estate.

In November 1919, a sub-committee was set up to enquire into the purchase of land at the corner of Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace.

Negotiations were entered into with the Public Trust to purchase their office building in Gloucester Street but were not completed, and finally in October 1921, a further sub-committee was appointed to negotiate the purchase of properties at the corner of Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace at between £3,500 and £4,000.

In November 1921, a deposit of £250 was paid to Mr R McConnell and in December of that year £150 deposit was paid to Mr D G Buchanan. In April of the following year, the final payments for the land were made £3,450 to Mr McConnell and £1,250 to Mr Buchanan.

In July 1922, the Architect was instructed to prepare plans for the Armagh Street office building and in November of that year, Luttrell Bros. submitted plans and estimates for a new office block. In December, a sub-committee was appointed to go into the building of the office and in January 1923, the sub-committee finally recommended that the new office block be proceeded with and Luttrell Bros. be asked to give an estimate of the cost. In February of that year, Luttrell’s were instructed to proceed at once with the construction of the office block at an estimated cost of £6,100. The tenants in the existing building were given notice to quit and the building was sold by public auction for removal. By May 1924, progress payments of £7,500 had been made to Luttrells and in June, a further £1,000 was paid with the balance being paid in August. The total cost of the building was £9,961 and together with the cost of the land at £5,100, the whole project had cost the NZMTC £15,061.

The Annual Report of the Club published in June 1922 stated that since the previous Annual Meeting, the Club had purchased a city property at the corner of Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace with the object of building new offices as the present offices in Armagh Street were proving quite inadequate to carry out the Club’s business.

The New Zealand Racing Conference rented that part of the top floor facing Armagh Street from March 1924 at a monthly rental of £14/11/8 which was increased two years later to £16/13/4. The NZ Racing Conference terminated its tenancy in August 1930 when the controlling body of Racing was transferred to Wellington. The NZ Trotting Association rented the balance of the top floor, the area facing Oxford Terrace, from March 1924 at a monthly rental of £20/16/8. In June 1931, the Canterbury Park and New Brighton Trotting Clubs rentals were increased to £75 and £50 respectively.

After the NZ Racing Conference vacated its premises, the NZ Trotting Association moved into those rooms and in September 1937, as the Club had decided to operate its own totalisator and use the two back rooms upstairs as totalisator offices, the NZ Trotting Association rented the balance of the top floor.

In August 1941, the Architect was asked to prepare plans for alterations to the office building and new plans were submitted and approved. However, the lowest tender amounted to £750, it was decided to postpone the alterations in the meantime.

In September 1942, as a war measure, the Secretary was instructed to have the offices blacked out and to advise the tenants they must do likewise.

In late 1947, it was decided to prepare plans for major internal alterations involving part of the public area, strong rooms and other facilities. Part of the public area was converted to provide additional general office space, the main strong room was extended into the stairwell, the back strong room was concerted into a men’s toilet and washroom, kitchen facilities were provided in part of the main toilet block, the balance of which became a ladies toilet. The contract for these alterations together with essential repairs went to B Moore & Sons Ltd for £2,100.

In July 1950, it was suggested that the vacant land in Armagh Street should be built on to provide accommodation for the off course betting scheme but the Totalisator Agency Board advised in December of that year that they had purchased a building in Worcester Street and therefore were not able to avail themselves of the Club’s offer.

In July 1952, the Armagh Street section was converted into a car park for use by certain of the Club’s Officers and Staff.

In June 1955, it was agreed that certain alterations should be made to the main office to provide accommodation for the totalisator department so that the area formerly occupied by that department could be let to the NZ Trotting Conference who required additional space.

When the alterations were completed the NZ Trotting Conference rented the top floor at £575 per annum. One of the terms of the rental agreement was that the upstairs boardroom was to be available, gratis, to the three Clubs by mutual agreement.

At a meeting of the Joint House and Finance Committee held on 11 December 1962, one of the recommendations made to the Committees of the three Clubs was that the siting of the office at Addington should be considered. The NZMTC’s Committee referred the recommendation to its House and Finance sub-committee for a report which was placed before the Committee at its meeting in March 1963 when it was decided to hold the matter over. At a meeting in June of that year, the House and Finance sub-committee’s report was referred to the Committees’ of the other two Clubs for their consideration. The following month after having considered the sub-committee’s report the two Clubs advised the NZMTC Committee that their Committees were still of the opinion that the offices should be moved to Addington as soon as possible. In August 1963 it was decided that before the recommendation to the Directors to instruct the Architect to prepare sketch plans was put into effect, the Secretary should report on accommodation requirements and prepare a sketch plan of an office block. In September, the Secretary reported that his plans and report were received and referred to the Club’s House and Finance sub-committee for their report. In December the Addington Trotting Course Ltd’s request regarding the siting of the proposed office building was referred to the House and Finance Committee and at its meeting in February 1964 it was agreed that the two main points to be decided were:- 1) The siting of the office. 2) The number of floors required.

Four sites were suggested and the Committee was of the opinion that the building should be of two storeys and agreed that the Addington Trotting Course be asked to instruct the Architect to prepare such sketch plans.

In April the Architect’s sketch plans were referred to the House and Finance Committee for a report and later that month, after further discussion, it was agreed that the Committee was in favour of a one storey office block but was unhappy about the suggested siting of the boardroom and the cafeteria as they both appeared to have the best aspect. In July at a further meeting of the Committee, 15 points were made regarding improvements to the sketch plan and it was finally decided that plan 1, with suggested modifications, be approved.

In September, it was decided that no action be taken on the plan approved by the Directors until the House and Finance Committee was satisfied with proposals. In October the action of the House and Finance Committee in approving plans was ratified by the full Committee. This action was taken almost two years after the original suggestion that the siting of the offices at Addington should be considered.

In June 1965, the Directors reported that five tenders had been received for the office block and that these ranged from £43,736 to £48,097. The overall cost would be in the vicinity of £50,991 but this was considered too high by the NZMTC’s Committee and they held the view that every effort should be made to reduce the cost. In the following month, at a combined meeting of the three Club’s Committees I was recommended to the Directors that the tender of Atkinson and Forbes Ltd amounting to £43,736 be accepted and the Directors discuss with the Architect the possibility of effecting any reasonable economies to bring the cost below £8 per square foot.

In May 1966, the office building at the corner of Oxford Terrace and Armagh Street was offered for sale by auction and the sale was finally negotiated with the Western Building Society for £37,778 with the proviso that the NZ Trotting Conference’s tenancy be extended to 1 February 1967 as a condition of sale. The Addington Raceway office block was completed six weeks ahead of schedule and the staff moved in and were open for business on Monday, 20 June 1966, three and a half years after the Joint House and Finance Committee made its recommendation.

The official opening was held on Tuesday, 21st June 1966, at 4-30pm. The Committees of the three Clubs, representatives of the newspapers, the Architects, Principals of the contracting firm, male members of the office staff and the Course Superintendent were present.



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

FIRES & THEIR PREVENTION

In April 1948 it was decided that the installation of a sprinkler system in the Members Stand should be investigated. This resulted in the request that Wormald Brothers be asked to report on and the cost of the installing of the system in the Stewards and Members Stand.

In February 1953 the Chairman reported that an estimate had been received from Wormald Brothers for the installation of a Grinnell Sprinkler System in the Stewards and Members Stand and the main totalisator building. It was agreed that tenders should be called and these were received in May. Mr A V Just, a retired Fire Underwriter’s Inspector was asked to investigate the schemes and the tenders submitted. In June it was reported that Mr Just had carried out his investigation of the schemes and recommended that Wormald Bros’ tender of £6,913 be accepted with the work to be completed by December 1953. In August the plans were approved and the work was in hand. A certificate of approval of the installations was received from the Canterbury Underwriters Association before final payment was made.

The Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, Mr L R Osmond, in reporting to the Directors stated that the water supply at the course was inadequate and it would have been necessary to have hydrants within 200 feet of the fire to be effective. He suggested a ring main should be installed and further investigations made for improvements in the system to fight any future fires. In December arrangements were made for Mr W J Taylor, the Fire Boards Inspecting Officer, to take charge of fire patrols at all the Club’s Meetings.

In February 1954 the Commercial Union Insurance Company advised that they were covering the Club under a sprinkler leakage policy pending the system being handed over by Wormalds who had advised that their insurance cover would remain in force until 8th February 1954. A final report approving the installation was received from Mr A V Just.

Problems arose in finalising the payout by the Commercial Union Insurance as the Architect, Mr A H Mason was required to provide proof of his valuations under the extra cost replacement policy. In May 1954 the Commercial Union advised that the claim of £65,400 would be met and that the extra cost payment would be made when the cost of the new stand amounted to the sum insured. Mr Manson produced plans in support of his valuations of the destroyed stand and sent an account for his fees for providing the plans. This was referred to the Company’s Solicitor and the Company advised the two Clubs that the question of the new stand would have to be held in abeyance until settlement was reached in regard to the Architect’s fees for the preparation of the drawings required to satisfy the Assessors. Manson said that the plans to support his valuations asked for by the Assessors had taken one month to complete and his assistant had been required for much of the period. The Directors refused to accept responsibility for Manson’s account on the grounds that Manson should have had sufficient data available to support his valuations without preparing new plans. After discussions with the Insurance Assessor and Manson the Company’s Solicitor was instructed to offer Manson £200 as an ex gratia payment in full settlement of his account. After further correspondence between Manson and the Company’s Solicitor regarding the ex gratia payment the Solicitor advised that Manson had returned the cheque through his Solicitor who held the opinion that Manson had a just and proper claim. In February 1955 the Company’s Solicitor suggested that as the Company was at loggerheads with Manson he should be asked for an up-to-date account covering any work he had done including the plans for the new outside stand. No word was received from Manson and in April the Chairman reported that he had requested Mr C C Lamb, Architect, to carry out valuations for extra cost replacement policies for the other buildings and Lamb had accepted the request subject to matters between Manson and the Company being settled. In May 1955 Lamb advised that Manson was not agreeable to his doing the valuations but Lamb said that matters could be forced through the Institute of Architects but that this would take time and bring about the end of friendly relations between Manson and himself. At this time the Solicitor was authorized to discuss with Manson’s Solicitor the Company’s need to appoint a new Architect to enable plans for the new stand to be proceeded with. Mr C C Lamb was appointed Architect of the stand and the Company’s Solicitor authorized to negotiate with Manson’s Solicitor for settlement of the dispute. In the following month the Solicitor advised that no finality regarding Manson’s account had been reached and Lamb’s acceptance of his appointment was received with a request that he be advised in writing that the previous Architect’s had been terminated. In December 1955 negotiations with Manson were unresolved in spite of efforts towards the end of the year by the Company’s Solicitor to finalise matters. The whole question of Manson’s claim remained in abeyance.

In March 1956 a quotation was received from Wormald Brothers for the installation of a Grinnell Sprinkler System in the inside Public Stand at a cost of £7,098. Wormald’s tender was accepted and they undertook to use every endeavour to complete the installation prior to the August Meeting 1956. Mr A V Just was again appointed to check the specifications and the quotations. By August the sprinkler system in the inside public stand was nearly completed but was not ready prior to the National Meeting. At this time Wormald Brothers advised that they could install a Grinnell System in the Tea Kiosk for approximately £2,950. In October the Directors decided to accept their firm quotation of £2,945 with the work to be completed prior to the New Year.

In May 1956 the Building Controller advised that he was prepared to approve, in principal, the building of a stand to replace the one destroyed by fire with the work to commence during 1957 at a cost not to exceed £100,000 but if the full scheme was adhered to work could not be started before June 1958. The Company’s Insurers advised, at this time, that the steps taken by Addington Trotting Course Ltd towards rebuilding the stand were, “deemed to have been with reasonable dispatch” for the purpose of complying with the requirements of the policy. The Building Controller then advised that the scheme for the erection of the new grandstand had been approved with the consent being issued in June 1958. The Architect was then instructed to prepare sketch plans for a stand costing £150,000 for the use of Members and Public and including a three storey Members Amenities Block with access to the balconies of the Main Members Stand at the top two levels.

In March 1959 tenders for the new stand were received and ranged from £137,355 to £152,758. The Directors recommended to the Committees of the two Clubs that Wilkins & Davies’ tender of £137,555 be accepted together with additional charges amounting to £17,785. The Architect advised that the contract had been signed on 9th March 1959 and that Wilkins & Davies were on site. Mr L G Fleming was appointed Clerk of Works for the project. In October 1960 it was decided that the official opening of the stand take place at 11:15am on Cup Day and that the stand be opened by the President of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, Mr C S Thomas. Nearly 7 years had elapsed since the outside public stand was destroyed by fire on Friday, 13th November 1953.

Twelve months after the opening of the opening of the new Members and Public Stand there was another spectacular fire at Addington Racecourse.

On Show Day, 10th November 1961, fire broke out in the South West corner of the Main Public grandstand at 5:00pm, twenty minutes before the starting time for the last race. A plume of smoke trailing from the kitchen window of the South West corner of the stand was the first exterior indication of the fire and two hours later the stand was a smoldering ruin with flames licking through the wreckage. The fire believed to have broken out in the kitchen caught hold in the area between the ceiling and the floor under the seating. Fanned by a strong Nor’ West wind the building was ablaze from end to end within an hour. Part of the side wall fell in with a resounding crash, a shower of sparks and blazing timber and a few minutes after 6:00pm the roof collapsed and two firemen who had been under the roof playing a hose upwards onto the flames, jumped clear just in time. The then President of the NZMTC, Mr J K Davidson, said that it would cost at least £150,000 to replace the stand.

Club officials estimated that there were about 1,000 patrons in the stand when the warning was given. The fire tender used by the Club on racedays arrived at the stand soon after the smoke was first noticed. The smoke thickened and it became apparent that the fire had a very strong hold.

The fire tender crew, assisted by racecourse staff and members of the public, ran a hose quickly from the fire hydrant near the corner of the stand to the front and played water on the fire from above until the first engine arrived about five minutes later. A few items of catering equipment piled on the ground just outside the stand were removed but most of the caterers’ equipment was lost in the blaze. By 5:30pm thick smoke was pouring out of the building and while the firemen attacked the fire the crowd spilled out onto the race track and many gathered on the embankment at the top of the straight. The crowd on the course at the height of the fire was estimated at 20,000 and many went to the inside of the track and to the birdcage to obtain a better view. It was announced over the public address system that the last race would be run later than scheduled and the crowd was asked to keep away from the fire and let the firemen get a really good go at it.

No one was injured although one of the firemen who dived clear when the burning roof collapsed was kept under observation in the ambulance room for a time before being allowed to return to duties. A newspaper report on the fire said that the first notice of the fire given to the public was a laconic announcement over the course loud speaker system “Please evacuate the stand”. There was no panic and the controlling of the crowd was no problem to the police according to Inspector J G J Fitzpatrick, who was in charge. He stated that the crowd behaved excellently. The crowd was kept well back from the Stand on the lawns in front and behind but as more firemen arrived and the smoke thickened the crowd was moved off the lawns and the concrete area in front of the Totalisators, which was soon covered with water. The extension ladder was brought into operation but failed to be of any help as the dense smoke blinded the firemen operating it.

By 6:30pm the stand was gutted and by 7:00pm only part of the end wall near the Stewards Stand and the big chimney at the other end o9f the building were standing. Flames were still licking the wreckage at 7:30pm and the Chief Fire Officer, Mr LR Osmond, predicted that it would still be smoldering the following morning. The fire which was at first thought to have started in the kitchen occurred after two earlier outbreaks in the Stand and one in the Tea Kiosk had been extinguished. The Chief Fire Officer said the fire took hold on the centre floor well inside the building and the sprinkler system which was installed after fire destroyed the outside Public Stand 8 years previously did not hold the fire and it burst away along the ceiling above the sprinklers. Mr Osmond said that the wind and the cavity nature of the construction of the building made the firemen’s efforts ineffectual and because of the nature of the construction it was almost impossible to play water onto the seat of the fire.

The New Zealand Free-For-All, the last race on the programme was run at 6:00pm forty minutes late when the fire was at its height. The event was won by Cardigan Bay with Scottish Command second and the appropriately named Smokeaway third. Before the race could be run several hundred persons had to be cleared from the track and at the conclusion the horses were driven back along the straight and led off through a small gate near the mile and five furlong barrier.

The loss of the stand was a major blow to the metropolitan Trotting Club and the administrators of the Course for it left the Club with greatly reduced accommodation and catering facilities for the Public an the third and forth days of the Meeting. At an emergency meeting the Committee decided that limited seating would be available on the Members Stand for the Public but there would be no stand accommodation for visitors. The Canterbury Jockey Club and the New Brighton Trotting Club offered assistance to the Metropolitan Club and as a result there was extra seating available on the banks in front of the stand areas. A marquee, which was used on Cup and Show Days, was retained and half the Tea Kiosk wade available to the Public as a cafeteria and the other half as a buffet luncheon area. A public bar was provided by erecting a marquee behind the burnt out stand. After investigations it was agreed that the fire did not begin in the kitchen as many thought but underneath the seating about three rows from the front at the Western end. The general opinion was that a cigarette butt was probably the cause.

Many persons commented on the extraordinary lapse of time that occurred before the arrival of the Fire Brigade. The Chairman of the Fire Board, Mr W R Campbell, stated “I have checked with the Chief Fire Officer and found that there was positively no delay. The first call was registered from the sprinkler system at 5:01pm and the first machine from Headquarters reached the fire six minutes later. Taking into account the amount of traffic on the route at the time it can be fairly said that this represented a smart response”.

Three of the four major fires at Addington occurred during the Cup Meeting, the first on Cup Day 1916 and the latter two on Show Days 1953 and 1961. On each occasion a strong Nor’ West wind had been blowing.

On the Sunday following the fire the Directors considered the problems associated with the loss and at a later meeting the representatives of Wormald Brothers explained why the stand protected by their sprinkler system had been destroyed. The System installed had conformed to the Underwriters requirements and it was obvious that these would need to be amended to include the provision of sprinkler heads in the small areas directly under the seating as was eventually in the Members Stan.

In February 1962 it was reported that the Commercial Union had paid the indemnity value on the Stand amounting to £37,500 and had admitted liability for the extra cost cover of £118,500 which would be paid when that amount had been expended on the replacement of a stand of the Club’s choosing.

It was decided at this stage to call for tenders for the provision of an emergency exit from the East end of the old Members Stand with the provision of a platform giving access to the top floor of the new Members Amenities through crash doors. The Architect had suggested that due to the time factor private tenders should be called for but the Directors agreed that as Addington Trotting Course Ltd was a semi public body public tenders should be called. The Architect said the cost of the emergency exit would be between £2,000 and £2,500. The Fire Brigade Inspecting Officer having approved the proposed egress plan, the work was given to Moore Construction Co. Ltd at a cost of £2,569.

Plans and specifications were drawn up by the Architect for a new Public Grandstand and in December 1962 a contract was let to Fletcher Construction Co. Ltd at their tender of £198,380. In February 1963 an agreement was reached with the Waimairi County Council to install a water main along the front of the stands from a pump house on Wrights Road and connecting with the Princess Street main thus providing a ring main with hydrants on the course for fire fighting. The Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board recommended that the public address system should be extended to cover all areas inside the buildings in preference to the installation of alarm bells. In October 1963 with the new stand nearing completion it was decided that the stand be declared open by the

President of the NZ Trotting Conference, Mr W H Roache, after the first race on Cup Day, Tuesday 12th November, 1963. The new Public Grandstand complete with totalisator, catering, bar and toilet facilities and seating for 4,000 was available to patrons just three days prior to the second anniversary of the destruction of the main Public Grandstand which was built in 1910.



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

CATERING & LIQUOR BOOTHS

One of the essential facilities on any Racecourse is the supplying of food and liquor, and is an area of operations subject to more criticism than any other.

Mr Alexander Rattray, who was a Baker and Pastry cook, owned and operated a shop in Victoria Square next to the Limes Hospital, which was on the site now occupied by the Christchurch Town Hall. Mr Rattray ran a catering business in conjunction an in 1899 was the original tenderer for the catering rights at Addington Racecourse. Mr Rattray was not related to Mr Andrew Rattray the long time Secretary to the Club.

In 1900 Mr P Burke’s tender of £65 per day for both Booth and Catering rights with an extra payment of £20 for the November Meeting, was accepted. In July 1903 it was decided that Mr P Burke who became the Proprietor of the Bush Inn Hotel in 1904, be again granted the rights, this time for a tem of three years, which was extended in May 1906 for a further three years.

In January 1908 P Burke & Co. Ltd were established with Mr Burke as Chairman, and in February of that year the Company took over the lease of the Bush Inn Hotel. In July 1908 the catering and booth rights were let for three years to the new Company at £650 per annum. The rights were next referred to in April 1916 when the Company was granted them for a period of five years at £1,000 per annum.

Mr Alexander Rattray, who was a Director of P Burke & Co. Ltd became the Licensee of the Bush Inn Hotel in 1918, and retained the Licence until his death on 3rd February 1931, as a victim of the Napier Earthquake. The pattern of granting the catering rights was one of renewal every few years, with a review of the fee to be paid. In 1921 the rights were extended for a five year term, at £1200 per annum, and renewed for a further three years on the same terms in April 1926. February 1929 saw the rights again extended on this occasion for two years at £1,300 per annum, while the following July the term was increased to three years. In August 1931 when renewed a reduction of £300 in rental was agreed to as there was a drop in attendances at the Meetings. In July 1932 the Contract was renewed for one year only at £780 but towards the end of 1933 the contract was extended for two years at an increased fee of £900.

In May 1936 tenders were called for the catering rights, and Burkes’ tender was £1,000 and that of N D Watson (in association with Josephines Ltd) £1,275. The long association Burkes had had with Addington weighed in their favour and their tender was accepted. In August 1936 Burkes asked that the Stewards and Members Luncheon be increased to 4/6d as they were greatly affected by the new legislation which reduced the time between races to thirty five minutes. The Club agreed to the increase being only 4/-. Their contract was renewed for three years at £1,000 per annum.

All appeared to be quiet on the Catering front during World War II and the first reference to Catering was in October 1947, when Burkes request for a seven years extension was held over and no further information on this request can be located, nor is catering referred to again until July 1961 when it was agreed that the Booth rights payable by P Burke & Co. Ltd be fixed at £20 per one thousand attendance.

As was to be expected the Caterers asked for a lowering of their payments and an increase in the selling price of their products and September 1965 the Catering Committee met representatives of P Burke & Co. when it was agreed that the charge for spirits be increased to 1/6d for Whiskey, Brandy & Gin and 1/9d for Pimms and Bacardi but that in the Lounge Bar 1/6d be charged for all spirits.

In June 1966 Mr Hans Dieudonne was appointed by P Burke & Co. as Chef in charge of their Catering Department which resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of the Catering.

In March 1968 Burkes offered to pay $60 per one thousand attendance at Cup Days and $50 per one thousand at Night Meetings and said it would be necessary to increase the charge for the Restaurant Buffet meal to $1 per head. Their offer was accepted and the increase agreed to.

The costs of catering and liquor continued over the years to be the subject of applications from the caterers for increases. In September 1970 the joint Catering Committee of the three Clubs received a request from P Burke & Co. Ltd for an increase in the price of the Members meal to $1.20 as this meal had been priced at $1 for the last two and a half years. In view of the alarming increases in the cost of wages, and materials together with the imposition of the payroll tax it was imperative that the price increase be agreed to. The matter was held over for further investigation and Mr Collingwood of the CPTC reported to the joint Catering Committee the following week, that he had obtained a quotation from Modernage Caterers who were prepared to cater at a rate of $1 per head for 1,000 people without any reduction in standard, but that did not include any liquor rights. It was then agreed by the sub-committee that Burke & Co’s request for an increase be agreed to for the remainder of the season.

In October of the following year the caterers again requested an increase but offered to increase the privilege payments. The increases asked for, and agreed to, were minimal being up to $1 for the public luncheon, 45 cents for buffet afternoon teas, staff meals 75 cents and Members afternoon tea 45 cents. The sub-committee approved the proposed increase in privilege payments which were to be $360 for the first six thousand patrons attending, $700 for up to ten thousand patrons and $100 per thousand thereafter.

In February 1972 the Committee appointed a sub-committee to go into the question of the Club undertaking its own catering and liquor booth operations. Mr K N Curnow of Hicks & Ainger was asked to undertake a feasibility study on the Clubs running their own liquor and letting the catering as a separate item. In October 1974 Mr Curnow was authorized to visit Auckland to further his study but the outcome of the investigations was that no changes to the catering or liquor operations be undertaken.

The next negotiations were held in August 1976 when it was agreed that charges for meals be increased. The Presidents meal to be charged at $2.25 and $1 for afternoon teas, Members meals $2.75 and $1 for teas, Public $2.15 and $1 for teas with a rebate of 12½% per ticket on those issued by the Club. A change to the privilege payments was agreed to, and based at eight cents on each of the first 8,000 persons, nine cents on the next thousand and ten cents on any excess.

In July 1977 the Minister of Internal Affairs advised that an extension to booth license hours for night trotting would be reviewed and the act substantially amended. It was advised by the Committee to support the suggestion that there be a review of the Statutes Amendment Act at the end of the current parliamentary session.

In July 1978 the question of increases in charges and privilege payments was again the subject of discussion and the increases asked for catering charges were accepted and the Caterers agreed to pay 12 cents a head by way of privilege payments, with the proviso that a new deep fry facility be built.

In December 1980 following discussions between Club representatives and the Caterers a plan was considered to remove the wall between the Members restaurant and coffee bar with serving counters incorporated in the area. This will allow for a greater area to be furnished with tables and chairs, and to include the provision of a wine service and the inclusion of totalisator windows. The estimated cost was $10,000. The scheme was approved in principle by the Committee. The alterations were undertaken in December 1980 when the Club was advised that P Burke & Co. Ltd had been taken over by Lion Breweries Ltd.

In July 1981 a suggestion was put forward that the three Addington Clubs and the Canterbury Jockey Club jointly employ a Bar Manager whose responsibility would include staffing and stocking the Bars.

In September 1981 P Burke & Co. Ltd submitted a basis for new privilege payments and the President advised that these had been informally passed on to the other two Clubs. At the same time numerous complaints were received regarding the catering in the Member Restaurant and Burkes said that the present make-shift arrangements were not conducive to a smoothly run operation. It was reported the Burke & Co. Ltd could possibly assist in financing renovations to the Members Restaurant in view of the Clubs other financial commitments. It was suggested they advance money to the Company interest free.

It was reported that Burkes were very keen to become resident Caterers in conjunction with Addington Raceway and were hopeful that a catering company could be formed. It was later reported that the initial stage of the renovations to the Members Restaurant were in hand, and would include an improved ventilation system in the kitchen, the removal of the wall dividing the coffee bar and restaurant and the removal of the island servery.

In November 1981 it was reported that P Burke & Co. Ltd and Lion Breweries were interested in re-opening negotiations for but in June1982 Club representatives reported on their negotiations with the representatives of P Burke & Co. Ltd and Lion Breweries and said that the original offer had been withdrawn as Lion Breweries advised they could utilize their money to better advantage. The proposal to establish the Catering business under licence to Addington Raceway Ltd was not proceeded with as it had certain drawbacks for the Company including the valuation of the property and exemptions from Land Tax.

On the 3rd March 1983 Messrs J C Hulme, R H Rattray and W Porter retired after a long association with P Burke & Co. Ltd

The New Brighton Trotting Club called for an updated report on the feasibility of the three Clubs running their own catering and liquor operations. It was felt by the Committee that as negotiations with Lion Breweries were still pending the time was not right for a feasibility study to be carried out.

In March 1984 George Anderson Smiths City Market Ltd submitted an inventory of chattels and fittings in the Member Stand and Club Room belonging to the Raceway which could become the property of P Burke & Co. Ltd. The inventory was inspected by the Secretary and Mr Brocherie of P Burke & Co. Ltd. I was decided that when the valuation was received it be referred to Messrs Duff and Cuningham with power to act. The following month it was reported that as Lion Breweries were awaiting certain cost estimates they would not be available for a meeting with the Directors as planned.

In May George Anderson Smiths City Market and W E Simes & Co. advised that they valued the Company’s chattels at $39,259. As Lion Breweries were delaying the submission of their revised proposal it was decided that a firm undertaking must be received from them prior to the 21st June 1984 in order that negotiations would proceed, and failing that, negotiations cease but Lion Breweries request that they be granted an additional week over and above the deadline to consider the transfer was agreed to.

In July a special meeting of Addington Raceway was held to discuss a further proposal for the relocation of P Burke & Co. Ltd at Addington. As the new proposal was a complete departure from previous approaches in that the main requirement was for Addington Raceway to provide the finance for the majority of the work to be carried out to bring the kitchen area up to Health Department requirements it was decided that P Burke & Co. Ltd be notified that the suggestions submitted are approved in principle as a basis for further negotiations but before that occurs the following points should be clarified:

a. Percentage payable on liquor sales after the first year

b. The present draft lease agreement would become redundant and should be redrafted in view of the change in capital proposals.

c. The redrafted agreement should have the approval of Lion Breweries before being submitted to the Addington Raceway Directors.

Later a sub-committee comprising Messrs R H Duff, J R Hartley and H M S Dawson were empowered by the Directors of Addington Raceway to meet a deputation from Lion Breweries and P Burke & Co. Ltd and negotiate a settlement covering the transfer of Burke & Co’s operations to Addington Raceway. In August the Club Committee empowered the Directors to negotiate the Lease Agreement with Lion Breweries Ltd and P Burke & Co. Ltd. The Directors advised later that the negotiations had reached the stage where they should make a recommendation to the Clubs and submitted three proposals for the Committee to consider.

a. The purchase of P Burke & Co. Ltd by Addington Raceway Ltd.

b. The relocation of P Burke & Co. Ltd at Addington Raceway on a lease basis.

c. The liquor requirements for Race Meetings being operated by the respective Clubs and catering being let out to tender.

The Directors recommended that option “b” be adopted.

The Committee agreed to the Directors recommendation and empowered them to negotiate a Lease Agreement with Lion Breweries Ltd and P Burke & Co. Ltd for their Catering business to be conducted on the Course. This decision was made following a joint meeting of the three Addington Clubs at which it was unanimously agreed that the Lease proposition was the most favourable.

Lion Breweries submitted a redrafted Lease in the following month which did not include a number of the amendments agreed to by their representative and a representative of Addington Raceway. The Directors amended the Lease where necessary and decided to take up the matter of the alterations with Lion Breweries and Burkes.

In December 1984 the Clubs seal was affixed to the Lease and in February 1985 the Company advised that the Lease Agreement for the relocation of P Burke & Co. Ltd at Addington had been completed by all parties.

In September 1985 a plan was submitted by the Architects for alterations to the Administration Building to incorporate office to be occupied by P Burke & Co. Ltd. It was estimated the cost of paneling and screen would amount to $7,782. It was suggested that the rental payable by P Burke & Co. Ltd for the office space be $10,000 per annum.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

WAR YEARS

With the declaration of War in 1914 the immediate effect on the Clubs was not noticed but as the years went by many changes were effected.

The Clubs made a valuable contribution to the war effort and the New Brighton Club was the first sporting body to make a handsome offer in connection with the expeditionary forces. It donated the sum of one hundred guineas and offered the use of the New Brighton Course and its appointments for a concentration camp or any other purpose the Defence Department might consider necessary. Other Racing and Trotting Clubs followed suit in the laudable endeavour to help the Motherland in every possible way. The NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club gave £500 and the Ashburton Trotting Club one hundred guineas to the Patriotic Fund.

When nominations were taken for the August Meeting 1914 the prospect seemed very bright but the unsettled state of the national affairs had its effect on the sport. The attendance at Addington for the August Meeting was fairly good but the day lacked something of the brightness and animation of the gatherings at the Headquarters of the Dominion’s leading Trotting Club.

The infantry lines at the Addington camp were in a very bad state following a heavy rainfall in early September 1914. The Committee of the Metropolitan Club promptly offered the use of the Stands as quarters for the men and this offer was accepted for one night, by the Camp Commandant, Colonel Smith. Quantities of fresh straw were carted to the grounds at once and although the concrete flooring may have provided rather a hard foundation the men had dry sleeping quarters.

It was reported in the REFEREE of 31st March 1915 that the Metropolitan Trotting Club had decided to give the net profit derived from the Totalisator investments on the Autumn Handicap on the first day of the approaching Meeting to the Belgian Relief Fund,

In August 1915 arrangements were in train for a patriotic Trotting Meeting to be held at Addington and the Metropolitan’s representatives on the Committee were Messrs J S Williams and E Fox. Gatekeepers and Officials gave their services free and it was anticipated the Wounded Servicemen’s Fund would greatly benefit from the Meeting which was organized by the Canterbury Owners and Breeders Association. At This time it was stated that the Metropolitan Trotting Club had decided to give its net profits for the season to the Wounded and Returned Soldiers Fund and guaranteed that the amount would not be less than £1,000.

The War was having its effect on the personalities connected with the industry and in January 1916 Mr H E Goggin, who for 12 years had been Clerical Assistant to Mr Rattray, was accepted for active service and left to join the artillery, a branch of the 12th reinforcements. The Metropolitan Club presented Mr Goggin with a wrist watch. A gathering of Members of the Canterbury Owners and Breeders Association and others connected with the sport attended a function to bid farewell to Mr Goggin on the eve of his departure for active service. Mr Howell, President of the New Brighton Trotting Club, proposed Mr Goggin’s health. Mr Moir, President of the Owners and Breeders Association, on behalf of the subscribers presented Mr Goggin with a Kodak camera and Mr Hurley, Secretary of the Association, gave Mr Goggin a gold-mounted tobacco pouch. Mr Goggin briefly replied expressing his appreciation of the kind remarks that had been made and of the gifts he had received.

One effect of the War was a resolution passed by the New Zealand Trotting Association:

“that no licence to train, ride or drive be granted to any single person who is eligible for recruiting and that it be an instruction to all Trotting Clubs to obtain from the local recruiting Committee a Certificate that the applicant is not eligible as a recruit before endorsing such application”.

The Committee decided that its profits from the three Meetings in the 1915-16 season amounting to a little over £3,915 should be set aside for patriotic purposes.

The question of the curtailment of racing dates was to become the subject of consultation and the New Zealand Racing and New Zealand Trotting Conferences both adopted a course of appointing a Committee to consult with the Government to see how far it is desirable to curtail racing during the War.

In May 1917 the Minister of Internal Affairs issued a statement to the effect that the question of Racing Permits was carefully considered by Cabinet which resolved that a substantial curtailment of racing is necessary in the interests of the Country. Accordingly a letter was dispatched to the Presidents of the Racing and Trotting Conferences stating the decision of the Government and requesting them to submit alternative proposals for the reduction of Racing Permits issued during the present year by one third and one half. The Conferences’ attention was directed to the fact that in consequence of the reduction a number of Clubs may require to discontinue racing during the War and it was desirable that the Conferences should consider this aspect of the matter and suggest financial proposals affecting Clubs which may cease racing. Members of the Racing and Trotting Conferences held discussions with the Minister of Internal Affairs on the matter and an announcement was made that Cabinet had agreed racing should be curtailed by one third. The Racing and Trotting bodies were to work out a scheme of adjustment so as to secure this reduction in each district. As a result of this decision the NZMTC lost three of its nine days and Canterbury Park and New Brighton were both reduced from four days to two. The Metropolitan Club immediately announced a reduction of its August Meeting from three days to two but no decision was made at that stage from where the other two days were to be taken.

In November 1918 it was reported that the Patriotic Trotting Carnival organized by the Canterbury Owners and Breeders Association at Addington had proved a great success with something like £500 being available for the Lady Liverpool Trench Comforts Fund. The Owners and Breeders Association expressed its appreciation of the assistance given by the Metropolitan Trotting Club which placed its course and appointments at the service of the Association.

Following the War an influenza epidemic in November 1918 played havoc in Trotting circles causing postponement of Meetings and many well known people connected with the sport died. The Forbury Park Club’s Spring Meeting was postponed as was the Methven Trotting Club’s Meeting which was set down for 5th December. It was anticipated that the New Brighton Trotting Club’s Meeting to be held on 16th December would mark the resumption of active operations but in a statement on 24th December it was reported that after an interval of six weeks, racing in the Dominion in both the North and South Islands would be resumed, this being the first Race Meeting to be held since the middle of November. The ban on Racing was lifted from 24th December.

In January 1919 it was reported that Corporal H E Goggin, Assistant to Mr A I Rattray, who was due home from overseas shortly and would resume his employment with the Trotting Clubs.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

MEMBERSHIP

Appendix No. Eight: MEMBERSHIP

Summary of Maximum Number of Members

1947 700

1949 720

1955 750

1956 850

1958 1,000

1960 June 1,150

1960 Dec 1,350

1966 1,400

1975 1,600

1979 2,000

1983 2,200

Summary of Alterations in Membership Fees and Entrance Fees

Year Membership Fee Entrance Fee

1899 £1/1/- -
1906 - £2/2/-

1915 £2/2/- £3/3/-

1952 £4/4/- -

1961 £5/5/- -

1966 £7/-/- -

1967 $14.00 $7.00

1973 $20.00 -

1975 $25.00 $10.00

1977 $35.00 -

1981 $40.00 -

1982 $50.00 $25.00

1986 $66.00 (inc GST) $28.00 (inc GST)

1997 $95.00 (inc GST)

1998 Club Amalgamation

1998 $175

MEMBERSHIP

When the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was established in 1899 it had a Membership of four comprising of Messrs V Harris, who was Chairman, E Clarkson, H Mace and W Rodd. Mr Harris was reported to have said in August 1901 that from a modest beginning to its present proud position the Membership had increased to 160. According to the books of account it could not have exceeded 143 as the total subscriptions at one guinea amounted to £150/3/-.

Membership continued to increase and by 1909 it exceeded 220 reaching 463 by the 1912-13 season. At this stage the Committee decided that no more Members would be elected until a new Stewards and Members Stand was built. During the 1914-18 War the Membership decreased and by the time peace was declared the Membership was down to 267. At the Annual General Meeting in July 1915 it was decided that Members away at the War be considered financial Members and on their return they be made Honorary Life Members of the Club. From the 1918-19 season onwards the Membership numbers steadily increased passing the 400 mark in 1923 and reaching the peak of 495 in the 1929-30 season. The numbers fell away during the 30’s but by 1937-38 the decline gave way to an increase once again with the numbers in1944-45 reaching 600.

Due to the shortage of stand accommodation the Committee decided to place a maximum on the number of Members and in the 1947-48 season this was fixed at 700. The limit was increased in 1949 t0 720, in 1955 to 750, in 1956 to 850, in 1958 to 1,000 and in 1960 the maximum Membership reached 1,350. With the increased amount of trotting at Addington and a reduction in the number of stand privileges issued, Membership was increased in 1966 to 1400 and in 1975 to 1600. In 1979 the Membership was increased to 2,000 an further increased in 1983 to 2,200 thus eliminating the waiting list which had been in existence for over 25 years.

The initial subscription of £1/1/- was increased to £2/2/- in the 1915-16 season and it remained at that figure until the 1952 Annual General Meeting when after 37 years it was doubled. From 1961 subscriptions were frequently increased and in that year were raised by £1/1/- to £5/5/- and at the AGM of 1966 it was increased to £7, this being converted to $14 in the following year. From 1973 when the subscription was increased to $20 at the Annual General Meeting, increases became a fairly regular item of business on the Agenda. 1975 saw it raised to $25, 1977 to $35, 1981 to $40 and 1982 to $50.

In March 1906 a Special General Meeting of Members was held and a motion that an entrance fee of £2/2/- be introduced was carried. This was increased to £3/3/- at a Special General Meeting held in July 1915 and at the same meeting the Members subscription was increased to £2/2/-. In 1967, with the introduction of decimal currency, the entrance fee was rounded to $7. and it remained at that figure until 1975 when it was increased to $10. The latter figure was held until 1982 when the entrance fee was raised to $25.

In 1908 a new class of Membership was created whereby business firms or their representatives were accepted as subscribing Members (with ticket privileges only). Four took advantage of this new classification which remained mostly in single figures until the 1927-28 season when the number reached 13 peaking in 1938-39 at 55. This class of Member became known as an Honorary Subscribing Member in the 1925-26 season. In 1940 Members in this category were invited on payment of their entrance fee to become full Members of the Club but only a limited number accepted the invitation.

During World War II Members on active service had their subscriptions waived while they were overseas. In 1945 it was agreed that returned soldier applicants be elected Members of the Club in the proportion of one to five applicants on the waiting list. In 1947, as it was decided to limit the Membership, soldiers and others were elected at this stage on a one to one basis. At a meeting of the Committee held a month later it was, however, decided that all returned servicemen on the waiting list be elected forthwith.

At the Annual General Meeting in 1948 a new rule (5A) was adopted and this allowed widows of deceased Members to become Honorary Members and on payment of the current subscription to be entitled to ticket privileges only. At the Annual General Meeting held in 1980 rule 5A was altered to allow both widows and widowers to be elected Honorary Members within six months of the date of the death of their spouse.

During the late 1930’s many requests were received by trainers for election as Members of the Club but these were declined. The Committee, however, passed a resolution in August 1939 which allowed trainers wives to be elected to the Club. In December 1947 it was reported that of the 51 ladies on the Membership list 31 were widows of late Members and there were also ten widows on the Honorary list. It was decided that if they so desired, widows be elected Honorary Members and they be granted full ticket privileges on payment of the current annual subscription.

In 1975 it was decided to create a mercantile Membership by the election of corporate bodies registered in New Zealand as defined by Section 29 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. Such bodies were to pay double entrance fee and on payment of double annual subscription to be entitled to all ticket privileges of an ordinary Member. Such bodies were excluded under the rules to the privilege relating to the election of Officers.

In the 1978 AGM the rules of the Club were amended to create Honorary Veteran Member (Rule 6A), that is those with forty years continuous Membership. When qualified these Members were to be advised by the Committee that they were entitled to all the privileges of ordinary Membership without payment of the annual subscription.

In July 1979 the Committee decided that sufficient applicants for membership be elected to bring the Membership up to two thousand.

In April 1980 it was agreed that the proposal received from Hutchison Hull & Co. that the membership records be programmed into their computer at an overall initial cost of $2,000 to be shared between the three Clubs, with running costs estimated between $400 and $550 per annum.

In June 1982 the Committee recommended to the Clubs that the subscriptions for the 1982-83 season be this Club $50, and Canterbury Park and New Brighton Clubs $25 each. The Met Treasurer, Mr Dalzell, gave notice that he intended to move that the Members subscription be increased from $40 to $50 and the entrance fee from $10 to $25.

At the 1982 AGM the rules of the Club were amended to make provision for any Member (other than a corporate member) to pay at any time a lump sum subscription of $500 entitling such Member to Membership for ten years. Any unexpired portion of the 10 year term could be transferred to another person, provide such person was elected a Member under the rules of the Club. The transferee would be exempt from paying any entrance fee.



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

The honour of Honorary Life Membership of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club is not conferred lightly. Honorary Life Membership is granted in the main to Members of the Club, some of whom have given service to the Club, others to trotting generally, or are widows of deceased officers. From 1949 those who have been Members for 50 years of more are elected Honorary Life Members.

The first Life Member was Mr H Mace who was elected on 10th July, 1901.

It is reported that the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club did not approve of the Canterbury Trotting Club’s action in electing 13 of its Committeemen as Life Members of that Club, and this action further delayed the amalgamation of the two Clubs.

The membership records of the NZMTC show that some Members of the Canterbury Trotting Club who were Life Members at the time of amalgamation in 1901 became Life Members of the NZMTC and retained such membership until their death. Canterbury Trotting Club Life Members listed in the NZMTC’s first Membership records as Honorary Life Members were Messrs G Duke, G King, G McClatchy, H McIlraith, R Sunderland and Mrs E C J Stevens.

In November 1903 at a Special General Meeting of Members, a resolution was passed that Honorary Life Members be elected at the AGM and under the Rules of the Club, the name of a proposed Honorary Life Member must be submitted to and approved by the Committee of the Club before being submitted to the AGM.

The following were elected Honorary Life Members in the years shown and for the reason set out where obtainable.

Year Member Reason

1901 H Mace Services to Trotting and to the
Canterbury TC

W Tonks Services to the Club as a
Committeeman

1906 Mrs G H McHaffie Widow of deceased President

1908 T C M Rallinshaw Financial member ex the
Canterbury TC

Mrs T Marr Widow of deceased Treasurer

1910 Mrs G Payne Widow of deceased Vice-President

1912 Mrs W Tonks Widow of deceased Life Member and
Committeeman

Mrs J Harris Widow of deceased Treasurer

1914 H Reynolds Services to Trotting, in particular
to the development of his starting
machine and race starting generally

1915 G B Ritchie Services to the Club as Treasurer
and Vice-President

1921 J S Slade Services to the Club as
Committeeman and Steward and also
as a Committeeman of the Canterbury
TC

Mrs J S Williams Widow of deceased Treasurer

1922 E Clarkson

1924 Mrs C Louisson Widow of deceased President

Dr M G Louisson Son of deceased President

1934 A T Smith Services to the Club as a Steward

Mrs J S Slade Widow of deceased Committeeman,
Steward and Life Member

1936 W Hepworth

1937 W H Hollis Long Service to the Club

J Westerman Long Service to the Club

H F Nicoll Services to Trotting as President
of the NZ Trotting Conference

1940 Mrs J H Williams Widow of deceased President

F E Graham Services to the Club as Vice-
President and Treasurer

Hon. W Hayward Services to the Club as
Committeeman and Steward

1941 J S Berry Services to Trotting

E X Le Lievre Services to Trotting

1943 G W C Smithson Services to the Club as Treasurer
and Solicitor

1946 A L Matson Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

1949 J Way 50 Years Membership

1950 Sir John McKenzie Services to Trotting

G Rutherford Services to the Club

1952 C S Thomas Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

F R Leach 50 Years Membership

1956 Lady May McKenzie Widow of Sir John McKenzie
Life Member

C E Hoy Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

E F Nicoll Services to the Club as a
Committeeman and 44 Years Membership

C Lange 53 Years Membership

1958 Mrs A L Matson Services to the Club and widow of
a Life Member

1959 D Spence 50 Years Membership

1960 W M Ollivier Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

1963 D F Glanville Services as a Committeeman and
Steward since 1934

E E Luttrell 51 Years Membership

1965 J K Davidson Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

E Rutherford Services to the Club as a
Committeeman and Steward

1969 Mrs C S Thomas Services to the Club

1973 J L Holmes 50 years Membership

1974 G W Blaxall Services to the Club since 1953
and on his retirement as President

1975 C Dawson 50 Years Membership

1979 E T McDermott Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

Mrs L M Hoy Services to the Club, widow of
Past President

Mrs K M Saunders Services to the Club, widow of
Past President

D C Parker Services to the Club as an
employee from 1938 to 1979 on his
retirement as Secretary/ Manager

1981 H M S Dawson Services to the Club as a
Committeeman and to Addington
Raceway Ltd as a Director and
Chairman of Directors

1984 D E Dalzell Services to the Club on his
retirement as Treasurer

M L Taylor Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

1989 D R McCormick Services to the Club on his
retirement as President

T H Davis Services to the Club as an
employee from 1960 to 1989 on his
retirement as Secretary/ Manager



Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker