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Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 212, 21 August 1931, Page 2

Of the introduction of the 5/“tote’’ at Takapuua the Hou. E. W. Alison, chairman, at the club's annual meeting, said: “The committee last year reduced its entrance charges, and introduced a 5/- totalisator, which proved to be most populai. being largely patronised at each meeting. The patronage was so marked that it was found necessary to double the number of selling windows as at first provided. The 5/totalisator proved to be successful from every standpoint, and its introduction was much appreciated by the chib’s patrons. It undoubtedly met the existing economic conditions, and had come to stay.’’

Early racing days at North Shore were recalled in cue speech winch the Hou, E. W. Alison, president of the Takapuua Jockey Club, gave at the clubs annual meeting, dp to Ist country race meetings were held at Christmas and New Year at Devon port and Takapuna, but the first proper race meeting took place on December 27, 1881, on a five-furlong course. This was part of the present race track, which, iu those days, was covered for about two-thirds of its area by the sea. Eight races were run at the first meeting, the total stake money being £235. Most of the horses which were entered were conveyed across the harbour in a scow. A totalisator was used, and tickets were procurable at a cost of 5/-. The last public appearance of bookmakers on the Takapuua course wgs at the May meeting in 1911, when the band played “We Parted on the Shore" and the patrons gave three rousing cheers for the departing men.