Speedy Fashion

They may have been speedy but they would not have been stealthy. This pair of adjustable roller skates which are fitted with bare metal wheels, would be guaranteed to make a racket no matter what surface they rolled on.

The skates, which are designed to be fitted under normal shoes, are thought to have been manufactured by British sports good manufacturer Milbro during the 1940s, but roller skating has been popular for much longer. It seems to have first gained popularity in New Zealand in the late 1880s, especially at indoor roller rinks.

New Plymouth was quick to join the fun, hosting the Wellington Elite Roller Skating Rink at the Alexandra Hall on Devon Street during 1888. Judging by further regular newspaper coverage in the early 1900s Taranaki was again gripped by the “rinking” craze when the Olympia Skating Rink was set up in the New Plymouth Drill Hall. While the rink was frequently opened for general skating a lively programme, including roller hockey matches, fancy dress events and hoop racing also were popular. Prizes awarded following a carnival at the rink in 1908 included “Best Female Impersonation by a Gentleman” and “Ladies Fancy Costume”. A “Cigarette Race” was also on the programme. 

A mention is also made in the Taranaki Herald of an “interesting race” to settle a bet between two local blacksmiths, who had a combined weight of 34 stone (216 kilograms) and no skating experience. Unfortunately no report of this race seems to have survived.