A special feature at meetings of the Otaki Maori Racing Club sixty years ago were the performances of the Otaki Maori Band. (Turnbu II Library Photograph) A CENTURY OF RACING by WATTIE CARKEEK Horse racing, often referred to as “The Sport of Kings”, has for many years been one of the most popular pastimes in New Zealand. It was first introduced to this country as early as 1841, and since that time Maoris have always taken a keen interest in the sport. Even the famous fighting chief Te Rauparaha was said to have been an ardent patron of the turf in the early days. When he died at Otaki in 1849 a European visitor recorded that his last words were an enquiry as to what luck he had had with his horse at the Wellington races. Situated a little less than fifty miles north of Wellington, Otaki became the, venue for many exciting race meetings from the 1850's onward. Most of these were organised by Maoris and there was always a large attendance drawn from tribes in all parts of the Wellington province. The following is an interesting translation of a notice advertising one of these early meetings. COME! COME! NOTICE TO ALL This notice is to all friends in the East, in the West, in the North and in the South Oh friends, Listen. HORSE RACES WILL BE HELD AT OTAKI These races will be under the Patronage of the King of the Maori people Stewards of the Races Chairman: Hoani Taipua and his friends Judge: Enoka te Wano and his friends Starter: Hori te Waru and his friends Clerk of the Course: Inia Hoani Handicapper: Honoiti Ranapiri and his wife Treasurer: Hiwi Piahana Secretary: Puke te Ao