Ladies Skating Race

Columbia Roller Skating Rink 1888

On 14th September 1888, the ladies’ half mile skating race for the championship of the colony was run at the Columbia rink in Ingestre Street (now known as Vivian Street). The prize was advertised as a diamond brooch in the shape of a miniature skate.

The two competitors were Miss Gage and Miss Nellie Playle. For the first few laps, the competitors kept well together. Just as the race was becoming exciting, both competitors fell down together. Miss Gage got up first and took off into the lead. The the fall had loosened one of her skates and she was soon passed by Miss Playle who won easily.

It was decided to re-run the race the following night. This time round the competitors were started from opposite ends of the rink. The outcome was the same, with Miss Playle beating Miss Gage by a few yards. The recorded time was 2min and 4 seconds, although the reliability of the record was disputed.

Nellie Playlie was born in Shipdham, Norfolk in 1873. Her full name was Adeline Augusta. She married Donald McLennan at Karori in 1908. Sadly without Miss Gage’s first name, we have not been able to identify her.

Columbia Roller Skating Rink :[Ticket/ invitation. Front. 1887].. [Ephemera relating to ice skating, roller skating, skateboarding, rollerblades. 1800-1999]. Ref: Eph-A-SKATING-1887-01-front. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23194943

Columbia Roller Skating Rink :[Ticket/ invitation. Back. 1887].. [Ephemera relating to ice skating, roller skating, skateboarding, rollerblades. 1800-1999]. Ref: Eph-A-SKATING-1887-01-verso. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22858169