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YEAR: 1957

Mr Allan L Matson
MR A L MATSON

A former president of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, and one of the best-known stock auctioneers in the country, Mr Allan L Matson died in Christchurch last Sunday. He was 54 years of age.

Mr Matson who was a son of Mr Leicester Matson, was born in Christchurch, and was educated at Christ's College from 1916 to 1919, playing for the college first fifteen in his last year. He then joined the stock and station agency firm of H Matson and Company, and from 1930, after the death of his father, conducted the business with his brothers, Messrs Jack T Matson and L W Matson. In March of that year the business was merged with the New Zealand National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., but the identity of the Matson firm was not lost, clients continuing to deal with the firm under the old name, and Mr Matson remained in the business. The firm of H Matson and Company was built on the personality of the founder and his family successors, and Mr Allan Matson carried on the tradition. A cheerful man he had friends in all walks of life.

Probably every farmer in North Canterbury in the last 38 years knew Mr Matson, and he was a familiar figure at Christchurch wool sales for 25 years. He was no less well known on the trotting courses. For 28 years he was connected with trotting, first as an enthusiast and then as the youngest member to be elected to the committee of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club - that was 20 years ago, after being a steward for eight years - and from then on rising to the club's presidency and the presidency of the New Zealand Trotting Conference. He was also an owner, the last horses he raced being Scholarship (in partnership with C S Thomas, now president of the Trotting Conference) and Midday (in partnership with Mr Allan Holmes).

In 1940, Mr Matson became president of the Metropolitan Trotting Club and was appointed the club's delegate to the Trotting Conference. He was club president for six years, and on relinquishing this position he was appointed treasurer, a position he held for seven years. In July, 1947, Mr Matson, who had been treasurer, was elected president of the Trotting Conference in succession to Mr H F Nicoll, who had held office for 25 years. During his eight years as president many innovations were made for which Mr Matson was wholly or in part responsible.

Always a keen student of bloodstock, Mr Matson introduced the national sales of trotting and pacing bred yearlings in 1944, and throughout his association with the sport he was a keen advocate of more races and better stakes for straight-out trotters. He had a remarkable memory for trotting pedigrees, and was also an excellent judge of all classes of livestock. He was a past-president of the Canterbury Owners' and Breeders' Association. Mr Matson's reputation in the sport extended to Australia, for at one time he was president of the Inter-Dominion Trotting Conference and made many trips to Australia.

For the establishment of the Totalisator Agency Board, Mr Matson worked strenuously. He was appointed to the first Board, and sat on it continuously until the time of his death, being alternating chairman while president of the Trotting Conference.

He had many ideas on what he considered necessary for the progress of the sport, and with his drive and ability he succeeded in having them carried out. His work for trotting was recognised in his election to life-membership of the Metropolitan, Canterbury Park, New Brighton and Methven Trotting Clubs. He was also a member of the Canterbury and Midland Clubs.

Men like Mr Matson are hard to come by and his loss to trotting in no small one.

Mr Matson is survived by his wife, a son, Mr Donald Matson, and a daughter, Mrs Martyn Wellwood, of Christchurch.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 20Dec57

 

YEAR: 1940

ALLAN MATSON - NZMTC President

The colourful stock dealer/auctioneer was a "bridge" administrator, more of an entrepreneur and marketing man of the modern world than that of the era of more serious administrators who preceded him.

Matson was one of the most successful presidents of the Metropolitan Trotting Club in its long history. Though aided by the rush of money to racing at the end of the Second World War when turnovers boomed he was an outstanding all round administrator.

As an energetic president he raised stakes to record levels attracting huge attendances in the 1940's and when his term ended and another fine leader, Charlie Thomas, succeeded him Matson became the Treasurer for 13 years, a classic mixture of good management and forward thinking.

A rotund rollicking figure, Matson had friends, customers and contacts from his stock agency everywhere and his dynamic leadership was the key factor in Addington emerging very much the leader of the pack in the post-war years.

The Trotting Cup in the Matson years became the richest race of any code run in New Zealand. It was two thirds the stake of the richest in Australasia, the Melbourne Cup, a fraction we can only dream about today. The supporting races were similarly rich. You could buy a nice house if you won a nice race on Cup Day. If you won the Cup you could buy a nice farm or two. Think about that and weep.

Matson was always advancing new ideas. He tried hard to get a photo finish system from the United States during the war(importing it was not allowed) and helped drive its establishment immediately afterward. Unhappily the man nearly everyone in Canterbury knew and liked died at only 58 but having already achieved more than most administrators who survived much longer.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Aug 2016

 

YEAR: 1988

C S THOMAS

E C Powell writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 29May57

What manner of man is the president-elect of the NZ Trotting Conference, Mr Charles Stewart Thomas, retired barrister and solicitor of the headquarters of trotting, Christchurch? Is he sagacious? Is he juridical? Is he energetic? Does he know trotting? Has he contributed more than most men to the sport of trotting? Is he a hail-fellow-well-met? Has he the manner to foregather with the high and the lowly? Has he courage to face and deal with any issue? Has he ideas for the future conduct of trotting? Has he business capacity? Has he earned respect among his fellows?

To each and every question relating to C S Thomas, the answer can be faithfully and sincerely given in the affirmative.

The sport may consider itself fortunate that now that he has retired after 41 years of tremendous pressure in his legal capacity and on the rewards he fully earned, Charles Thomas has, after 18 months of retirement, accepted nomination for the presidency of the Conference. That he has not been opposed by a nomination from any club in the country is a ready-made and unsolicited testimonial to him.

If any person should know Mr Thomas, I should. It was a small boy, 9in shorter than I am now, and in short pants, that I became his message boy well nigh 40 years ago. What manner of man is he? After one week in his office, he called me in and said: "Powell, you appear to be an honest boy. Here are the keys. Open up the office, the strongroom and all the boxes in the morning." And when I went to a newspaper office, of which he was a director, to make a hestitating step into journalism, he gave me a recommendation when E C Huie, managing-editor of 'The Sun' telephoned him. We have been friends ever since.

"Now I'll be able to give my time to my outside interests, which I have wanted to do for so many years," he told me when he walked out of the office of one of the most prosperous legal businesses in NZ at Chrismas 1955. He had built up the business by sheer grinding work, plus uncommon ability. He was not only a great advocate - perhaps in his early days, second only to Alfred Charles Hanlon, KC of Dunedin - but a highly skilled practitioner in ever branch of law. As his practice grew, so did he grow. In both criminal and civil law cases, he was notably successful. Always a fighter, he advised his clients on many occasions to go to appeal. And he lost only two cases he took to the Court of Appeal - an institution where judges themselves argue with the brothers as well as with counsel to get views and law to solve the knottiest of legal problems. But before to much - and it be well said critically too little, because of space - is said about the career of Mr Thomas at the bar and in his office in Hereford Street - let us examine his record as a man, a sportsman.

What has he done for trotting?

Without doubt, the greatest thing he has done for trotting, also racing, and the general sporting public of NZ was to devise the TAB scheme now operating so successfully. When the Royal Commission on Gaming and Racing toured the country, he accompanied it as counsel for the Trotting Conference. The bookmakers - pardon, the Sportsmen's Association - made a strong case foe their licensing. He had the answer. He had prepared the off-course betting system now known as the TAB, and which has greatly benefitted the clubs and the sports of trotting and racing and has given considerable satisfaction to the public.

The Commission accepted the scheme. It operates today almost in the form in which it was planned by Mr Thomas. It is not a perfect scheme yet. The time lags between investments and races is far too long. 'This and the next' has not been introduced. Doubles on races on different days, such as the NZ Cup and the Trotting Cup, are not provided. The punter with funds from a winning bet cannot operate on those funds on a Saturday.

If one immediate good result will arise from his election to the presidency of the Trotting Conference, it is that he will be chairman of the Board of the TAB every alternate year by virtue of his office. And being a sporting man, I will now lay anybody the price of one flagon of beer that Mr Thomas, as a member of the TAB Board and every second year as chairman, will work with a will to expand the scheme, to the satisfaction of both clubs and sportsmen. His ideas did not run out when he propounded a workable off-course betting scheme.

And as its president for seven years the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club made notable advances when he was in office. Everything he did aimed to popularise trotting. Addington had its hey-days when he was president. Although a Scot, he has none of the nationalistic cautiousness. He believes that a day at the trots should be a gala event, with flags flying everywhere, bands playing, pipers blowing hard, the crowd having enjoyment and the best-class of horses racing.

He has raced two pacers, Scholarship and Oxford Scholar. His partner was Mr Allan Matson, a former president of the Conference, and they were a happy pair, whether Scholarship won or petered out after clearing to the front with a round to go. But it was not as an owner but as an administrator that Mr Thomas contributed so much to trotting. As in his profession of law, he had boundless energy. He also had the natural gift to grasp facts, to weigh them as a judge would, to give wise judgement, fair and honest. Although his bag was loaded with briefs for the defence of accused men or for claims amonting to thousands, he would be at Addington during the week any time he was called on to give his opinion or decision. He was a distinguished president of the Metropolitan club.

As a lawyer, he has appeared in many cases as counsel for the Trotting Conference (and the former Association) and his judicial capacity has been recognised by the Racing Conference appointing him as an appeal judge. Learned in the law, he is also learned in the ways of men. A case which created Dominion-wide interest in which he appeared was that in the Supreme Court at Dunedin to determine the ownership of that good galloper, Queen of Song, who won the Wellington Cup, and the Riverton Cup and the Great Autumn Handicap within four days, and races in Australia.

So when the Conference faces the revision of the rules it will be fortunate in having him as its president. And when it comes to the carrying out of those rules, or interpretation of the existing rules, he will doubtless bring to bear his profound knowledge, his anxiety for the protection of the accused and for the complete presentation of the case for and against, and, last and above all, that justice be done to all. To his high office, he will also bring his business acumen. He has also the distinction of being the only lawyer in NZ to be retained as sole counsel for insurance companies in any one centre to handle all cases for the 'insurance pool' which grew into a business of magnitude. Many compliments were paid by counsel for claimants on his conduct when cases reached the courts or were settled by negotiation. He was a director of several companies and when he was in law, running his own office was itself no small undertaking.

His sporting activities have not been confined to trotting. He was a notable athlete in his younger days. He was for two years senior athletic champion of Christ's College, was in the college first fifteen in rugby and in the eights for shooting and gymnastics. He was a Canterbury champion for all distances from 100 yards to one mile and just before the outbreak of World War I he represented NZ at the British and Scottish athletic championships. For years he was a boxing judge and also a member of the Canterbury Swimming Centre. He was official starter at athletic meetings for many years.

Probably without comparison in NZ for the holding of an office is his presidency of the Canterbury Caledonian Society. He has been president for 42 years and his driving force was responsible for the building many years ago now, of the Caledonian Hall in Kilmore Street. He founded, and is still patron of, the NZ Pipe Bands' and Pipers' and Dancers' Associations. He introduced the pipes to Addington, and a meeting without the skirling would sound strangely quiet and commercial.

Already established as a pleader, Mr Thomas was counsel for Whitta, a Christchurch tobacconist, who about 1919 or 1920, was charged with carrying on the business of a bookmaker. The case had national interest, because a number of men who had wagered with Whitta, and they included a bank clerk and others in all walks of life, were also placed on trial. The senior counsel was the late Mr Saul Soloman, KC of Dunedin. Whitta was found guilty and imprisoned and spent his last days in Sydney. The Whitta case appears for all time in the law journalsas the law on bookmaking.

The Whitta case went to trial some years after Mr Thomas had taken his first case in the Supreme Court. His client was an Australian pickpocket, named Walker - pickpockets and confidence men were frequently before the Courts in those days - who arrived in NZ with a few shillings in his pocket and had £4000 in the bank on the day at the Riccarton races, when a punter, feeling a hand in his hip pocket, seized the intruding wrist. The wrist was Walker's. The fee for the defence was agreed on and Walker sportingly offered to double it if Mr Thomas secured his acquittal. The jury had no hesitation in finding Walker guilty, but the pickpocket was so happy with the case put up for him - "You are better than I thought you would be," he told his counsel - that he paid the double fee before he went to Lyttelton gaol.

Of the numerous persons on murder charges for whom Mr Thomas appeared, only one was convicted on the major charge. And then Mr Thomas, by assiduous work, saved him from the gallows. He was Matthews, who shot a constable at Timaru. Because of Matthews's well-known connections in Invercargill, Matthews's total disregard for human life and the insanity plea advanced by Mr Thomas, the trial created tremendous interest throughout NZ. It goes down in crime annals, Mr Thomas was convinced that Matthews was insane. When Matthews was found guilty, his counsel immediately appealed to the Executive Council, which decides whether the death penalty shall be carried out, a commission was set up and the finding was that Matthews was insane. Matthews was mad. He twice escaped from Seacliffe Mental Hospital and even 35 years ago his mental condition had deteriorated gravely. I believe he is still in the hospital, guarded 24 hours of the day.

Then there was the famous case of a murder charge against a man named Boakes, a taxi-driver of Christchurch, the alleged victim being a girl. She was found dead at Burwood. Mr Thomas secured his acquittal. He was also successful some years later in his defence of a man named Mayo, charged with murdering a man with poisoned chocolates. Perhaps the greatest criminal case in which he appeared was that of a charge of murder against a man named Mouatt. The allegation was that Mouatt had dismembered his wife at their St Martins home and destroyed the bones in the grate. Mouatt was found guilty of manslaughter and sentanced to a long term of imprisonment. On his release, he called at Mr Thomas's office to collect several wooden statues which he had left with his lawyer but did not call on his counsel. Mr Thomas has not seen Mr Mouatt or heard of him to this day. Mr Thomas maintains that the bones produced at the trial were not those of Mrs Mouatt and that Mouatt could not have destroyed the bones in a grate.

All these cases entailed laborious research and days of study. Mr Thomas has given to all his other activities the same diligence and thoroughness. After nearly 60 days of evidence, he worked day and night preparing his case for the insurance companies in the celebrated Ballantyne fire inquiry - 41 perished - of nine years ago. It took him three days to present his submissions. His work was a feature of the inquiry. He worried about the fee he should charge. He had no need to. He had earned every penny.

This is the man, who in August, will become the head of the trotting sport in NZ. To clubs, officials, trainers, drivers, owners and the public, I must say, in the words of Tommy Trinder, "You lucky people."

-o0o-

Harness Racing lost a figurehead with the death in Christchurch last week of Mr Charles Stewart Thomas. One of the great administrators of his time, Mr Thomas was 99. He was a notable criminal lawyer, an excellent athlete who represented NZ, and a devoted supporter of harness racing.

He was elected to the committee of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Cup in 1938, and became vice-president from 1940 to 1945. He was president of the club from 1945 to 1952. From 1952 to 1970, Mr Thomas served as treasurer of the club. In 1957, as president of the NZ Trotting Conference, he proposed a plan for off-course betting before the Royal Commission on Gambling and Racing. This was later adopted by the Commission as the concept for today's Totalisator Agency Board.

One of those who knew Mr Thomas well was Mr Des Parker, Secretary of the Metropolitan club from 1951 to 1979. "He contributed a lot to trotting; he was deeply involved," said Mr Parker. "He was a fine man. You just couldn't fault him. He was a very strong member of the team for a long time," he said. Mr Thomas was elected a life member of the Metropolitan club in 1952 on his retirement from presidency. He was the 32nd life member of the club; the first being Mr H Mace in 1901.

As an owner, Mr Thomas raced the good pacer Scholarship in partnership with Mr Allan Matson. A son of Grattan Loyal and Oxford Queen, Scholarship won seven races in the late 1940's, firstly from Dick Humphrey's stables, then while trained by E Rinaldi and W J Coates and driven by Wes Butt. His last win was in the Hornby Handicap on Show Day at Addington in 1948 when he defeated Lady Averil and Commander Scott. Highland Fling, Chamfer, Captain Sandy and Gay Piper were other winners that day.

-o0o-

Under the heading of “Athletics” in the NZ REFEREE of 19th August 1914 it was reported that

“C S Thomas, the Dominion half-mile champion, ran third in his heat in the A A A Championships at Stamford Bridge when, by breaking the standard time, he won a bronze medal.”

NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

Credit: HRWeekly 13Apr88

 

YEAR: 1983

DAVE CLARKSON

Dave Clarkson, who was named commentator of the century in 1974 and was a life member of the trotting Hall of Fame, died in Christchurch last week, aged 70, after a long illness.

He began commentating in 1937 at the Banks Peninsula Racing Club, and during a thirty-four-year career he became known for his distinctive style of commentaries at galloping and trotting meetings in the Canterbury region, and also at Trentham for a number of years.

Always a keen racing enthusiast, Mr Clarkson was involved in many areas of the racing industry, both professionally and privately. He was bloodstock manager for Pyne Gould Guiness Ltd in Christchurch for many years until he retired from the position about five years ago. Mr Clarkson was also an auctioneer at the Trentham Yearling Sale for about 25 years and he was instrumental in establishing the South Island bloodstock sale.

After his retirement from race commentating in 1971, Mr Clarkson served as judge for the Canterbury Jockey Club, after which he became a steward for the club and he was later elected an honorary steward. Also a racehorse owner, Mr Clarkson had a good deal of success with the smart galloper Just A Rebel, whom he raced in partnership with the Riccarton trainer Dave Kerr.

Mr Clarkson is survived by two sons.

-o0o-

NZ Trotting Calendar 5Sep45

"I'll pick them up for you as I see them walking round." Yes, its the voice of Dave Clarkson - a voice known to every owner of a radio who ever heard of a horse, from one end od the Dominion to the other. He even has his fans in Australia; he has been listened to with bated breath in Egypt, in Italy, Fiji and Trieste.

Recently the well known radio personality, Jack Maybury, managed to entice Dave Clarkson into the 3ZB studios for an interview. As was only to be expected when these two able 'men of the mike' got together, it was a very successful and very entertaining interview.

Jack Maybury started off by saying that the voice of racing commentator Dave Clarkson has at some time or other been listened to on every radio set in the land. "I feel justified in saying too," said Jacko, "that thousands of listeners, including this one, have repeatedly questioned,'How does he do it?' Well, Dave, I dont know whether, like the Society of Magicians, you are sworn to secrecy - are you? Good! How did you come to take up racing commentaries?"

Answer: Well, I just fluked it. I was drafting sheep with Mr Guy Nicoll one day for the late Mr Walter Parkinson at Kaituna, when the conversation turned to the question of securing a commentator for the Banks Peninsula Club. I listened to the various suggestions of those present and then when we were coming away said to Mr Parkinson,'How about me having a go at this racing business?' One thing led to another, the result being that I was given a start and did my first broadcast for the Banks Peninsula Club on October 20, 1937.

Question: It is not a full-time job with you?

A: No, it is not a full-time job. Actually I am an auctioneer and stock agent and am employed by Messrs H Matson and Co, of Christchurch, my headquarters being at Leeston, in the Ellesmere district.

Q: Having a sporting chief like Allan Matson, I presume, facilitates your fulfilling microphone engagements?

A: Yes, it does. Mr Allan Matson and his brother John, who are the principals of the firm, are very good and let me off just whenever I am wanted by the various racing and trotting clubs.

Q: Do you find the task a tedious one?

A: No, I do not. I Enjoy every race day.

Q: If the answer to this one is yes - you don't show it in your work - ever get nervous?

A: No. Never now. Although I must admit when I first started I was very nervous for the first few days.

Q: Now, let me see - does, say, a race as important as the NZ Cup impose a greater strain on you than does, well, an ordinary hack event?

A: Yes, it does a little. When you broadcast the NZ Cup it is usually relayed throughout the country, and when the technician in the box with you says 'Don't forget you are on a national hook-up' you think, well, here goes, and it has to be good.

Q: From an announcing point of view, which is the more difficult to commentate on - galloping or trotting?

A: Galloping is the harder, mainly because the tracks are further round in circumference and therefore the horses are further away. Added to this is the fact that the gallopers race in closer formation and travel faster.

Q: In the course of your duties, you are called upon to descibe races over all manner of distances - have you any special preference in this direction?

A: Yes, I have. If the track is a mile and a half in circumference, I prefer a mile and a half race, the reason being that the start is directly below you as you stand in the box, and you therefore have what you might call a proper sight of them as they leave the barrier. In the same way, if it is a mile and a quarter track, I prefer a race of that distance and so on. This can be easily understood when you think how hard it is to see them up at the six furlong barrier as at Riccarton and Trentham.

Q: Now Dave, heres's a thing that has most of us guessing - we go to the races and maybe in a field of 20 we back our particular fancy. I think I speak for a lot of sports when I say it's a ticklish job to pick up that one horse at the barrier, let alone follow his fortunes - good or bad - during the race. With you, well, as easy as falling off the preverbial log - you lay aside the racebook and with that now quite famous phrase,'I'll pick them up for you as I see them walking round'...you proceed to run through the entire field. Is it numerology, psychology, astrology, or just plain Clarksonology?

A: Well, now, that is a question I am often asked, and it is not so easy to answer. Firstly, you must have good binoculars and I am particularly proud of mine. Secondly, I have been brought up among horses all my life, and have a great love for them.

Q: Does it entail a great degree of initial study on your part?

A: When I first started I used to swot the colours up quite a bit, But now I never see them until the actual day of the races.

Q: I hope you don't consider me too inquisitive, and please don't think I have any designs on a racing commentator's job. I tried it once - yes - a draught horse derby in Hereford Street - only three starters too - believe me I had a headache for days afterwards. It is rumoured that a lot of people see pink elephants - do you see horses in your sleep?

A: Well, I am afraid I don't see horses in my sleep, and am lucky enough to be one of those who sleeps particularly soundly.

Q: How exactly do you follow the candidates through the progress of a race?

A: There are several small things that give us a clue to the various horses in the race, but the main item is the colours. You must know them from A to Z. Then some particular horse may have a white bridle or martingale on, or both. Another might be wearing a breast-
plate. Then one of the horses in the race may be grey and this is a wonderful help. Then in the trotting sport you get to know the crouch of the various drivers in the sulkies. They have their little pecularities in style which stand out to you. Can't you see at this moment the crouch of Dil Edwards, the way F J Smith holds his hands and the way Allan Holmes leans forward behind Gold Bar. Then in the galloping sport riders such as L J Ellis, W J Broughton and R J Mackie have a seat of their own that is hard to miss, and you couldn't help but pick up Arthur Didham with his long legs. All these points help to make the job a bit easier.

Q: When something comes out of the blue, as it were, is your judgement taxed?

A: Well, no, it is not. But knowing the colours and those smaller points you are able to pick out the horse 'that comes from the clouds' just as soon as it appears.

Q: Do adverse weather conditions make it very difficult?

A: Yes, they make a big difference. If it is a lovely fine day the horses are brought into the birdcage and the jockeys come out to mount with their colours up and you get a good look at them as they parade round. Then you get them set in the back of your mind. If it is a wet day the riders or drivers appear with their coats on, and go to the post like this, which means that you don't get a chance to get a look at the colours and freshen up your memory until about two minutes before the starter lets them go.

Q: When your engagements take you away from your home area, is it difficult to become acquainted with new horses?

A: Yes, it is rather. When I first went up to Trentham to act for the Wellington Racing Club, I found it was nearly like starting all over again. I had then to become acquainted with a big number of North Island horses, and learn their colours. Even now on each trip to Trentham I find that I come in contact with a good number of fresh horses on each visit.

Q: Do you really get as excited during the finish of a race as you appear to over the air?

A: Do I really get excited? I have been asked this question several times. Well, yes I do. The tougher the finish the better I like it. Nothing appeals more than a race with the pace on all the way and a head and head finish. I love to see them go.

"Again our grateful thanks for having made this broadcast possible," said Jacko in conclusion. "I feel I voice the sentiments of many thousands of listeners all over NZ in saying 'Thanks a million for the job you have done so well in the past." We appreciate you, and trust you may enjoy the very best of health to enable you to carry on the good work for many many years to come."

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 16Aug83

 

YEAR: 1981

Ernie Trist at one of his machines
TRIST & SMALL

Even before the turn of the century, E Trist & Co., the well known 'saddlers etc' were begging to announce that they had the 'Largest Stock of Trotting, Racing and Polo Boots to select from in the Colony and every description of Trotting Boots are manufactured on the premises...' And now, eighty years afterwards, those at Trist & Small reckon they're the only saddlers in the country dealing in and manufacturing only trotting goods.

"Some of the boots, of course, can be used by other horses, but they're the exception - and then only by coincidence," one of the present principals in the company, Laurie Trist, explains. The other partner is Chris Owen, with Trist & Small since leaving school more than eleven years ago. There is not a Small in the place. There was once. But that was a long time ago, even before Laurie's dad Ernie can remember. And he's been taking notice of what went on in the firm since he was a youngster old enough to be taken into town by his mother and later to work there after school.

Ernie's grandfather, John Trist, started it all off. More than 100 years ago, 109 would be closer to the mark. "He was a tent and sailmaker by trade. I never knew him, never spoke to him...only ever say photos of him," the current senior Trist said when the Calendar visited the saddlery last week. That John Trist's business was eventually taken over by Ernie Trist's father John ('known as Bill') and uncle Ernest. Again they were into tents and sails as well as holding the 'largest stock of Trotting...' and so on. "They must have made good equipment. Only a year ago we had some harness in here to repair and it still had the 'E Trist' label on it. It must have been made last century.

Ernie Trist doesn't know when it was exactly that his father left the original family business and set up with a certain George Small. "It must have been round the turn of the century because they took a Gold Medal award at the 1906 NZ Exhibition," he explained. There's a faded, yet still impressive, framed certificate on the workshop wall to prove it. And an invoice sent out to a client in 1905 for work done on various pieces of leatherware. Working almost solely with leather has been the hallmark of the Trist & Small business almost from the beginning. Ernie Trist began a 5-year apprenticeship making racing and trotting equipment from leather in 1928. "And everything was done almost exactly the same way then as it is now. One of the few differences is that all the leather then was hand-stitched; today machines play a bigger part."

The firm had a name change for a couple years before Ernie Trist started work. For a while it as known as Trist, Smith and Jarden. Smith and Jarden were well-known names in trotting circles in those days. Robert Smith was an American who had a great influence on trotting here, being the man responsible for the importation of sires like Jack Potts to NZ. Jarden was a well-known trotting writer of the time as well as a handicapper and judge. But the partnership did not last all that long. Trist bought the others out after a couple of years and shanged the the name back to Trist & Small.

From the time the business was established until just after the war, it was located next door to Tattersalls Horse Bazaar, in Cashel Street in the heart of Christchurch. Regular sales took place there every Friday as well as the more spectacular events like the annual yearling sales. The bazaar was run by the Matson family, a name which has very strong links with the industry in NZ. Allan Matson was one of its leaders in the 1950s, president when the NZ Trotting Association and Conference combined. Trist & Small's had Tattersall's Hotel, itself gone now, on the other side. "We used to reckon all we had to do was knock a hole in the wall whenever we wanted a beer," Ernie Trist recalled with a smile. He also has a wealth of tales about the fun and games which often took place on sale day, the day when dozens of horses and gigs would be lined up after bringing prospective buyers and interested onlookers to the auction.

Horses weren't the only animals to be put under the hammer at the bazaar. Occasionally bulls took everyone's attention. "The bull sale at show time seemed to be of interest to the whole town. Crowds thronged to it." Perhaps it was excitement the people wanted , the minor chaos created when occasionally a recalcitrant bull would put his hoof down and refuse to go into the ring. Ernie Trist remembers one particularly wild specimen actually getting away from the bazaar and careering through the streets of downtown Christchurch before being caught. But all this was in pre-World War II days.

During the war Ernie Trist seved in the Pacific before coming home and being pressed into service under the 'manpower' regulations. Essential industries got the manpower they needed to meet wartime requirements, industries like mining and butter and cheese. Ernie Trist, leather worker, put in for the latter only to be told by the Labour Department that there were no vacancies there and he'd have to go into the coal mines. "There was no way I was going down into the mines and I told them so; I eventually ended up in building industry working for my brother until the restrictions were lifted."

Still, he used to work at the old firm on Saturday morning keeping his hand in. His father had operated the business throughout the war. And even then he was hard pressed at times to keep up with the orders. "I remember getting one letter while I was overseas which said he had 21 sets of hopples on order and six set of harness. The difficulty in those days was getting materials, especially English leather. We have always imported a certain percentage of leather from England, especially for overchecks, reins and tie downs. Trade and Industries have tried to convince us we don't need to but we have proved to them otherwise. When it comes to races, you have got to do everything you can to alleviate breakages which could have disastrous consequences."

When Ernie Trist started with the firm again it had orders for thirty sets of harness and a hundred sets of hopples. There was a waiting list of a year sometimes. Even now clients sometimes have to wait. It takes one man at least 45 hours to make a set of leather harness. "And even then you can never get a whole day devoted completely to the one job," Laurie Trist, 26, explains. It took one man the same amount of time years ago. The harness man worked on the 'black bench'. Chris Owens worked on that exclusively for three of four years when he first joined Trist & Small. He remembers it well. Remembers getting his hands pretty dirty. Ernie Trist, too, remembers what it was like in the early days. "We were the popular jokers in the dance hall. Funny how that stuff is hell of a hard to wipe off your hands and yet it got so easily onto the girls dresses.

The gear's the same now as it was fifty or sixty years ago. There haven't been many radical changes. Only hopple shorteners. And the price, of course. Ernie Trist recalled easily the times when a set of best leather race harness could be bought for £13/10/- or a couple of pounds cheaper for a lesser set. Hopples wer five quineas or £4/15/-, depending on the quality. That was round about the end of the war. Today leather race harness costs close enough to $700, hopples $250. "You could get a good class stock saddle for £13/10/-, a reasonable one for £8/7/6. Now they're hundreds of dollars, too." Trist & Small these days don't make or sell saddles but they did in the old days. And this highlights, perhaps, one way the trade has changed over the years.

Now, any one of the three men at Trist & Small can make a set of harness - or all three can work on the one set to get a rush order through. Back then, the saddler made all the straps and things. No saddles though. The saddlehand made those. The collar makers made the collars. It seems there must have been a bit of a class system in operation then. "The collar makers had the toughest time. He would freeze in winter, have sweat poring off him in summer. His was really hard yakka. I think there is only one alive in the country today, but I don't think he's working," Ernie said. "We on the racing side of things were regarded as 'refined' gentlemen of the trade."

Plastics have revolutionised the industrybut the Trists are convinced that nothing will ever replacereal leather for it's wearing qualities, among other things. Ernie Trist brings up about that recent repair job on harness that must have been well over eighty years old and still going strong. "Plastic is cheaper and it's easier to keep clean. But leather is the best." And while leather might be the best, the three tradesmen working away at their benches agree, too, that the quality of tools they have to work with has deteriorated over the years. Laurie Trist thinks he knows why. "In those old times, makers knew exactly what the tools were going to be used for. Saddlers were big business then. Now there's a small demand for specialist equipment so sometimes it is not as good."

The business is no longer near what used to be Tattersalls Bazaar. That was sold after the war and Trist & Small moved around the corner into Mancester Street and widened its scope to deal also in fancy leather goods, suitcases and the likes. Ernie's father retired from the business in 1956. Renie took over. Ten years later, another move, this time to their present home, upstairs premises in the industrial section of St Asaph Street on the outskirts of the city centre. With the move came a parting of the ways from the fancy goods side of the business. That remained with new owners in Mancester Street. The Trists wanted to concentrate solely on trotting goods. It was also Ernie Trist's intention to concentrate on manufacturing and selling wholesale. "There was such a phenomenal demand for out stuff then; there were no plastics to compete with. We wanted to get away from the mainstream retail trade, but before very long customers approached us directly. And we couldn't turn down old customers so we have remained retailers."

Chris joined the company straight from school in 1969 and five years ago bought into the business. Laurie started during school holidays when he was about 13 but went psychiatric nursing for two and a half years on leaving school. He then worked as a builder's labourer, getting his ticket later as a drainlayer before getting into the business, too, in 1976. "Too cold in winter" was his reason for getting out of the drains. Noe the senior Trist regards himself as "just the boy about the place. I'm convinced now that lives go in a complete circle." He doesn't have to get the lunches but he is the official tea-maker. "Mainly because he makes the best brew," the others agree. The others are three. Besides the two younger men there is Sadie Scott in the office. That's the total staff. At times there have been more. But for the next few months, things begin to slaken off a little and the present lot will be able to cope.

The company has a regular spot around the stables at Addington every racenight where they keep a range of their wares. The deal also in all facets of trotting goods and, for instance, are the only manufacturers of toe weights in Australasia. "We don't see as many races as we would like to, but we do have time for the odd bet. None of them owns a horse although Ernie's father owned a pretty useful trotter in Duke Bingen who raced uccessfully in the 1920s. The old chap was also a president at one time of the Canterbury OTB.

The workshop syndicate can't rate itself as one of the most successful around, but then it probably doesn't follow a system workers down in the Cashel Street establishment followed, especially on Cup Day. "For years, we would put out money on the horse whose owner bought new gear from us for the big race. It worked year after year. Indianapolis had new harness for his first two wins and again for his third. They probably didn't need that but they weren't going to take the risk," Ernest Trist, now 64, explained. "There were horses like Red Shadow, Lucky Jack...and more recently Lord Module." The system did come unstuck once though. Therewere four in the race with new gear. "And that confused us. We didn't know which way to go."


Credit: Graham Ingram writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 10Mar81

 

YEAR: 1968

EDGAR TATLOW

'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 13Jun62

Mr Edgar Tatlow, who came to Christchurch all the way from Epping, Victoria, primarily to see the Canterbury Park Starting Gate in action (and was pleased with what he saw), travelled as far south as Invercargill on this latest of his many visits to NZ. Mr Tatlow's association with trotting goes back nearly 60 years. On most of his trips to NZ he has usually bought a horse, or horses, and he has taken away some gems.

He first took an active interest in the sport when in Tasmania, where he owned, trained and drove his own horses with a good measure of success. Since those early days he has been a keen student of breeding, and his judgement has been proved time and again by his successful record. His memory for pedigrees, performances and people continues to be prodigious.

Among many horses Mr Tatlow raced in Tasmania was Vendome. The Globe Derby mare won a Tasmanian Easter Cup, a major event, and one in which saddle or harness was optional. As a 7-year-old in 1928, Vendome was sold to the late J J Kennerley, and in three seasons racing in NZ she won six races, including the International Handicap at Addington, and gained 11 minor placings for £2055. She returned to Australia at the end of her racing career.

On a 1929 visit to the Dominion, Mr Tatlow, through the agency of H Matson & Co, purchased the broodmare Belle Logan from Mr H W Aker, of New Brighton, for 75gns. Mr Tatlow was the first Australian client to deal through the Matson firm. By Logan Pointer from the Wildwood mare, Curfew Bell, Belle Logan was bred in 1916 by the late Mr W J Morland. She raced in the interest of Mr D Rodgers and won two races as a 4-year-old, after which she became Mr Aker's property. For Mr Rodgers, Belle Logan produced the brilliant Dillon Logan (by John Dillon). Dillon Logan won 11 races for Mr Rodgers, for whom he was trained by W Barron.

Mr Tatlow put Belle Logan to Australia's outstanding sire, Globe Derby, and in 1930 she produced Logan Derby. After being sold by Mr Tatlow to Mr Harry Barnes, of Tasmania, Logan Derby developed brilliant form. He won 60 races, including the Inter-Dominion Championship in 1940. He raced seven times in NZ for three wins, including a free-for-all at Addington, in which he beat such good pacers as Harold Logan, Pot Luck, Parisienne, Supertax, Grand Mogul, Lucky Jack, King's Warrior and Plutus. Not a great success as a sire in Australia, Logan Derby was brought to the Dominion late in life by the late F J Smith, and he left an indelible imprint on standardbred history by siring mighty Johnny Globe, Vodka, Jewel Derby and others. That is why Mr Tatlow takes pride in the deeds of Lordship, a son of Johnny Globe. Mr Tatlow bred other good winners from Belle Logan, including Lone Raider (by Raider), who built up a fine record when trained in NZ for his breeder by the late F J Smith.

Another high-class pacer and sire owned by Mr Tatlow was Van Derby (by Globe Derby from Roselawn). After winning numerous races in Australia, Van Derby came to NZ and notched several major successes against our best horses. In June of the 1938-39 season, he recorded 3.09 3/5 in a trial against time at a matinee meeting held at Addington. This was then a NZ and Australian record.

In 1932 Mr Tatlow paid 37½gns to secure the Logan Pointer-Precision mare, Ayr, at a sale at Tattersalls in Christchurch. Ayr was offered on account of the late Mr H F Nicoll. Mr Tatlow mated Ayr with Globe Derby, and the result was Springfield Globe. Mr Tatlow sold Springfield Globe, as a yearling to the late Mr C J McCarthy, of Junee, New South Wales, and he became a champion pacer in Australia, crowning his career there by winning the Grand Final of the Inter-Dominion Championship at Launceston in 1939. He was a 5-year-old when his owner sent him to Addington to be trained by the late R B Berry, for whom he became a champion, including a free-for-all among his numerous wins. His successes in NZ are well remembered by all those who saw him race. He was a grand specimen.

Springfield Globe became the most successful Colonial-bred sire in Australasia of the last quarter-century, and probably the greatest since Rothschild. He was at the stud in NZ for six seasons, and produced such great pacers as Adorian(NZ Cup), Mobile Globe(NZ Cup), Thelma Globe(4.11, mares world record), Tactician(1.59 4/5, NZ race record), Fortuna, Victory Globe, Mighty Song, Lady Joss, Lady Rowan and Au Revoir.

Besides Springfield Globe, Ayr left eight other first-class winners, including Cloudy Range, Our Globe, Van Ayr and Commotion.

While in the United States in 1954 Mr Tatlow secured two high-class stallions. The first of these, Stanton Hal, is a son of Hal Dale(2.02 1/4) and Ellen Volo(2.10, 2 yrs). Before breaking a sesamoid bone as a 6-year-old, Stanton Hal won 18 races and $66,311, and took a record of 2.01 3/5 on a half mile track in a race. The second stallion is Volo Chief, who took a record of 2.03 in a race on a half-mile track. Volo Chief won 20 races and $32,895. He is by Chief Abbedale, sire of seven performers in 2.00, from Camay, 2.03 3/5(trotting at 3yrs). Camay is also the dam of Cami Colby, 2.03(free-legged at 3yrs), and Volo Colby, 2.04 2/5(trotting at 2yrs). She is by Volomite, 2.03 1/4(sire of 33 in 2.00) from Lady Lux 2.14(full-sister to Margaret Arion, 2.10 1/2, at 3yrs and dam of 3 in 2.07), by Guy Axworthy from Margaret Parrish. Margaret Arion produced Protector(3), 1.59 1/4,The Marchiness(3), 1.59 1/4, His Excellency(3), 1.59 3/4 and Princess Peg(3), 2.00 3/4. Both Stanton Hal and Volo Chief are making the grade as sires in Australia. Last season Stanton Hal was fourth and Volo Chief seventh on the Victorian sires' list.

-o0o-

One of the best known trotting personalities in Australia and NZ, Mr Edgar Tatlow died at his home, 'Derby Lodge' stud, Epping, Victoria, last week.

Mr Tatlow was Australia's most successful standardbred breeder. Most of the broodmares at his studs in both Tasmania and Victoria were purchased in NZ, many from Southland, and he was a regular visitor to America where he purchased the successful sires Raider, Volo Chief, Stanton Hall and Meadow Vance.

Mr Tatlow had been associated with trotting for over 65 years. In 1927 he purchased the celebrated sire Globe Derby to stand at his newly-established 'Derby Lodge' stud at Hagley, Tasmania. The great foundation mare Belle Logan was purchased by Mr Tatlow from NZ, and when mated to Globe Derby she produced Logan Derby.

In 1932 Mr Tatlow secured the Logan Pointer-Precision mare Ayr for 37½ guineas at Tattersall's sale in Christchurch. Mated with Globe Derby, she produced Springfield Globe. When Globe Derby reached retirement age, Mr Tatlow went to America and selected Raider, a double-gaited two-minute horse who also became Australia's leading sire.

Mr Tatlow was in America in 1954 and secured the two high-class stallions Stanton Hall and Volo Chief, both of whom have been successful sires. His latest purchase, Meadow Vance has been up near the top for the last two seasons.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 13Mar68

 

YEAR: 1955

Harry Hicoll
H F NICOLL

Mr H F Nicoll, who died in Christchurch on Monday, retired from the presidency of the NZ Trotting Conference in 1947 after holding the office for an uninterrupted period of 25 years. He enjoyed the confidence of his Executive and the clubs and was responsible for many of the reforms that raised the administration of the sport to a high level. Mr Nicoll was in his 90th year.

An Englishman by birth, Mr Nicoll was for five years on the staff of the Bank of England before coming to NZ, where he joined the staff of the Bank of NZ in Christchurch. He was there until the early 80s, when he was promoted to the position of accountant in the Ashburton office. He was afterwards acting-manager for a term, and resigned to commence business as a frozen meat exporter, taking his two brothers Messrs E F and L A Nicoll into partnership, with headquarters in Ashburton.

During World War I Mr Nicoll was chairman of the Ashburton County Efficiency Board and Belgian Relief Fund. He was also chairman of the Ashburton County Wheatgrower's Board, chairman of the United Wheatgrowers' Association, a director of the Wheat Marketing Agency, and a member of the Wheat Committee. He was also a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, and chairman of their Finance Committee.

Mr Nicoll's interst and active participation in sport covered a wide range. He played on the wing for the Pilgrim's Association Football Club while employed in England, and was a member of the Bank of England Company of the Civil Service Volunteers. In the early days he was secretary of the Christchurch Regatta Club, and also captained the Canterbury Rowing Club until his departure from Christchurch. He rowed No.3 in the Canterbury Senior Four, which won the Christchurch Regatta in 1887 and 1888, and in Wellington in 1889. This team also won the four-oared championship at Wanganui in 1889. Mr Nicoll rowed No.3 in the first NZ four to visit Australia, which finished second to Victoria, with New South Wales third and Tasmania fourth.

For nearly 50 years Mr Nicoll was president of the Ashburton Trotting Club. He was for many years a member of the NZ Trotting Association, and for a term was vice-president. Mr Nicoll was the originator of the motion to secure more days' racing for trotting, which was taken up by the Massey Government, and passed by the House. He was also instrumental in carrying the rule through the NZ Trotting Conference which made the standing start compulsory in all races, and was mainly responsible for the institution of the present handicapping system, which was one of the greatest progressive moves in the history of the sport. Recently he was primarily responsible for the introduction of the control of trotting meetings by stipendiary stewards. His work in the classic field will always rank as one of his outstanding achievements. The Ashburton Club, which sponsored three of NZ's leading classic races, the NZ Sapling Stakes, NZ Champion Stakes and NZ Futurity Stakes besides the All-Aged Stakes and other feature events, has been an acknowledged leader in this sphere of racing.

Mr Nicoll was president of the Ashburton County Racing Club from 1926 to 1950. Mr Nicoll raced both gallopers and trotters. In later years he confined his attention to the light-harness horse, and from Durbar Lodge came some great pacers and trotters, among them classic winners in Childe Pointer, Latona, Nantwich, Wrackler, Arethusa, Lady Swithin, Manhattan and Ciro. At Durbar Lodge also were bred the champion Indianapolis, winner of three NZ Cups, and another classic winner in Tempest. Mr Nicoll's outstanding successes in a lengthy list were with Durbar in the NZ Cup of 1908 and with Wrackler in the same race in 1930. Mr Nicoll imported Wrack, who was leading sire of NZ for several seasons.

Mr Nicoll raced some fine gallopers, among them Cross Battery, who won many races, including a Great Easter Handicap and Ashburton Cup; Sea King, winner of some 20 races; Ascalaphus, a winner of the Invercargill and Gore Cups; and Idasa, winner of the Geraldine Cup and other races. Mr Nicoll took Cross Battery and Sea King to Australia in 1907. Sea King ran second in a highweight handicap at Randwick, and Cross Battery ran third in the Sydney Cup.

On his completion of 21 years service as president of the Conference, Mr Nicoll was the guest of the trotting clubs of NZ at a complimentary dinner in Christchurch on August 6, 1943. Among the glowing tributes paid to the guest was that of Mr A G Henderson, then editor of the 'Star-Sun' who wrote: "Mr Nicoll has been a wise, tactful and courageous leader. Perhaps during the evening some speaker will recall that amongst the men who laid so securely the foundations of the modern sport, there was one striking group of big men. All standing well over six feet - Prime Canterbury - who showed enterprise, faith and determination and who backed their belief that trotting could and should be as popular a sport as galloping. Canterbury owes it's leadership in trotting in no small measure to these men, Mr Nicoll himself, Mr Jim Williams, Mr Frank Graham, Mr C M Ollivier and Mr J C Clarkson. They and those associated with them, held that good prize money would bring good horses and that a rigid code of conduct and good management of race meetings would win the support of the public. I have watched the progress of the sport with a critical eye since 1896 and know how thoroughly Mr Nicoll has deserved the thanks and praise of all good and true lovers of trotting."

On his retirement in 1947 Mr Nicoll was again honoured by trotting clubs at a dinner in Christchurch. The chairman of the evening, Mr A L Matson, who succeeded Mr Nicoll as president of the Conference, said: "Mr Nicoll is one of the Dominion's outstanding personalities. As a chairman and president he always exhibited that spark of genius. I have often accepted his judgement even though I thought he was wrong; but he never erred. His control of meetings has shown him to be a master. He has a quick brain, and his control has been an inspiration." Mr Matson said 1947 was jubilee year of the Trotting Conference and for half of the time of the Conference's existence Mr Nicoll had been president. There had been five presidents before him. The energy, tact and manner in which he carried out his duties as president were an inspiration to all chairmen throughout the Dominion.

Reference to Mr Nicoll as the "Caesar of trotting in NZ" was made by Mr J B Thompson, president of the old NZ Trotting Association, who said that whenever Mr Nicoll had any ideas that would be of benefit to trotting, he always carried them through to their consummation.

Because of his unique position in trotting, some people thought that Mr Nicoll had invented the sport, said Mr C S Thomas, then president of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club. This was not so. Trotting was in progress 2000 years ago, and there was an account of a trotting race in Homer's Iliad.

Mr E A Lee, president of the New Brighton Trotting Club, and a member of the board of the NZ Trotting Association, said that too often we reserved all the nice things we had to say about people until they were not there to enjoy them. "We should not regret Mr Nicoll's retirement," he said. "Rather we should regard it as promotion. His work will stand as a monument for generations. His dominating thought has always been the welfare of trotting."

"Trotting has occupied a considerable portion of my life," said Mr Nicoll in reply. "This parting will leave a gap it will be impossible to fill. I have enjoyed many valued friendships, and I feel proud of the good feeling that exists in every part of the Dominion where trotting fourishes. It was in 1905 that I was first persuaded to become an administrator of trotting. I was elected president of the Ashburton Trotting Club at a time when the club was £80 in debt, when it had no assets, and just after its secretary had departed suddenly. I could see what great possibilities there were in trotting, and I am grateful to say my confidence in the sport has been bourne out with great abundance." Mr Nicoll referred to the trainers of his horses in past years, the late A Pringle and D Warren, and concluded by expressing his love for trotting and the pride he felt in its advancement.

Mr Nicoll was married in 1889 to Anna Julianna Case, the daughter of Julien Case, the American consul in Japan. They had two sons, Messrs A J Nicoll and G H Nicoll, both of Ashburton, and two daughters, Mrs D V Donaldson and Mrs Le Clerc Latter, both of Christchurch. His wife died in 1935. In 1937 he married Helen J T Riddiford, the widow of Mr F E Riddiford, of Masterton. He is survived by his wife and his two sons and two daughters.

-o0o-

'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 20Apr55

Some years ago, in an interview with the Calendar, the late Mr H F Nicoll recalled how he had first become acquainted with Andy Pringle, who was later to become Mr Nicoll's private trainer and remain so for many years. Pringle according to old-timers who saw his many feats of horsemanship, will always rank as one of the finest reinsmen, particularly on a saddle trotter, ever seen in this country. Pringle was leading horseman of the Dominion in the 1914-5,1916-7 and 1917-8 seasons.

"When first I became interested in the trotting sport, about 1902, Pringle was training at Gore and I heard of his reputation as a very skilled horseman," said Mr Nicoll. "In 1904 my mare Dora was engaged at Geraldine and I asked Andy to ride her. She did not win but Andy's riding so impressed me that I made him an offer to train for me privately. When he accepted I laid out a track on my Mitcham Road farm at Ashburton and he came to live there.

"Andy at once made his value apparent, and never did I at any time have cause to other than value his services. The first meeting attended after his engagement by me was in 1905, when the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's August meeting was held on the Riccarton racecourse. He won three races: with Victor Huon over two miles in 5.19, with Verity over a mile and a half in 3.47, and with Durbar over two miles in 4.55.

"Pringle was probably the best all-round horseman of his day; it was rarely that he took my horses to a meeting without winning one or more races. His integrity was an intrinsic part of his nature. I remember one occasion at Addington in 1906. He was riding Dora and I said to him: 'What will win?' He replied 'Alliance, will you put a fiver on for me?' I said: 'Very well, but remember, I'm backing Dora.' In the straight Alliance and Dora came away from the field and in a ding-dong finish Pringle, by a brillant piece of riding, just managed to win with Dora, who paid £10 4s. Alliance paid 10s for second.

"Pringle was always in great demand by other owners to ride and drive their horses, and for many years there was rarely a race run, when he was present, in which he was not engaged. The sport lost an admirable exponent when he retired. I have nothing but happy memories of my association with him," concluded Mr Nicoll.



Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 13Apr55

 

YEAR: 1949

PROUD RECORD OF METROPOLITAN CLUB IN ITS JUBILEE YEAR

The NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club, which celebrates its jubilee on Saturday next, like most sporting institutions, developed from small beginnings. Strangely enough, it was started by a body of cricketers who were endeavouring to finance their new ground, Lancaster Park, and needed more 'grist for the mill.'

On May 29, 1886, the first meeting of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club was held. The meeting had been fixed for May 15, but was adjourned owing to the heavy floods in Christchurch City. The usually peaceful Avon had risen four feet and at several points had overflowed its banks. Three feet of water prevailed at the Railway Station, and Ferry Road, near Lancaster Park, was one sheet of water.

The officers of the club for the first meeting were: Mr Justice Johnston (Judge), C A Culvert (Starter), A M Ollivier (Clerk of Course), C J Penfold (Secretary), and the stewards comprised Dr H H Prins, F Cotton, A E G Rhodes, A C Wilson, F Jones and C Hood-Williams.

There were 1100 persons present, £38 was taken at the gates, and £1512 was invested on the totalisator run by Hobbs and Goodwin. Prize money totalled £125 for five races, the principal event being the Lancaster Park Time Trot of three miles in saddle. The first prize was £40 and the result was as follows:-

FIDGET, B Edwards's, 50secs (ridden by owner) 1

ERIN, D O'Brien's, 45secs (ridden by owner) 2

MALVENA, P Howard's, 50secs (ridden by A J Keith) 3
Time: 9 min Dividend: £12/3/-

The other races were the Maiden Trot of three miles, Time Handicap, Time Handicap Pony Trot and Handicap Time Trot, each of two miles. The course was a third of a mile in length, and consequently the horses were in view of the public all the way.

The Lancaster Park Trotting Club had rather a varied history. Started by members of the Cricket Company, assisted by a few trotting enthusiasts, it struggled along for a few years, and the directors, satisfied with the £40 rental per meeting, were quite ready for any change that would relieve them of managing the trotting club. In due course, the shareholders of the Cricket Company, as such, ceased to have any say in the management, and in 1890 the club was controlled entirely by trotting enthusiasts. In that year (1890)the principal officials of the club were stewards: D Barnes, C Louisson, V Harris, G McClatchie, J Perkins, and L Wilson; secretary: A I Rattray; starter, C O'Connor.

Trotting continued at Lancaster Park util 1899, during which time at least four meetings a year were held. Those thirteen years at Lancaster Park had laid the foundation for something better. The meetings had progressed to a satisfactory degree, and it was realised by the committee that if they were still to go ahead something must be done to obtain their own grounds with better facilities for all concerned.

For some years the Lancaster Park Club and the Canterbury Trotting Club which raced at the show grounds, had been accumulating funds, as a result of their meetings, for the purpose of jointly securing a property of their own, the idea being to form an up-to-date track, with buildings and general surroundings in keeping with the latest American style. To secure the object in view, a joint committee from the two clubs was set up, and a representative of the Canterbury Trotting Club was commissioned to secure a piece of land adjoining the show grounds. The trustees of the property, however, declined to sell for trotting purposes, but subsequently put it up for auction, and a lengthy lease was knocked down to the President of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club at a price below the amount to which the clubs were prepared to go.

But when the grounds had been secured the Canterbury Trotting Club refused to join ownership, their main grievance being that the land was not freehold. Nevertheless, the Lancaster Park Club lost no time in going ahead with the new grounds and in laying what were then paddocks, subdivided by straggling fences, into the finest trotting track in the Southern Hemisphere, with expansive grounds, beautiful gardens, lawns and drives and splendid grandstands.

On moving to the new grounds, the name of the club was changed to the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club, and thus was originated the organisation we know today. The first meeting on the new grounds was held on November 6th and 10th, 1899, the stakes for the two days being £2,140 and the totalisator investments £10,695. trotting immediately caught on at the new grounds and the committee tried all sorts of attractions to encourage people to attend.

In 1900, under pressure from the Colonial Secretary, and after a number of conferences with the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club, the Canterbury Trotting Club agreed to amalgamate, the arrangement being that each club was to have six of its number on the committee and six stewards. This move strengthened the club considerably besides providing further needed funds. The men who were in charge of affairs in those days were undoubtedly men of great vision. Their faith in the future of trotting was amazing and all their moves were actuated by this faith. With so many natural advantages in the way of flat country and excellent highways, Canterbury, from its infancy led the way in everything appertaining to the breeding and development of the trotting horse.

The NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club has been particularly fortunate in the men who have been at the head of affairs during the 50 years of its existence. It has had only six presidents, viz: V Harris, 1899 to 1903; G H McHaffie, 1903 to 1905; Hon C Louisson, 1906 to 1924; J H Williams, 1924 to 1940; A L Matson, 1940 to 1945, and C S Thomas, from 1945 to the present time.

Mr Victor Harris, the first president was a great enthusiast and worker for the club when the spadework was being done in transferring to Addington and forming the new grounds. He raced a number of horses which were trained by D J Price, and did a good deal to bring about and finance the Ribbonwood - Fritz match which did so much to place the club on a sound footing.

Mr G H McHaffie, the second president, was also a great enthusiast and one of the most far-seeing officials the club ever had. He was a wholesale merchant in Cashel Street, and bred trotting horses as a hobby, the most notable of his bred being the famous Ribbonwood.

The third president was the Hon Chas. Louisson who held office for 18 years. He was a steward of the Lancaster Park Club when it was taken over from the Cricket Company in 1890, so that he acted as an official of the club for 34 years. His term as president covered the period when great changes were made in erecting buildings and enlarging the Addington grounds and forming it into what we know it as today. One of his greatest services was to make a present of the Cup for the NZ Cup Handicap annually for many years. His name is perpetuated on the foundation stone of the inside public stand, which he laid.

On the death of the Hon C Louisson, Mr J H Williams was elected president and held office for 16 years, during that time he rendered yeoman service to the club. He was an able counsellor on all matters appertaining to the administration of the sport, and was president of the NZ Trotting Association for 14 years. He was also a member of the Racing Commission in 1921. He was one of nature's gentlemen and was held in high esteem by all. He did a lot of very useful work in a quiet unostentatious way and was a tower of strength during the dark days of the depression.

The fifth president was Mr Allan L Matson, who was elected in 1940. He brought to the office youth, energy, ability and enthusiasm, and put a tremendous amount of work into reorganising the club and bringing it to its present popular position. Probably no president has been so universally popular as Mr Matson.

Mr C S Thomas, who has been president since 1945, is a man of very high attainments in the legal profession. He brought outstanding ability, drive and dignity to the position and has done a great deal towards promoting the high reputation and position of the club. He was leading counsel for the trotting authorities before the Gaming Commission, and his work in this direction was freely acknowledged as a masterpiece.

Perhaps the outstanding personality throughout all the years of the club's history was the late Mr A I Rattray, who was secretary of the club from 1890 to 1941. His great experience in all branches of the sport made him an authority on all matters pertaining to it. At various times he acted as handicapper, starter and timekeeper, and he was also the first secretary of the NZ Trotting Association. He did great service in framing the Rules of Trotting and in obtaining Government recognition of the NZ Trotting Association. He was intensly loyal to his club and was always out to create such a standard for it in integrity and prestige that anything which did not measure up 100% in his opinion was scorned. He was an indefatiguable worker and put in long hours when it was required. During the 54 years he was associated with trotting as a secretary, he won great respect and was well known throughout NZ. Undoubtedly his foresight, resolution and faith in the sport placed his club and trotting in Canterbury in the strong position it is in today.


Credit: H E Goggin writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 26Oct49

 

YEAR: 1944

BARGAIN PRICED HORSES

Large prizes are the headlights of progress. They are the rewards which await those who own the fastest and stoutest racehorses. They increase values, and place the acid stamp of merit on the names of winners which, in time, become the basis of comparison with those which preceeded and those which follow them.

No owner of racehorses has ever complained that the stakes are too large, but it is a common lament on the part of sale-ring frequenters that 'they could have had for such and such a bargain price' a horse that surmounted its humble origin to flourish into one of the best compaigners of its time. The sale-ring bargains are numerous. Many of them changed hands at prices that must have been a considerable loss to their breeders, and, in the right hands, numerous cast-offs have richly rewarded the speculators with a keen eye for a passable bit of horseflesh.

Buying horses is a gamble and always will be. There are more bad ones than good ones sold or practically given away. On the same day that 400gns was paid for a good-looking filly, which turned out to be a duffer, Nicoya, a gelding by Wrack, was knocked down for 4½gns.

Here we digress for a moment. The Wracks became one of the greatest breeds we have had in this country, but their early stocks were low indeed. In spite of Wrackler and First Wrack coming from Wrack's first season, shrewd judges got the idea that the bulk of the breed were 'wasters.' So strong did the prejudice become that some owners did not so much as bother trying their young horses by Wrack. One well-known breeder even resorted to the desperate expedient of going on a shooting expedition among a paddock full of Wracks! This unwarranted prejudice was no doubt the reason why three of the greatest trotters of the breed, or any breed for that matter, were picked up at auction by lucky ringsiders for a few pounds each.

I have in front of me as I write a sale catalogue of H Matson & Co dated Easter Monday, 1931, in which a bay yearling filly by Wrack from a Paul Huon mare was sold on behalf of Mr H F Nicoll for 6gns to D Neill. That filly was none other than Sea Gift, who late found her way to J Bryce's stable, eventually to end up in the ownership of Mr C M Archer. Trained by E J Smith, Sea Gift won thousands, became the champion 2-year-old trotter - her record of 4.21 2/5 still stands - and beat good pacers after outclassing herself among her own gait.

Lot 13 turned up trumps for Mr R H Butterick, who went to Tattersalls Horse Bazaar on Wednesday, August 14, 1935, and paid no heed to superstition or anything else by bidding 4gns for the aforsaid lot, a bay mare, seven years, by Wrack from a Nelson Bingen mare. This mare was about the most unprepossessing piece of horseflesh imaginable, and it took Allan Matson all his time to 'give her away.' The mare, intended for a humble farm animal, by mere chance was tried for speed and became Peggoty, who won seven races on end, had a foal, and returned from the brood mares paddock to win the Dominion Handicap.

In another catologue I find that Nicoya was sold by the same firm, and on behalf of the same vendor, for 4½gns. Nicoya was described by a well-known trainer at the sale as "a big, soft-legged, carty gelding who might be useful in the harrows." The great majority who saw him sold evidenly sudscribed to this opinion, because Nicoya was knocked down to a West Coast sportsman for 4½gns. When he eventually came into the ownership of Mr J Manera, and was handed over to L F Berkett to train, Nicoya became a star among our best handicap trotters and finished up by beating Huon Voyage in the Champion Handicap, one mile and a half. The 4½gns cast-off was one of the greatest trotters produced in this country. It is certain that the best of him was never seen.

A 'Tasmanian buyer' secured a veritable goldmine when a NZ agent bid 37½gns, on his behalf for Ayr, who was sold at Tattersalls on behalf of Mr H F Nicoll on March 24, 1932. The 'Tasmanian buyer' was Mr E Tatlow, who bred from her Springfield Globe, Our Globe, Ayress, Van Ayr, Ayr Derby, and three younger ones all by Raider, the last of which, a colt, arrived in 1943. In view of the great track performances of Springfield Globe and Our Globe, it is reasonable to assume that any foal from Ayr today must be worth a tidy sum.

Karangi was bought at one of Mr J R McKenzie's dispersal sales for £10; Roydon's Pride (dam of Certissimus and Desmond's Pride) went under the hammer at Tattersalls for 27½gns, and Slapfast (dam of Gold Flight) for 12gns.

When 'money is scarce and hard to get' you should search round and try to happen upon something like Garner. But you would require a lot of luck as well as an eye for a likely sort to pick up such a rare bargain as Garner turned out to be for the late E C McDermott. This daughter of Sonoma Harvester and Pat Dillon was bought by McDermott for 16gns. She was a born trotter who showed unusual ability when only 2-years-old. As a 3-year-old she was the best trotter of her age that season, winning a double at Cheviot. At 4 years she put up a remarkable performance by winning the three principal trotting events at the Auckland Cup Carnival. Later she beat most of the best trotters in commission at Addington and took the two-mile record of 4.28 2/5. In her track work Garner trotted a mile in 2.09, and the last half mile in 62 4/5.

Thelma Wrack, when carring the Sapling Stakes winner, Moana Tama was sold for £2/10/- and the mare and foal were later passed on to Mrs G Bills for £10. It is related that Thelma Wrack was a hard mare to handle and that she could never be raced. At one time, I am informed, she was ordered to be shot, but she eluded all attempts to catch her. The frustration of those who had designs on her life is one of the fads of Fate, not new by any means.

Madam Templeton, in foal to Jingle, was knocked down at Tattersalls for £3/10/-. A colt foal duly appeared, to be named Rollo. He was raced for a time by Mr D R Revell, who sold him to Mr H M Allen, for whom he won thousands.

Mr E F C Hinds bought the then crippled Harold Logan for 100gns and won more than £11,000 with him. At Mr H W Aker's dispersal sale he had Tactless knocked down to him at 60gns, and developed him into a tidy stake- winner. Llewellyn's Pet, whom he secured for 14gns won several races.

Quality, one of the best staying mares of her time, was sold in 1927 on account of Mr A Bright, Ashburton, to Mr J O'Grady (her breeder and original owner, by the way), for 45gns. Quality won a considerable sum in stakes and qualified for the NZ Cup. She was one of the best investments that C S Donald ever had in his stable.

Billy Sea, when his sun was setting, as most people thought, was sold by Mr J A Mitchell, of Palmerston North, in 1927, to L Stobart, of New Brighton for 38gns. Stobart won the big race at New Brighton the following year with his purchase, and paid a huge dividend. Then N C Price trained Billy Sea to win a saddle race at Addington. Returned to Stobart, Billy Sea started in the Ashburton Cup, which he won at another large dividend. He was a hard wearing veteran, and it was remarkable the number of times his ability was under-estimated.

Kean John, sold by Mr M O'Brien to Messrs Barton and Trengrove in 1932 for 100gns won £1337 for those owners, while The Rook, sold in 1922 by A Hendriksen to A E Messervey for 27gns afterwards collected close to £1000 in prize money. Albert Logan, who was sold for 62gns by Mr A P Tutton to J W Thomas in 1923, won nearly £600. Tumatukuru, bought by a patron of W J Tomkinson's stable for 35gns, showed a handsome profit, as did Whakaku who was sold by Mr M O'Brien to a Perth sportsman for 75gns in 1926, and won distinction in the West. Lady Barrister, a well-bred mare in foal to Guy Parrish was sold in 1928 by Mr E Cambridge to Mrs W Balloch, of Melbourne, for 70gns. Her foal was Guy Parrister, a good winner, and she was raced again after rearing the foal, with good results.

Glenrossie, who was sold by Mr R M Morten to Mr J McDonald, for 80gns, won his way to the best company, crediting the Wellington sportsman with several thousands in stakes, and at times returning good dividends when his form should have pointed otherwise. Logan Park, another winner of thousands, was purchased by Messrs Armstrong and Johnston for 125gns, and Cannonball proved a bargain at the 105gns paid for him as a young horse.

Carmel, winner of thousands, changed hands as a youngster at 14gns. Mountain Dell, another big stake-winner, was sold as a juvenile for £10, and Impromptu, a great pacer, was sold as a 3-year-old for £45. Moneyspider was another that was passed on very cheap, and last, but not least, Monte Carlo, winner of the first NZ Trotting Cup, who once changed hands for £25.



Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 20Sep44



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