BLAST FROM THE PAST
1948 C S HOWELL HANDICAP: Background
C S HOWELL HANDICAP
This race, which is run at the CPTC's New Year meeting, perpetuates the name of one of the most honourable and respected men in the early days of trotting.
Chas. Selby Howell ran a saddlers shop in Tattersall's building in Cashel Street, Christchurch. Later he handed the business to his sons, who in turn sold it to Messrs Trist and Small. Mr Howell was one of the founders of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club in 1891, and acted as its honorary secretary until 1895, when the late Mr A L Rattray was appointed to the position. In 1897 he was appointed president of the Club, a position he occupied until his death in 1921, with the exception of an interval of three years. He was always in the forefront in anything appertaining to the advancement of trotting.
He was born in Stroud, Gloucestershire and was educated at the parrish school, known as Red Coat School (some dozen boys only wearing scarlet coats and vests, a benefaction left by some ancient hunting squire for that purpose) of which his father was schoolmaster and parrish clerk for over 50 years.
It was he who circularised clubs in the Canterbury district stating that as there were now so many clubs springing up in the district, he felt some controlling organisation was necessary, and he was influential in forming the Canterbury Metropolitan Trotting Association, of which he was president for some years and did yeoman service while acting in that capacity. He was one of a committee which framed the constitution and rules of the Association, the name of which was later changed to the South Island Trotting Association. Later he was instrumental in bringing about the amalgamation with the North Island Trotting Association, and thus was initiated the present NZ Trotting Association.
During the time Mr Howell was president of the Canterbury Metropolitan Trotting Association, they were fighting for Government recognition of the sport and a proper allocation of racing days. In 1896 he sent the following circular to all clubs:
"162 Cashel Street, Ch-Ch.
June 15, 1896.
To Secretary,-
The Canterbury Metropolitan Trotting Association having had under consideration the advisability of all the trotting clubs in NZ moving in the matter of securing their proper allowance of trotting meetings for each province, on the basis proposed for the years 1895 and 1896.
The Racing Conference meets in Wellington during the month of July (date not yet fixed), and endeavour to obtain an interview with the Racing Conference, by a delegate from each of the trotting clubs, and at the same time to act on the advice of the Colonial Secretary to see him a few days before the Racing Conference meets.
That, if possible, each trotting club to be represented by a delegate, and each club to pay their delegate's expenses to Wellington. That a united and energetic effort be made to secure the just and common interest of all trotting clubs in NZ, by obtaining their fair share of the totalisator permits, so that the strongest combination of the clubs is required. The interest and influence of all members of the Legislative Council, and House of Representatives, of each Electorate where trotting meetings are held, would have to be solicited for their assistance in this matter to secure our rights.
Any matters, other than the above, in the interest of trotting could be discussed by the delegates at the same time. Your prompt reply in assisting this will be obvious.
I have the honour to be, Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully, CHAS S HOWELL
President, CMTA"
Thus Mr Howell became the convener and also chairman of the first NZ Trotting Conference and acted in that capacity for several years. A set of rules was drawn up and these form the basis of the present rules. Mr A I Rattray was the first secretary of the NZ Trotting Conference, and though he soon relinquished the position, the effect of his good work remains.
In 1908, in recognition of the wonderful work done for his club and trotting generally, the club commissioned Mr Sydney L Thompson to execute his protrait, and this was later presented to him. On his death the family handed it back to the club, and now it hangs in my office. About 1910 Mr Howell decided to take a trip to England, and prior to his leaving, a dinner was tendered him as a mark of respect and goodwill.
Chas Selby Howell undoubtedly deserved the compliment paid him in the naming of this race.
Credit: H E Goggin writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 28Apr48
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