Ask to use material, get more information or tell us about an item
The first race around Mount Taranaki - a distance of 104 miles was held on August 17, 1911. The course was from New Plymouth to Opunake, to Eltham and then back to New Plymouth and the Evening Post reported that it was ‘said to be the longest circular track in the world for a cycle road race.’ Evening Post, August 18, 1911, p.11.
The competitors included most of New Zealand’s leading cyclists as the prize money was the largest on offer in Australasia, and was clearly underwritten by some large companies connected with cycling who feature prominently in the advertising hoardings in the film.
65 started out of the 87 entrants on what was a wet road in drizzling rain. eet as they ride through New Plymouth.
This is Garnett H Saunders’ earliest known surviving film.
Notes from Chris Pugsley.
HS Overlooking cyclists standing with bicycles in New Plymouth street facing camera - waving and twirling shirts above head. Crowd of spectators gathered behind cyclists.
WS GV Cyclists departing from start line on muddy road in stages - crowds lining road and standing behind cyclists.
GV Cyclists seated on bicycles with men holding bicycle frames upright on start line.
WS GV. Packs of cyclists racing down muddy street in New Plymouth township - spectators line street
WS Pairs of cyclists racing on muddy street - spectators on roadside near large building with SIGN “New Zealand Express” - cars and horse drawn carriage in BG.
WS Men in suits ad formal wear posing for camera below banner with SIGN “Britannia, the all rubber, Tyres” - hats are waved, cigarettes are smoked.
CU Trophy cup with engraving.
MS Man presenting prize bicycle to [Race winner James Clark of Palmerston North] in front of painted backdrop in photographers studio, [Clark] mounts bicycle, poses for camera and cycles away.
MS Man [W Greenless of Wanganui - 2nd place winner] being presented with prize bicycle in front of painted backdrop, mounting bicycle and riding away.
MS Man [E. H. Stoddart of Waitara] leaning against bicycle outside building - stands to pose for camera, wipes nose on sleeve and examines bicycle - crowd of young boys stand near fence in BG..
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19110818.2.11?query=steward%20race
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HNS19110818.2.33
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TH19110817.2.68