Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 3
National treasure docks at Kauri Museum A kauri clinker sailing dinghy now on permanent display at The Kauri Museum, at Matakohe, was recognised as “a national treasure” by Museum Trust Board chairman Derek Hope at last week’s gifting ceremony. The 16-foot vessel ‘Tara’ represents the last boat designed and built by renowned North Shore boat builder Arch Logan, the son of Scottish immigrant Robert Logan who came to New Zealand in 1874 and soon established himself as a steam launch, yacht and boat builder. She was given to the museum by Mt Eden’s Tony Jennings who inherited her from his uncle, Jack Gifford. Built around 1938 for Mr ‘Tup’ Goldie, Tara was bought by Mr Gifford in 1958 and touched up with new paint over her antifouling and the addition of a gold leaf trim, but otherwise remains in rare, original condition. Mr Jennings said it was with mixed emotions that he gave away the vessel on which he’d enjoyed a number of trips around Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. From left, curator Betty Nelley, donor Tony Jennings and museum trust chairman “Frankly, it’s hard to part with her…but Derek Hope are all smiles as Tara is officially gifted to the museum. More photos I’m glad she’s here and people will have of this event can be viewed at localmatters.co.nz the chance to come and admire her.” He said the quality kauri construction meant she drew just a few inches of water and was particularly stable even when walking around on board. However, unstepping the mast to store her had been “an absolute mission” demanding strong arms to prevent it toppling. Mr Hope said Tara was “a dream fit” for the museum’s yachting collection, joining the Brooke family Frostbite ‘Kia Toa’ and a collection of Don Brooke’s model Logan kauri yachts, in illustrating an important use of kauri timber. Curator Betty Nelley said Tara highlighted the fact that “great boat builders in New Zealand history and quality kauri timber go handin-hand”. The vessel had arrived in excellent condition, requiring little more than a gentle dust before going on display, she said. “The sails are close to perfect and there is hardly a mark to be seen, even Donor Tony Jennings with respected Kumeu boat builder Robert Brooke who though they are more than 70 years was present, along with fellow influential boat builders, his brother Don Brooke old.” and John and Judy Salthouse.
Fieldays ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has two double passes to giveaway to the Fieldays, held from June 15-18 at Mystery Creek Event Centre, Hamilton. To enter write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: Fieldays Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth. Competition closes June 1.
Briefs Youth crime spree Two youths, aged 13 and 15, went on a crime spree from Maungaturoto recently. They broke into two vehicles, stealing money from one, before stealing another vehicle from the gas service station and crashing it a short distance down the road. Ruakaka Sgt Ken Andrews says the pair then hitch hiked to Warkworth where they broke into a further five cars before being apprehended by Warkworth Police. They have been referred to Youth Aid in Whangarei.
Puhoi Hall garage sale The annual Puhoi Hall fundraiser will be held on May 28 and 29. Large items can be collected, by phoning Cody on 422 0891. Other items can be left at the hall from May 26 onwards, but call Cody first. Items must be a in a good resaleable condition. All proceeds will go towards maintaining the Puhoi community hall.
Young talent slot Singer/songwriter, Charlotte Silverstone, 19, has been selected to open Greg Johnson’s Matakana show on Queen’s Birthday weekend, Sunday June 5, at Ascension Wine Estate. Charlotte, from Kaukapakapa, was one 18 entrants from the Rodney region who accepted Johnson’s invitation to audition to be the opening act at his Matakana show. Charlotte is a graduate of the Faculty of Performing and Screen Arts, Unitec – Auckland where she completed her Diploma in Contemporary Music on an academic scholarship.
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