On behalf of the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club I would like to offer our sympathies to all those members who have lost a loved one over the past 12 months.
Iwouldalso liketo welcomeall thosenewmembers who have joined us over the past 12 months and look forward to catching up on some of our upcoming events.
We’ve had a very busy year, the two Dickson auctions, organised and run by Paul Herron; hosting the Model T convention; catering for the South Island Club Captain’s Rally; then we also had our own Swap Meet organised by Katherine Welsh and run by members; our annual Festival Rally, mapped and run by Katy and John Parish; and our own monthly runs and get togethers. Thanks to those volunteers who spent time mapping out destinations and rally routes. We also had branch runs to many points of our Southland region and Gerry Kennedy’s Tuesday Rambles (always well attended) poking around in sheds, checking out people’s hobbies etc., again covering a lot of the Southland area.
Thanks has to go to those who work away looking after our clubrooms and grounds. Looking after the trees, lawns, the paintwork and maintenance overat themuseum, theupdating oftheupperwindowsbeing replacedwith panelling and new heaters. These members through their hard work mean working bees generally don’t have to be called.
Murray Proctor
Email version of The Wiper
The Wiper is also available by email, either as a link to an online version or as a pdf file. The pictures are in colour, it arrives earlier, (most of) the hyperlinks work – and it saves the Branch money!
Please contact the Editor
Sent in by Katherine Welsh on 5 May
From the Editor’s Keyboard
Another packed issue this month, what with the AGM papers, many notices for coming events and a pleasing number of reports of branch events.
TheApril Tuesday Ramble report was a joint effort by Janet and Stewart Quertier. Paul Katon has provided a great report and photos of the combined Frank Robson Memorial Run and Clearwater Capers. This has been supplemented by Star McDougall’s version and photos by Julia Evans and Greg Elder.Abig “Thank you” to all of them!
Another big “Thank you” must go to everybody whocontributedastoryorreportoverthepastyear. All told, there were 45 different contributors who, separately or together, provided 47 pieces for The Wiper. Added to that are the regular contributions from the Chairman, Murray Proctor, and the Secretary, Katherine Welsh, who both meet a very tight deadline each month. Final thanks must go to the various persons (including, of course, Gerry Kennedy)whosendmeasteadystreamofjokesandfillersofvariouskinds.
Without all these contributions The Wiper would be very much slimmer!
Happy reading!
David North
BRAINTEASER
Q: What number is most frequently used between the numbers 1 and 1,000?
Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser
Q: If a sundial has the fewest moving parts of any timepiece, what has the most?
A: An hourglass. It contains thousands of grains of sand.
June Meeting andAGM
Tuesday 10th June
Please note that theAGM will follow the “normal” monthly meeting
VCC Gore Branch AGM – Agenda
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of the previous AGM (11/06/2024)
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Elections
6. General Business
All Committee and Officer positions are open for nominations
In New Zealand History This Month
Eruption of Mt Tarawera
10 June 1886
Painting of Mt Tarawera erupting by Charles Blomfield (Alexander Turnbull Library)
The eruption lasted six hours and caused massive destruction. It destroyed several villages, along with the famous silica hot springs known as the Pink and White Terraces. Approximately 120 people, nearly all Māori, died. In the early hours of 10 June, locals awoke to earthquakes, lightning, fountains of molten rock, and columns of smoke and ash up to 10 km high. People as far away as Blenheim heard the eruption. Some thought it was an attack by a Russian warship.
A 17-km-long rift split Mt Tarawera and extended as far south as Waimangu. The eruption covered land with millions of tonnes of ash and debris, transformed lakes, and flattened bush. It was over by dawn, though ash made day as dark as night. Men from Rotorua and Ōhinemutu formed rescue parties and began digging out survivors and casualties. Settlements at Te Tapahoro, Moura, Te Ariki, Totarariki, Waingongongo and Te Wairoa were destroyed or buried. Te Wairoa, now known as ‘The Buried Village’, later became a tourist attraction.
Thirteen cars left the Clubrooms on a beautiful autumn day and travelled to Winton for lunch. We met up with three more cars which made a total of 16 cars and 33 members and friends to enjoy lunch at the Top Pub.After a drink we all sat down to a menu lunch which was enjoyed by all present.
I will now hand it over to Stewart to fill in the car info.
After lunch we travelled to Olly Olsen's home on the outskirts of Winton and Olly was there to greet us and tell us about a project he was working on - a light Bedford pickup truck which he hopes to have finished for the Vero Rally in 2026.
At the end of his section stood an immaculate 5-bay colour steel shed. Inside, the walls were covered in early motoring memorabilia. Olly’s pride of place was the large collection of early brass hub caps, the screw-on type grease caps with car names, some of which I have never heard of. There were also cabinets full of toys and small treasures. Another bay covered with number plates and another wall with wooden ends of petrol tin boxes.
The hours of work hanging, nailing and screwing this stuff on the walls of this 5-bay shed would be unbelievable, not to mention the hours spent at swap meetings, garage sales and clearing sales.
Olly also had restored cars in the shed: a 1979 Morris Marina van, a very nice 1930 Chrysler 77 Speedster with a custom-built body, a mint restored 1929 Pontiac Big Six sedan, a “modern” Mercedes-Benz 2-seat sports car and also four Mopeds. The one that caught my eye was a Nyman Saxoped made in Sweden with a Sachs 50cc engine.
After everyone enjoyed their day in Winton, they made their own leisurely way back home through Western and Eastern Southland with the countryside looking so lush in preparation for Winter.
Thank you Gerry for arranging another great Tuesday Ramble.
Janet & Stewart Quertier (Photos by the Editor)
April Tuesday Ramble (2)
After the visit to Olly Olsen’s shed(s) many of the Ramblers headed round the corner to visit Bruce Marshall. He also had a variety of vehicles in various degrees of restoration for us to admire. The first looked like quite an undertaking – one of those “barn finds” that make me wonder “What on earth did you see in that?!” Bruce told us the story of how, and why, he acquired it and I think I heard him say that it would be finished “soon”….
He also had an International Harvester truck, called “Jessie”, and a couple of Fords, all of which have benefited from Bruce’s attention. The first Ford was a very smart-looking red 1975 Escort sedan while the second was something a bit different. On first glance it was a fairly ordinary 100E Prefect, but with later wheels. Closer inspection revealed that this 1956 example had been fitted with a later crossflow engine and Bruce assured us that the brakes and suspension had also been uprated to cope with the increased poke. The silver paint and front quarter-bumpers set it off very nicely. I should think it would get down the road a lot quicker than the standard one I had as my first car way back in 1969!
Finally, we saw the jewel in Bruce’s collection, a beautiful 1938 Morris 18/6, beautifully-restored by Bruce himself. I have seen this car at many shows over the years and it first caught my eye because the original owner was Dr Trotter from Riverton. It always looks immaculate and is a real credit to Bruce.
Thank you to Olly and Bruce for opening their sheds, and to Gerry for all the effort he puts in to find the many interesting places he takes us to on the Tuesday Rambles.
The Editor
End of Season Run
Sunday 15th June
1.00pm: meet at Clubrooms
1.15pm: cars away
Poker-type
Run
contained within the urban boundaries of Gore Find the referenced site, find & note the card
Visit all sites & collect a poker hand
Draw or hold, prizes to be won!
Bring your afternoon tea and a seat for outside, just in case the weather gods smile upon us
Rod Bell
Tel: 027 229 2191
Gore Branch Events for the 2024-25 Season
Event Date Organiser(s) 2025
BranchAGM
7.30pm start
End of Season Run
Tuesday 10th June (June meeting night)
Sunday 15th June Rod Bell
Annual Dinner & Prizegiving Saturday 5th July Lynne & Paul Herron
Guest speakers: Phil &Alette Gerritson
Tuesday Ramble
Tuesday 8th July (July meeting night) Star McDougall
Last Tuesday of the month (except December)
Co-ordinated by Gerry Kennedy
Editor's note to event organisers
If you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This works best if you ask them before the event!)
Car photos for the Clubrooms
Any members wanting to update the picture(s) of their car(s) or who have a new car and want to display it in the clubroom photo gallery, contact Alan Ritchie for a time and place to suit you both.
Other Events
Saturday 9th August VCCAGM,Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
Sunday 24th August Daffodil Rally for Cancer – national event
Saturday 27th September Alexandra Blossom Festival Rally Central Otago Branch
Sunday 15th November MMXXV RallyeAutomobileAncienne Monte Carlo. Banks Peninsula Branch www.bpvcc.org.nz
2026
15th – 21st March Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
11th June
In Welsh History This Month
Born this day 1949 in Ruthin
Tom Pryce, the only Welsh driver to have won a Formula One race. When Pryce won the Brands Hatch Race of Champions in 1975, he became the only Welsh driver to have won a Formula One race. He is also the only Welshman to have led a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix: two laps of the 1975 British Grand Prix and in the practice session for the 1977 South African GP, run in wet conditions, Pryce was faster than everyone, including world champion drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt.
It was during this race that Pryce was killed following an accident, where he collided at high speed with a safety marshal. There is a memorial to Pryce in Upper Clwyd Street in Ruthin.
Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoryOfWales/
Sent in by Donna
North
Tuesday Ramble 24
th June
10.30 am: meet at Clubrooms
11.00 am: depart for Mossburn
12.30pm: lunch at the Mossburn Hotel (Order off the menu)
2.00 pm: depart for Lumsden
To view the historic railway precinct display and the new locomotive
Numbers before 19th June for catering Contact Gerry 027 233 4634
WEST COAST VCC ROSCO TRIALS 29th JUNE 2025
Good afternoon,
I would be grateful if you could put this and the attached entry forms into your newsletter, or please email to members if we have missed the newsletter deadline.
The West Coast Branch is holding its 2025 Rosco Sporting Trials on 29th June 2025 and we look forward to welcoming regular participants as well as first timers.
The event will take place in Reefton at Rosco’s on the 29th June, time table as follows:
8.30am for vehicle inspection and briefing
9.30 am Competition begins
12.30 lunch (Bring your own lunches)
1.15pm afternoon competitions begin
3.00pm approx competition finishes followed by prize giving and BBQ at Rosco’s workshop
Further information which includes overview, eligibility, classes, rules and regulations, venue & directions, and indemnity forms will be issued on request or one receipt of entry form.
Entry form has been attached to be received no later than 17th June 2025
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting, challenging event.
Nick Contact details:
Organiser – Nick Harrison email annetteandnick@xtra.co.nz
Phone 0275419296
Assemble at the GoreA&P Showgrounds at midday
Yellow Theme
$10 entry fee per vehicle
Run by VCC but open to the public as well
All funds raised will stay local
Many thanks, Denis Knight 2025 Daffodil Day Run Coordinator
I saw this this rather alarming looking holiday snap pinned up in Olly Olsen’s shed during the Tuesday Ramble. The Editor
Frank Robson Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers
SaturdayApril the 5th arrived and looked like it was going to be a great day for the Run, went down to Hyde Park to watch my grandson (navigator) play soccer, made sure he was still keen to go on the Run, he still seemed enthusiastic with the idea. So organized for his Mum to drop him off just before dinner. I then called in to Paper Plus and registered the Ford Mainline, the poor old girl hasn't been used much lately so I was keen to blow some cobwebs out of her.
After that I thought I'd call in to Paul Herron’s to see if he needed a hand to get his car ready for the Run (as he had injured himself on a previous Run – see next month’s issue for the story behind this. The Editor.). He informed me that he was all under control for the off tomorrow. Tomorrow?? It's today, isn't it? “No,” was the answer, “it’s Sunday the 6th.” Hell, that was a close call! I could have been sitting up at the club car park by myself and possibly get the associated fine at the next meeting! Had to ring my navigator that the Run was on tomorrow not today. I think I heard something in the background of the call that granddad may be losing it!
Sunday arrived and I got out to the workshop and got the Mainline out and was doing some tinkering when my grandson slash navigator turned up with his scooter and started zooming around the driveway etc. seemed like he had too much energy so I handed him the broom and shovel and got him to sweep the workshop floor as I continued to tinker.
At the Clubrooms (L) Fletcher and the Mainline - plus audience - and more of the cars About 11.30 I said “Since you done a good job, I’ll shout you dinner at McDonald's.” Which he thought was a good idea. After McDonald's, and with a lighter wallet, (I’m sure he has hollow legs), off we went to the
Clubrooms ready for the start. I think there was about 20 cars turned up for the event.After we’d spent time wandering around admiring the cars, Greg Elder set about giving the instructions for the Run that he, with the help of Hartley Hay, had organised.
Time had come for us to receive the instructions and set the leaving time to my navigator. Turn right out of the Clubrooms then right on the main road, then down the heavy traffic bypass and across the bridge. All going good so far with the navigator rattling off all the street signs, left ontoWentworth Street, up over the hill then right to McNab, on the main road again, then left on to Waikaka Valley Road, left again at Willowbank. We had caught up to Mr and Mrs Crooks’1918 FordT, we had got past said T when things become a bit unstuck. I asked my navigator what was the next turn? All I heard was something Chatton. “Ah,” I thought, “we’re going to the Tintersection, then left back to Chatton Corner. But, alas, my navigator informed me that it was the East Chatton turn off, which I had just passed. (Still say it's the navigator’s fault.) By the time I found a safe place to turn and get back on track I found myself not only behind the Crooks’Tbut also Mr Proctor’s Rover.
After waving goodbye to the T for the second time we followed the Proctor’s Rover onto the check point at the Otama Hall where Hartley was busy quizzing each car with the 10-question questioner. We decided to linger around and let the other cars do the quiz and we would be Tail-end Charlie. My navigator may have been earwigging a tad on some of the questions, which I cannot confirm or deny. After his best efforts we got 8 out of 10, first equal as it turned out.
So, we took off from Otama and onto Pyramid Waiparu Road, then followed the river to cross the Waipounamu Bridge, right onto RiversdaleWaikaia Road, then left at the Colour Doctor's corner and then onto some lovelystraight road whichIlettheMainlinestretchherlegs atad, navigator seemed to aprove and I knew I would pay for it later when he no doubt tells his Mum! Rounding the corner at the Hall we had a bit of an audience with them taking photos and lots of thumbs up.
Anotherlovelystraight roadbut granddadbehaved himselfthis time.Itwas a beautiful day for a cruise in the countryside seeing harvesting and bailing going on and reminding my navigator what a beautiful country we live in.
I caught him giving me an eyeroll (young bugger). Anyway, we were happilysteaming along withnosign ofmembers’cars,Iwas about to blame my navigator for missing another turn when I saw the big tail-lights of the Tremaine’s Ford Fairlane. We caught them up at the turn off to Riversdale where I again passed the Crooks’T and the Herrons’A Roadster. Left into Greg Elder’s driveway, into his immaculate back yard and sheds and Greg had his collection open for viewing. It did look impressive with all the members’cars lined up and a few enjoying a picnic on the grass.
My grandson spotted his favourite car there, Greg’s very sporty Lexus which Greg very generously let Fletcher sit behind the wheel as Greg started her, Fletcher had a smile a mile wide, man it sounded good! We meandered around Greg’s collection, most interesting was looking at the innards of the early V8 Cadillac engine. Fletcher and I also had a gander at the ‘39V8 in the collection.We were then called to the workshop for prizegiving and quiz results. Thanks to my navigator we didn't get a mention in the timed section though (tongue firmly in cheek).
After thanking Greg for a well-organized and enjoyable run, Fletcher and I left. On approaching Riversdale, my navigator informed me that he was in fact hungry again, so a stop at the Riversdale pub for hot dog and chips for navigator and refreshments for driver. Then off home to drop Fletcher off home where we were greeted with a big roast meal! Which Fletcher managed to devour, has to have hollow legs.
Thanks again Greg and Hartley.
Words and photos by Paul Katon
From the organiser, Greg Elder:
Total distance 90 kms. Very pleased with turn out. Weather very nice. Left Club rooms at 1-minute intervals from 1.30 pm. 33kms timed section. Had to pick at start one of 5 average speeds. Ten questions to answer at checkpoint. Hartley Hay manned the checkpoint
Five entrants in the Frank Robson - Winner BillAinge
Second - Katherine Welsh
Third - Paul Herron
Fourteen in the Clearwater Capers - Winner Ken Youngson
Second - Keith Nunn
Third - Star McDougall
The prize-giving
Photos by Greg Elder
REMINDERS
FOR SALE & WANTED ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE to Club members. Advertisements will be published in three consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor.
The Branch receives commission if you insure your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quote the Branch number (300135).
https://vcc.org.nz/vero-vcc-insurance-scheme/
Gore Branch VCC name badges: are available to order by contacting the Branch Chairman (cellphone 027 649 1377).
N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined!
You are very welcome to come on Branch runs in your modern.
Join the VCC online at https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/
Both Bluebridge and Interislander Ferries offer discounts to VCC members: https://vcc.org.nz/membership-benefits/
To Let: the Gore Branch Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost.
Newsletters from other Branches are posted on the VCC Website each month. Go to: https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/
They are also sent to each Branch by email and can be obtained on request from the Secretary or the Editor.
GORE BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
The Branch bank account number is 03-0915-0246885-00
Please put your name and the reason for the payment in the details boxes. Thank you. The Treasurer
Thank you. The Treasurer
Frank Robson Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers (Take 2)
A very good turnout for the Frank Robson Memorial Run & Clearwater CapersonSunday 6th April.Alargevariety of cars andpeople,from veteran to modern classic, about 20 cars entered
Cars at the clubrooms before the start
Deep in thought before the start
From the Clubrooms we travelled out through Otama where we met the check point and the quiz master, Hartley Hay, to try and answer 10 questions (who would know what is missing on the Mona Lisa?).
From there we went up through Wendonside; great looking farming country. A roundabout way to get to Greg Elder’s place for afternoon tea and a look at the beautiful collection of cars he has.
The winner of the Frank Robson Memorial Run was Bill Ainge (Vintage), and Ken Youngson won the Clearwater Capers.
Thanks Greg for another well-run day.
P.S. I didn’t break down!
Words by Star McDougall
Photos by Julia Evans
[Captions by the Editor]
Picnics and some of the participating cars at Greg’s
Decisions being made at a Wednesday Working Bee (photo by Bill Sheddan)
Spotted on a UK motoring forum. The Editor
Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers - cars at Greg Elder’s (Photo by Greg Elder)
Online Bonuses
Ashort (3 minute) video of Race4Life at Teretonga: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Prhp4K23yjHbaBMExwG_JaWYEgnGl wCb/view
ALexus similarto Greg Elder’s at the Nurburgring track in Germany: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUB2ovV70h4
Can be viewed by contacting Garry Mulqueen on 03 208 9232 2/3
FOR SALE
1952Austin Sheerline
6-cylinder, 4-litre, manual gearbox, 4-door sedan. Current WOF & Rego. 125,000 miles. Interior: walnut dashboard & leather seating original. Restored in ex condition through 1996. Good history kept over the years of service. Many spare parts available. Located in Gore, Southland. $40,000 ono.
Contact Nancy: Tel. 027 310 9105 or email nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz
Tailpiece
Sent in by Donna North
Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome.
The Wiper is usually distributed on or around the last Tuesday of each month
Please send all contributions to David North before the 3rd Wednesday of each month for inclusion in the next issue of The Wiper
If you don't have a computer, I can get a hand-written article typed up or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer, I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how!
e-mail: northd14@gmail.com
physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822
telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281
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The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore Branch or of the VCC. The Branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements.
The Wiper is printed by I-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill Telephone (03) 218 3350
