Don't think Fred ever pushed the button at Matamata as it was then under Auckland district? When I worked on the gates there in the early 70's Jack Mudford was in charge with Vic Dye as dep.. When Jack retired Fred was already gone so it switched to Jim Flood and J.S.Humphries.
As for Jockeys, I reckon Howie Mathews was around in those days as well, BS Compton was riding local horses but might not have been based there?
Many a day(night!) playing cards after the trials or races back then with J.B. Christophers & Jack MaCininny(SP), and a beer or two.
I'm in Hong Kong at the moment and was talking to Paul O'sullivan last night at HV about how many times the Matamata Breeders Stakes days have copped a hiding from the weather Gods, not looking good again for this weekend, here's hoping.
P.S. What about the after match functions at the Criterion Hotel in Paeroa following race meetings up that way, G Dickinson( now gap man at Matamata), ex jockey, ex barman working for Bertie Duncan and Ola, probably another thread but fond memories.