Skating in Masterton, Part 1

Skating in Masterton, Part 1

The year was 1876. Queen Victoria was on the throne, New Zealand women were 17 years away from gaining the vote, and Masterton opened its first skating rink in the newly refurbished Railway Hotel in Queen Street. Wairarapa was wrapped up in skating fever from...
Skating in Masterton, Part 2: The fueding rinks

Skating in Masterton, Part 2: The fueding rinks

Reviews of both Friday night events were again produced in the same column, with a fair few underhanded comments. The review of the Theatre Royal concentrated on how the skaters appeared to enjoy themselves and finished with a comment on the lack of adequate lighting....
Skating in Masterton, Part 3: The second coming

Skating in Masterton, Part 3: The second coming

The year 1908 saw a lot of change in Masterton – not only for the second coming of the skating craze in the area, but also as that was the year that Masterton voted in a “no licence” policy. With no ability to make or buy alcohol within the town, residents were forced...
Skating in Masterton, Part 4: Elite moves

Skating in Masterton, Part 4: Elite moves

Any fears that the inclusion of a second skating rink would lessen the numbers present at either business were quickly put to rest, as both rinks were dealing with record numbers crowding their venues. Even on the same night as a sell-out carnival held by Elite Rink,...
Skating in Masterton, Part 5: Return of Coker and the Windlow Rink

Skating in Masterton, Part 5: Return of Coker and the Windlow Rink

The review of opening night was glowing. The floor was top notch, the skates had all been revamped, and the participants skated the night away to the sounds of a brass orchestra. One thing was missing though – there was no mention of the Winslow Skating Rink. The...
Skating in Masterton, Part 6: Mastertonions missed their skating

Skating in Masterton, Part 6: Mastertonions missed their skating

Masterton missed its skating. So much so that a carnival was announced for the Town Hall in August 1910. Prizes were on offer for various skating techniques as well as for costumes. Newspapers were quick to point out how popular the sport was around the country, and...