Matamata Round the houses.

[Roger Dowding]

From Milan Fistonic -re the start.

" The start finish line in 1964 was in Hohaia Street just before the Tawa Street intersection. In 1965 it was still in Hohaia Street but was moved to just past Tawa Street.

In 1964 the pits were in a corner of the Domain opposite the Brethren Church in Meura Street. In 1965 they were moved to the opposite corner of the Domain bordered by Hohaia and Huia Streets. "

Rhys Nolan has some memories of the place too

" Roger, my Dad was the Town Clerk of the Borough Council when the races were run. He was appointed the day the DC3 crashed on the Kaimais.
In the pic you have in post #231 of the coupes in a cloud of dust, you can see the Council offices (where locals booked their appointments for driver licence tests etc). Dad's office was right on the corner diagonally across from Cleaver motors. Next building following the race course was the little Public library, clad in fibrolite, then the Memorial Hall.
Ivan Toomey, one of the organising committee was on the council and perhaps Doug Turner too. Ken Gouk was the Mayor (Owner of Gouk Motors which were on Broadway. "

Kevin Hirst knows the town too

" I started my apprenticeship at Cowling Bros, Ford dealer's on Broadway in 1957 Maurice Cowling,of speedway fame was the bosses son who had just started primary school about the same time. Bradford truck was shop hack. parts guy had Brough Superior 100 commute bike. "

Putting all this on the thread they belong on.

The Regent Theatre on Broadway was not on the Track, but off to the side of the Tainui Street and Broadway right hander.
It shows in the background here in this Alan Boyle photo.
Note the reflection of the Morris sign in the window and the Memorial Hall the right hand end, mentioned by Rhys - his father was at the left hand end of the site, near the corner in the Council Building. In a couple of the photos the Library can be seen



The Regent Building today, not a Theatre anymore, and hidden behind a Tree [ fortunately a deciduous tree ]



More race photos to come - as well as modern photos and some entry lists and results. to make the story more complete.