Pastures Past: New Year’s races, a day off the farm in the 1800s

Local races are a chance for farmers to get off their farms and enjoy a change of scenery. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Kem Ormond takes a look at the world of farming back in the day.

Farmers have always been known to find it hard to get off their farms.

However, on the odd occasion, they would get into their best attire and attend the local races.

The New Year’s races were a chance to catch up with friends and neighbours, partake in fun activities, check out some fine-looking racehorses and perhaps down a cold beverage.

The New Year’s races have been a part of Kiwi life for a while now, as seen in these articles from the 1800s.

Kaikora

(From a correspondent)

September 14, 1881

Daily Telegraph, September 15, 1881

A public meeting was held at 7.30 p.m. this evening in Mr Scrimgeour’s hotel to arrange a programme for the next Kaikora races, which will take place on the first of January 1882.

It is well known that a few years ago the Kaikora races were looked forward to by I might say everybody in the district as a day of real pleasure, the races being held on New Year’s Day each year.

During the last two or three years the day was changed, and of course, the races held almost became almost a failure.

The club has decided to have the races this year on the time-honored New Year’s Day, and they are determined that nothing shall be left undone that will assist in giving satisfaction to those attending the races on that day.

There is a good balance in hand from the proceeds of last year, and by the liberal manner the subscribers “dubbed up” this evening I think there will be plenty of money to give good prizes, and make it worth while for the owners of good horses to attend the Kaikora race meeting of 1882.

I may mention that J. Lawrence, Esq., was re-elected president, W. White, Esq., vice-president and treasurer, and J. K. Newton, Esq., secretary.

Capt. Howard, H. R. Murton, A. Dillon, Esq., A. Scrimgeour, Esq., and all the leading men in the district are moving in the matter, and are determined to make a success of the Kaikora races this season.

Wanganui Herald, December 23, 1869. Image / Papers Past

Public notices

Steeple-chases and hack races at Aramoho.

On Friday, The 31st Inst.,

(The day after the Wanganui Races)

Wanganui Herald, December 23, 1869

There will be two steeple chases and hack races at Aramoho.

1st Steeple Chase. — Open to all horses, weights 10st., over 2 miles fair hunting country, and 24 leaps.

Post entrance £1.

2nd Steeple Chase. — Over the same ground; same weights. Open to all horses that have never won either hurdle race or steeple chase.

Post entrance 10s.

Hack races and other sports to commence after the steeple chase.

New Year’s Day

A great variety of sports; tilting at the ring, foot races, boat, and canoe races, &c., will take place at Aramoho on New Year’s Day.

Particulars as soon as arrangements are completed.

- Source: Papers Past