History

Waikato Agricultural & Pastoral Association’s first show at Claudelands 

"On Wednesday, October 27 th, 1892, favoured by fine weather and a large attendance the first show was opened. The fixture extended over two days and was a great success, over 1000 people being present on the first day.

Mr Issac Coates was Mayor of Hamilton at the time and a public holiday was declared in Hamilton for the second day, when one of the biggest crowds known in the Waikato up to that time attended."

Claudelands Showgrounds

"The show grounds have an interesting history. The Waikato Turf Club had gone out of existence and in 1885 it was decided to form a racing club for the Waikato. The late Mr C J Barton was deputed to look for a suitable course and the Claudelands ground of 96 acres was secured by lease for 7 years, with right of purchase at 1400 pounds. A syndicate of public spirited Hamilton residents was formed to purchase the property, not as a speculation but to save it as a sports ground for town and district for all time. The South Auckland Racing Club was formed, ti tree cleared, a course laid and the first race meeting was held in 1887 when 1800 pounds was put through the tote."

Extracts from:
"A Century of Memories from Claudelands Showgrounds, Hamilton" 
Waikato Agricultural & Pastoral Association 1892–-1992
Edited by June Johansen