VCC GORE WIPER MAY 2022

THE WIPER

May 2023

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore, starting at 8pm (unless notified otherwise)

Next meeting: 9th May Branch telephone number: 03 208

The monthly bulletin from the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc.

2022-2023 Committee* and Officers

Chairman’s Report May 2023

Awarm welcome to new members Michael and Diane Rickerby who own a Ford Model A, a Daimler and a Triumph motorcycle. I look forward to seeing you join our events with your vehicles. As Chairman it is always pleasing to have new members joining the club and to get the benefits of our facilities and organization. Andfrom apersonal perspectiveto have another vintage car to boost our ranks.

Congratulations to Patron Gerry Kennedy and Katherine Welsh for a very successful swap meet. Not only boosting our club coffers but a well organized and supported event and not forgetting a big thanks to all the helpers whom contributed to its success.

Ken Youngson has again been busy with his calculator and organizing quotes for the disability/unisex toilet upgrade. The building committee will again meet to discuss the quotes, look at our options and funds status and report back to the club with our recommendations.

Again I remind you of our upcoming AGM and of positions becoming available. John Parish is stepping down from the Club Captain role. This position often has a committee of helpers who help organize some of our club runs so please consider helping either as Club Captain or in planning a certain run in our calendar of events.

I wish a speedy recovery for Bryan Neilson who is currently battling with some serious health issues. We certainly hope to see you and Frances out in your Chevrolet in due course.

Paul Herron

Jokes from the Editor

Q. Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up?

A. Because it was two-tyred.

A backwards poet writes inverse.

Club Captain’s Report May 2023

The year is rocketing by with our AGM in June and Annual Dinner in July not far away. If you have trophies at home, please return these to the clubrooms as soon as you can in readiness for the July Prize-giving.

TheDiggersRun wasdownonnumbersduetoCovid still circulating and the weather not being great on the day. Most of us had a lovelydrive to Fortrose and back but a couple of cars decided to take the long route via Mokoreta and the Tahakopa Valley to Papatowai????

By the time this goes to print the Clearwater Capers and Frank Robson Runs will have been and gone. I hope these were well supported. I would normally have waited until after these runs to do my report but Katy and I are heading off to the North Island on the 17th of April for the NZ RollsRoyce and BentleyClub’s 50th year celebration andthentheAlvis CarClub AGM. As a result, we will miss the Night Trial on the 6th of May but hope it also goes well.

The final event for the year is the End of Season Run on the 3rd of June so come along and support this before you put your car away for winter. Rod Bell is organisingthis run and Iam surehewill havesomewhereinteresting for us to visit.

I have now been Club Captain for four years in this stint and will be stepping down at the coming AGM. The branch needs someone to fill this role so if you would like to give it a try let me know or fill in a nomination form and get someone to second it. If we don’t have a Club Captain, we don’t have a programme of events.

John Parish

May 4th: Welsh connections to Star Wars. [Sent in by Donna North]

* Richard Marquand, director of 'Return of the Jedi' was born 22nd September 1937 in Llanishen, Cardiff.

* The full-scale model of the Millennium Falcon was built in Pembroke Dock by Marcon Fabrications.

* Andy Secombe, son of Harry Secombe, voiced the computer-generated slave owner Watto in ‘The Phantom Menace’ and ‘Attack of the Clones’ .

* The Church of Jediism, which is a religion based on the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars, was founded in 2007 by Daniel M Jones on Anglesey, North Wales. The organisation has over 20,000 members across the globe and was the most selected 'alternative faith' in the 2012 census of England and Wales.

From the Editor’s Keyboard

Another “Thank you” to those of you who have sent mematerial overthepast month.Therearesomevery interesting stories in this month’s issue and more to come next month but please keep them coming!

Thereis abit more“catchingup” goingon this month with Evan Henderson’s photos from the Picnic Run and Gerry Kennedy’s report(s) on the Festival Rally. Bringing us a bit more up-to-date we have Paul Herron’s account of an eventful Southland Veteran Rally and John Parish telling us about the Diggers Run. Jill Youngson follows last month’s story about the Moped Run with the lowdown on theAriel 3.

“Spotted” puts in a double appearance this month and, once again, there are plentyof events advertised, so don’t think you can put your feet up just yet!

To whet your appetites for next month, you can look forward to extensive coverage of the Frank Robson Memorial Run and the Clearwater Capers, courtesy of a number of contributors and many other interesting tales.

Happy reading, David North

BRAINTEASER

Q. How much dirt is in a hole that measures 2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet?

Answer next month

Answer to last month’s Brainteaser

What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

Answer: The letter "M"

Gore VCC Picnic Run, 8th January

As the report on the Picnic Run vanished into the depths of the organiser’s computer, never to be seen again, here are some photos instead.

Avery eclectic mixture of cars gathered at the Clubrooms for the Run.

[Photos by Evan Henderson]

Gore VCC Festival Rally 2023

My apologies for the mix-up in last month’s issue. I put the link for the Festival Rallyprize-givingphotos under theJosephvilleHillclimb heading. Here is the link again: https://link.shutterfly.com/fyosDhwImyb

And here is the promised report from a Gore Branch member:

Festival Rally - Saturday 25th February

Early start for me and Mary, to set up the raffles at the clubroom and to see all OK in the bar. With Murrayrunning the RallyI stepped in to do bar duty (made a few mistakes or was it Ken Youngson!!!).

After an enjoyable morning cuppa our start time was 10.12am so off we went on a very sunny morning. After a short trip out of town we headed over the bridge and onto Ontario Street and then left into McGibbon Road, the first of the gravel (& the roughest). Then onto State Highway 1, tar seal but just for a short while, left onto McDonald Road and a bit more gravel but we were enjoying it. Off and on to the tar seal taking us on roads we hadn’t been on before and on through Waikaka and more roads we hadn’t been on before.

Onto Otama and Otama Valley Road which took in some great views of Northern Southland before descending down a steep winding road. Back to Riversdale – Pyramid Road and a tour around Riversdale and onto the Riversdale Rugby Ground for field tests and lunch.

Didn’t do too good in the field tests, damn near pulled Mary’s arm out of its socket! Relaxed in the sun and a great way to end an enjoyable run. Good to see a good turnout of entrants, very slow to come in at the start but sped up in the last week which makes it hard for the Rally organisers and the catering staff.

Great to see Graeme Humphries and wife in theStudebaker, theyhave been members of the GVCC for some time but running their garden nursery has stopped them from rallying. Now their daughter has taken over it has enabled them to take part and great to see them in the prize-giving. Very nice car, great to have it at our Rally.

The Humphries’ 1931 Studebaker President Model 90

Overall Winner, Katy Parish’s 1923 Bentley 3 Litre

Good to see Alan Ritchie and son Barry out in the Austin A55 and also taking out some rally prizes. Alan has not long joined and his car, though purchased in Christchurch,camefrom Goreandwas ownedbythelate Ivan McBain, a GVCC member.

Our furtherest travelled entrant was JohnAdamson and wife from Oamaru in their Karrier Wagon, also mentioned in the prize-giving.

Raffles all sold and went to many. Big thanks to those who donated goods and those who bought tickets.

And last but not least, a big thank you to the staff in the kitchen, what a great meal enjoyed by all.

Big thank you to all for making it a great Rally

Cheers Gerry

Gerry Kennedy

[Photos by the Editor]

The Adamson’s 1956 Karrier

Results courtesy of Murray Proctor

Festival Rally Colouring Competition

During the Festival Rally we had a colouring competition for the kids, Mary and I supplied pencils and sharpener.

The two young lads from the Welsh family did a great job but had left before we could reward them - we’ll catch up with them. Well done lads.

Cheers, Gerry (Kennedy)

[Duncan Welsh’s entry was on the front cover last month. The Editor]

Swapmeet Thanks

Big thank you to all the helpers who made this day a success.

Very lucky with the weather wet on Friday, fine Saturday & Sunday, rain Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We were very lucky.

Good turnout of stall holders, sorry didn’t get around for a count up. One ortwounfortunatelydidn’tdosowell.Wemayneedtoadd“CarBootSale” on our large signs?

The branch did very well, full details were given at ourApril meeting. As well, couldn’t get Zippy Coffee, Trish Nicholson manned the kitchen for tea and coffee and did very well.

Thanks to all whodonatedgoods fortheWhiteElephant stall, all done well. Big thanks to Marilyn & Mary.

Sorry to those who missed out on a hotdog. On our last order there were 50 to a carton but this year only 30. No hotdogs, but we sold all the pies. Hot chips didn’t sell so many this year, still have 3 large bags left. If you want one see me.

Once again big thank you to all the helpers, more money to help upgrade the lavvies.

Cheers Gerry

Gerry Kennedy

Awell-knownandveryactivebranchmember,butIfeelthisphotoiscrying out for a good caption. Any suggestions from the readership? There might be a (small) prize if any suggestions are good enough! The Editor

Jokes from the Editor

A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, ‘No change yet.’

Boss: You’re the worst Conductor in the railroad business. How many trains did you derail last year?

Conductor: Not sure. It’s so hard to keep track.

Two silkworms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

Snapped by Murray Proctor at the Gore Swapmeet

Gore Branch Events for the 2022-23 Season

Event Proposed Date Organiser(s)

2023

Night Trial

End of Season Run

BranchAGM

Annual Dinner & Prize-giving

Saturday 6th May Matt Cook

Saturday 3rd June Rod Bell

Tuesday 13th June

Saturday 8th July Des Brewster

Daffodil Day Rally Sunday 20th August TBC

South Otago Vauxhall

Club BBQ & evening

Tuesday Ramble

Saturday 21st October House Convenor

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!)

Other Events

2023

6th May Ashburton Branch Swapmeet Ph 02102431955

13th – 17th May WaimumuArt Exhibition, see page 25

20th May Post War, Post 60, Post 80 Rally, Southland Branch. Closing date 5th May

2nd – 4th June The Irishman Creek Rally, Canterbury Branch

8th July Lions Gala Day

28th August - 3rd September Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival at the St James Theatre, Gore

30th September to 1st October Dunvegan Rally, Otago Branch

20th – 23rd October 6th National Commercial Rally, Wanganui Branch

4th November 51st Taieri Tour, Otago Branch

18th November Mataura Motoring Mad Car Show & Cruise

18th November MMXXIIIAutomobileAncienne Monte Carlo, Banks Peninsula Branch. Phone 021 212 3074

9th

11th December

25th – 29th January

South Canterbury Branch 3 Day Tour. Contact Grant Stewart (027 378 6149) or Alistair Day (027 202 5007)

2024

National Veteran Rally/Dunedin-Brighton Run & Prince Henry Tour, Otago Branch

27th – 28th January Edendale Crank Up

29th – 31st March

Warbirds Over Wanaka

https://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Tuesday Ramble 30th May

10.30am: meet at the Clubrooms

11.00am: depart for Winton

12.30pm: lunch at the Top Pub, Winton

(Blue cod & chips $32 – cost of living! But you can order off the menu if you prefer)

1.30pm –

2.00pm: leave for visit to Les & Flora Andrews

(Yes, we visited a couple of years back but Les has been very keen to have us back. He has lots of new stuff!)

Please advise numbers NO LATER than the 25th May for catering

Contact Gerry 027 233 4634

Great comments from Les after our last visit, he said we were one of the best groups to visit

Southland Veteran Rally, 4th March

My plans were to load our Model Tup on the Friday evening into our horse float so it was one less thing to organize on rally morning. However I stopped at a mate’s house who lives on our same road for 2 beers, hmm, I got home at 10.30, too late to load due to the darkness and Lynne being asleep. So up earlier than I hoped to load up and get on our way to Invercargill. We stopped at Couplands Bakery for our lunch and bread for our freezer. Packed into our ute and out to Otatara clubrooms to unload to then drive the T to the start atAnderson Park at 10am.

We parked up beside the garage and parts shed at the clubrooms and heard a cat I thought was locked in the parts shed but here is where I got a bit of a shock. It was our own 5-month old cat 'Squeak' which had got locked in the float in my rush to leave. He had been playing with the tie downs while I was tying the car down and never gave him a second thought when I shut the float doors. Also to note it had started to rain quite steadily and needed to rush to get the car unloaded and put the hood up before puddles developed in the seats.After relockingthe cat back into the float we headed off to our meeting point on the lawn in front ofAnderson House. This year the organizers wanted to try a different format and destination.

Firstly we tried our best at the field tests and questions followed by lunch in the homestead. We then duly set out on the run via Lorneville-Dacre Highway, Grove Bush, Browns and on to Winton. Here we visited a couple of private garages and then proceeded to Invercargill to finish at the clubrooms. It was great to have a change from the usual of always heading to Riverton and believe this is something required to keep it interesting.

Although the rain ruined some of the day it did fine and warm up. Well done to Bill Sheddan and Greg Elder on their class placings however I feel no luck comes from a black cat crossing our path and sat this prize giving out. We certainlyenjoyed our day and the damn cat was definitely a talking point of the day.

Paul Herron

Old car ad sent in by Bill Sheddan

2023 Diggers Run

This year’s Diggers Run was held on the 25th of March and the RSA decided on a run to the Fortrose Café for afternoon tea. I suggested that if the weather was good, we could go to the Waipapa Point Lighthouse for a visit but thedaywas cold anddamp so wejust went to thecafé.Thenumber of RSAmembers was uncertain with 12 confirmed when I rang on the 23rd of March. This increased to 14 and then dropped back to 11 on the day. I had seven cars organised just in case and Murray Proctor decided he was not needed so went home.

The run was straight forward down to Wyndham and then on through Glenham to Letterbox Corner and on to Fortrose so a briefing was held instead of giving written instructions. Never assume it is straight forward as when two of the cars got to Wyndham, they turned left to Mokoreta then through the Tahakopa Valley to Papatowai. By the time we tracked them down they were heading back to Fortrose but missed afternoon tea. Quite a detour but, by all accounts, they enjoyed the drive.

Afternoon tea at the Fortrose café. (Photo by John Parish)

The remaining four cars arrived at the café in Fortrose as planned and had an enjoyable afternoon tea. There was plentyleft over which was packaged up and returned to the RSAwith us. On the return journey we travelled via Mataura Island and through Edendale. We then had an enjoyable drink at theRSAwhilewewaitedforourwaywardcompatriotstoreturn.Theywere still smiling but there was a very dirty Citroen and Holden Premier after the gravel roads of the Tahakopa Valley. I won’t name names but thank you to those members who volunteered cars for the run.

John Parish

Jokes from the Editor

The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work. A four-foot-tall fortune-teller escaped from prison. He was a small medium at large.

What did the lettuce say to the celery? Quit stalking me!

Why do potatoes always argue? Because they can never see eye to eye.

What is a plumber's favourite vegetable? A leek.

(L-R) Alan Ritchie’s 1955 Austin Cambridge, the Parish’s Bentley S3 and John Tremaine’s Ford Zodiac parked up at Fortrose. (Photo by Alan Ritchie)

BSAAriel 3

It is little wonder that this funny looking three-wheeled moped produced by BSA, theAriel 3, was a huge flop. It looks like something no trendy guy would want to be seen riding.With nicknames such as Trixie or Pantomime horse what would you expect?

“It’s not a bike. It’s not a car. But it’s fun. Ariel 3. The handiest thing on 3 wheels,” went the advertisement in the Motorcycle Newspaper 1st July 1970. It showed a trendy young guy sitting astride the bike. Another sales slogan went, “Here it is - whatever it is.” Not a convincing advertisement in my view. Researchers at BSA thought that younger ladies would be desperate to own an Ariel 3, so they insisted that models posed with the bike wearing miniskirts and bikinis. Rather sexist advertising. BSA predicted they would sell 25,000 mopeds valuing £2.5 million.

History

The Ariel 3, an articulated tricycle moped, was launched in July 1970 in England. George Wallis designed this strange little moped that could bend in the middle with the two rear wheels remaining on the ground. The rear wheels of the moped were less than 18 inches apart so they conformed to the law in the UK at that time which allowed the trike’s rear wheels to be considered as one wheel. As it was classified as a moped, tax and insurance were cheaper. Total cost of the moped was £100.

Technical stuff

The engine, a Dutch Anker 50cc reed valve 2-stroke, 1.7bhp, is assembled between the back wheels. The crankshaft is supported in ball bearings, roller big end and plain small ends. The engine is started by pedalling first andthenreleasingadecompressiontrigger.Twotorsion barssupportingthe pressed steel front section provide the rear suspension and keep the bike upright when parked. The front section swivels to allow the rider to lean the trike into corners likea motorbike.The carburettor is an Encarwi 12mm with a wire gauze air filter. The choke is operated by a trigger on the handlebars. Transmission is by way of an automatic centrifugal clutch via a toothed belt to a countershaft containing the dog clutch allowing the engine to be switched off if the Ariel is being pedalled. A secondary chain runs forward to the pedals via several pulleys which tension the chain as the front end is tilted.

Other technical bits

The brakes, 4-inch diameter drum brakes on the left rear wheel and the front wheel are barely adequate. 12-inch tyres. Ignition and lighting are by a six volt flywheel magneto with lighting coils. Fuel capacity 3.4 L. Fuel economy 120-125mpg. Top speed 30 mph although no speedometer was fitted to the moped. Wheel base 49 inches/1240mm, ground clearance 3.5inches/89mm. Weight 98lb/44.5kg.

The Ariel 3 was an ingenious design with its ability to tilt its front wheel while the rear tyres remained on the road, but it did not prove to be a sales success. BSA had ignored George Wallis’ advice to advertise in various magazines not onlythe motorcycle magazines. He also advised BSAto sell the mopeds in alternative outlets like department stores where they would be seen by more people and especially women. BSAthought it knew best, but it was to their detriment as they sold only 7,000 units in the first year.

Free petrol for twelve months and free servicing for owners who could “introduce a friend” failed to improve sales rates. Poor management, lack of initial testing, market surveying that was inaccurate, missing the target audience and their promotion of the moped as a motorbike rather than a new mode of transport were all factors which contributed to the demise of BSA. They had spent £2 million in development of the moped and by 1973 with £50,000 in Anker Laura engines stockpiled they had amassed a debt of £3 million.

Ken’sAriel 3

So how did Ken come to have such an odd looking moped? The moped was sitting in one of the late Barry Clearwater’s sheds. Barry’s son Grant was cleaning out the sheds and knew that Ken already owned some small motorbikes and mopeds. After some thought Ken became the owner of this unusual little bike. Its arrival at our place caused great hilarity. Our son Michael, a motorcycle mechanic, did some tinkering and soon the engine fired into life. A few pedals later and Michael had the moped doing circuits on our asphalt. Neighbours must have wondered what was happening with the sound of the 2-stroke engine, the horn soundinglike a duck fart and our laughter. Power in action. Haha! The cornering with the tilting front wheel required care especially on wet asphalt and uneven ground. The suspension and braking were certainly not up to modern day standards.

Ken remembers theAriel 3 in Barry’s collection and once Barry had asked him to ride it down the road to try it out. It is a very tidy model that attracts some strange or puzzled looks or comments from onlookers, which we are used to anyway with our choice of vehicles. Definitely the moped for the fearless, the frugal and the fun loving adventurers.

Jill Youngson

Gore VCC Supper Roster

The same names keep popping up here – wouldn’t it be great to have some new people givingit a go and letting the “old hands” have a rest?!

May No volunteer

June No volunteer

July No volunteer

August No volunteer

September No volunteer

October No volunteer

November No volunteer

December No volunteer

January No volunteer

February No volunteer

March No volunteer

April To be advised

IFYOUAREUNAVAILABLEON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE CONTACT ME OR SWAP WITH SOMEONE ELSE ONTHELIST.THANKS,DES

We need to caterforabout 30 to 40 members each night. The cuppaandservingofthesupper is to be arranged within the Social Committee.

If necessary, ingredients and/or small items can be bought at Gore New World and charged to the Gore VCC account.

Spotted....by the Editor at Wheels at Wanaka

Ken and Jill Youngson and their Citroen Light 15 and Bill Sheddan’s Hillman Minx Convertible. The Editor

and in the Otago Daily Times

by Murray Proctor

Katy & John Parish (and their Bentley) in Dunedin with other participants onthe Rolls-Royce &Bentley 50th Anniversary Rally

Online Bonuses

BSAAriel 3 / The Bike That Made BSAGo Bust?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofpi71oMctc&ab_channel=OnYerBike

UnusualAircraft from the Movietone Collection, 1921-1934

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qlh_a307DY

8 Best Italian Sports Cars OfAll Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CtzAIv4j6k

New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (newsletter page):

https://fomc.nz/newsletters/

Southland Branch website:

https://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar

The Editor

REMINDERS

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

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/

Joining the VCC can now be done online.

Go to: https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/

VCC name badges: are available from Van De Water Jewellers at a cost of $35. N.B. If you’re not wearing one (and on the right side of your chest) at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined!

To Let: the Gore Branch Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost.

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 and (most of) the hyperlinks work too! Please contact the Editor.

You are very welcome to come on Branch runs in your modern.

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.

AGM NOMINATION FORM

GORE BRANCH 2023 - 2024

I wish to propose ………………………………………………

(name of proposed person)

For the position of ……………………………………………..

Proposer ……………………………… ………………………

(name)

(signature)

Seconder

(name) (signature)

I accept the above nomination:

………………………………………….. ……………………….

(name)

(signature)

Please return this form to the Secretary on or before the June meeting

ADVERTISEMENTS

WANTED

I’ve found a HillmanAvenger as a base for my hillclimb car project:

I’m now looking for parts, ideas and/or help to turn this into a hillclimb vehicle.

Please contact

Denis Knight, phone 027 351 3190 or email Ramsel@xtra.co.nz 1/3

WANTED

Diff to fit MG Midget, 3.9 or 3.7 ratio. This diff should be the same as an AustinA40 Farina or a 1098cc Morris Minor van. (Car is located in Gore.)

Grant Clearwater

Please email me at grant@northernsouth.com or phone 021 073 5339. 1/3

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 type up a hand-written article 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.