It’s with sadness that I write these notes. We have lost Ray Tressler, a member who was one of the main driving forces over many years within our branch. He was a guiding influence to many with freely-given advice and labour. Ray was quite happyloaning hiscar ifsomeonewantedadrive. He was also one of the main driving forces in the building ofthe clubrooms we are now in, after all of the flooding we suffered in Woolwich Street. This was a project that took months and months, in fact it took years.
We had a very enjoyable Christmas Rally in December, which finished at our clubrooms where we enjoyed a shared afternoon tea. This Rally was organised and run by Bruce and Pauline Price. They also shouted for all who came on the day.
Christmas will be over by now and the New Year’s celebrations about to begin. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas with friends and relatives and the New Year will be kind to everyone.
Murray Proctor
Seen by Donna North on the Riverton Fire Brigade Facebook page
From the Editor’s Keyboard
Back to “normal” this month, with a packed issue full of stories from branch members about their exploits on events, both local and further afield.
Contributions this month kick off with Jill Youngson’s story about her and husband Ken’s journey on the Balclutha Rally. Linda Nunn gives us her account of the Ladies Run, backed up by Jill Youngson (again!) with her take on the day’s fun and frolics. Margaret & Athol Martyn cover the November Tuesday Ramble and Denis Knight contributed a “taster” for the Josephville Hillclimb (a report on the event will appear next month – I hope). Janet Brewster describes the Christmas Run in words and photos, plus more photos from Evan Henderson. Finally, Annette & Bill Ainge sent in a report on the Tuesday Ramble Christmas lunch and there are four “Spotted”s featuring various branch members.
Don’t forget the Picnic Run on Saturday the 18th of January!
Ona moresombrenote, weheardofRayTressler’s passingandI amhoping one of you will be able to send me a tribute to him for next month’s issue.
AHappy New Year to you all - and safe motoring.
David North
Q: What six-letter word becomes 12 after removing one letter?
Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser
Q. I’m tall when I’m young, and short when I’m old. What am I?
A. A candle.
Balclutha Rally
Our journey to Balclutha for the 52nd Rally began with grey skies and rain showers. After a coffee and a toastie or scone, we were one of the earlier cars departing the Town & Country Club rooms. We motored out of Balclutha in the Citroen Light 15 to Benhar, where the McSkimming’s pottery works, one of New Zealand’s largest, produced bricks, ceramic pipes, domesticporcelain toilet pansandpotteryuntilit closed in1990after a fire destroyed the factory.
The Youngsons’ Citroen Light 15 (photo by the Editor)
We passed through Stirling and the Fonterra factory there which produces cheese for export. After a few more turns we passed the time trial check point on our way to Kaitangata. On the banks of the Clutha river was the Sanford Salmon hatchery where approximately 900,000 of the 1.5 million eggs gathered and fertilised are raised. The newly-hatched salmon, or fry, are grown to about 30 grams and at approximately 2-years-old they are transferred to the salmon farms around Stewart Island.
The Rally directed us onto wet gravel roads on the left side of the Clutha River out to the coast where we could see the sun glinting off the Nugget Point lighthouse. We were enjoying the different road and scenery, dairy farming on the flat and forestry on the steeper gradients, and watching out
for the signpost “Shortcut Road”. Like a number ofother cars wecontinued onthiscoastalroad andpassedMeaslyBeach. What anametogivea beach, but on investigation, I found out it was named that after a large number of Maori succumbed to measles and died there. According to some historians, a fleet of warriors in nine waka on their way north to do battle with Te Rauparaha, or a fishing party, contracted measles after contact with someone infected on a whaling ship from Sydney in the 1830s. With no immunity from European diseases it is believed 300 Maori died. Papers Past for 29 November 1918 has an interesting recollection of the incident.
Continuing on from Measly Beach, my hunch that an unmarked road we had passed earlier was where we should have turned was proved correct when we met with a road closed sign. Backtracking, wetook the unmarked road to find it signposted at the other end. Those with local knowledge avoided the extra miles we travelled, but we were not too perturbed as it was an area we had not travelled before and we found out about some of its history.
Back on the correct route we proceeded through Kaitangata again onto Lakeside Road, passing the wetlands of the shallow Lake Tuakitoto towards Lovell’s Flat, through Moneymore to State Highway 1 at Clarkesville. We motored up State Highway 8 and the winding road through the Manuka Gorge to the lunch stop at Waitahuna. After lunch on someone’s street frontage with the other Gore rally participants, the Prices, the Proctors and the Welshes, we took the short route back to Balclutha via Cowan Road, Mt Stuart Road past the wind farm, Hillend Road and State Highway 1.
Back at the T&C for the prize-giving we enjoyed the company of other Rally participants. The Gore contingent did well with the Proctors’ name being drawn out in the raffle, us (the Youngsons) getting 1st in the Post 60 and the Prices 1st in Post 80 and winning overall. It was a good day for the Gore club. We enjoyed rallying on roads we had not been on before. We travelled 192 miles by the time we reached Gore and Ken then had the job of washing off all the dirt received driving on the gravel roads.
Born on this day 1907 in Neath, Ray Milland - Academy Award-winning actor and director, whose screen career ran from 1929 to 1985 and at one time was Paramount Pictures highest paid actor, co-starring alongside many of the most popular actresses of the time.
Milland was a member of the Household Cavalry of the British Army, before taking up acting. He initially took parts as an extra in many British productions before starring in 'The Flying Scotsman', which resulted in him getting a contract with MGM. He then moved to the United States where he signed for Paramount and Universal, appearing in ‘Three Smart Girls’ and ‘The Jungle Princess’ with Dorothy Lamour, which made him an international star. After a further 20 years of acting success, he moved into directing.
Sent in by Donna North
Ladies Run 2024 (1)
Eleven cars arrived at the Clubrooms to go on the Ladies Run on 17th November. We travelled to Clinton via Diamond Peak and Old Coach Roads and then to Clifton Road, heading north through farmland and onto a gravelroad where the Prices'daughter, Carmen, husband Ross and family have a farm.
Some of the cars at the farm (photos by Katy Parish) Wewerewelcomed into anoldshearingshedrepurposedinto a‘Men'sDen’ complete with the pool table and all the comforts of home! We had our afternoontea, supplemented withtrays of freshly-made scones as we sat on pews along a long table.
year's Run.
Inside the shearing shed (photo by Katy Parish) Nancy Stronach was the winner of a lucky number and has the pleasure of organising next
Afternoon
tea
Overhead shot of the cars ((photos by Carmen Begg)
The younger Beggs each chose a favourite car – the Parishes' Alvis, the Youngsons' Citroen and the Ainges' Austin – all of whom were rewarded with chocolate.
Later some of the participants had a turn at target shooting at a set up near the Kaihiku Stream.
Katy Parish (top - photo by Carmen Begg) and Bill Sheddan (photo by Katy Parish)
Ross extended an invitation to those who wished to drive up a somewhat windy and steep farm track to look over the Clutha River and surrounding areas. He then spoke of his family’s early history and connections to the area, over many generations, which was an interesting and informative conclusion to a great afternoon out.
The road home was back through Te Houka to State Highway 1 just south of Balclutha.
Many thanks to Pauline & Bruce Price for a great afternoon enjoyed by everyone there.
Linda Nunn
From the Editor’s Christmas Cracker
Q. What’s the best Christmas present in the world?
A. A broken drum, you just can’t beat it!
View of the Clutha Valley (photo by Carmen Begg)
SPOTTED (1)
Gerry Kennedy’s Vauxhall onthe LadiesRun (photo by Katy Parish)
Ladies Run (2)
Agood turnout of members met at the Clubrooms for the departure of the Ladies Run organised by Pauline & Bruce Price. Not many ladies were in the driver's seat on the route that took us out of Gore, across the Gore Bridge to East Gore, River Road, Diamond Peak Road and Kaiwera Road. We motored along Old Coach Road towards Clinton where we turned onto SH1 and travelled towards Balclutha until our instructions told us to take the first left turn after the passing lanes onto Clifton Road. Near Waiwera, we spotted about four large paddocks of broad beans growing and wondered if it was being grown for stock food and, if it was, at what stage it would be harvested and how. The Clinton Road took us over the rolling countryside onto a gravelroadto Te Houka, beforea left turn into Whitelea Road, anon-exit road wherewearrivedat our destination, a farm belonging to Pauline and Bruce’s daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Ross Begg.
The rally participants were all welcomed into Klondyke Lodge, a wellappointed maimai / man shed, complete with bunk room, flush toilet, bathroom with shower, gas cooker, fire, table and chairs and even a leather sofa. The lodgeoverlooksawaterway, theKaihiku Streamwhich flows into the Clutha River not far awayover the hill. We all gathered around the long macrocarpa table and enjoyed the scones with cream and jam that Pauline had baked, a cup of tea or coffee and the camaraderie of all the VCC members and our hosts. Carmen and Ross's teenagers were sent outside to pick their favourite car from those parked up. Surprisingly green cars belonging to Katy& John Parish, Annette & Bill Ainge and ourselves were the favourites selected so we each received a block of chocolate. The lucky winner of the Ladies Run, Nancy Stronach, was drawn randomly from the numbered cards given to each lady present.
It was another interesting afternoon of motoring. An additional activity for some was the opportunity to do some target shooting set up by the Begg boys. I think Bill Sheddan fared quite well in this activity. An added bonus for a few members was to be taken to the end of Whitelea Road, onto a farm track to the top of one of the hills on the farm. What a great view it was looking up the valley to observe the course of the Clutha River, the Waitahuna River flowing into the Clutha, the Blue Mountains, the Clydevale milk powder plant puffingout steamand thetrafficontheClutha Valley Road on the opposite side of the river. The homestead of the Begg
family farm was across the river from our viewpoint. Ross Begg has a Stabicraft boat which he uses to cross the river to his second farm, the one that we were visiting, rather than a round trip via Balclutha to the farm.
Thank you Pauline and Bruce for arranging an interesting run. Abig thank you also goes to Carmen & Ross Begg and family for their generous hospitality, sharing their special lodge and giving up their time to host us.
Jill Youngson
From
the Editor’s Christmas Cracker
Q. How do you help someone who has lost their Christmas spirit?
A. Nurse them back to elf.
“The Three Wise Men” snapped by Carmen Begg during the Ladies Run
Tuesday Ramble
28th January
Noon: meet at the Riverton Lodge Hotel (Princess Street, Riverton) for a set meal of fish & chips (Cost $30 perhead)
There is no organised visit this year, but there is plenty to do in the area, e.g. the beaches (and a new playground for the grandkids at Taramea Bay), Te Hikoi Museum has a temporary exhibitionofart from the collection, the main street has shopping and Gemstone Beach is only 20 minutes away
Numbers (and any special dietary requirements) before 23rd January to David North 021 172 3281
Gore Branch Events for the 2024-25 Season
Event Date Organiser(s)
Picnic Run
Saturday 18th January Rod Bell
National Model T Convention Friday/Saturday 14th & 15th February
Festival Rally
Branch Run
Saturday 22nd February Katy Parish
Saturday 1st March Bruce & Pauline Price
Swap Meet Sunday 16th March Katherine Welsh
Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers
Sunday 5th April Greg Elder
National Club Captain’s Tour (meal) 12th April Paul Herron
Night Trial TBA
End ofSeason Run
Tuesday Ramble
Saturday 12th June Rod Bell
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
18th January Cromwell Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival
25th – 26th January
Edendale Crank Up https://www.edendalevmc.co.nz/crankup.php
25th – 27th January National Motorcycle Rally, Manawatu Branch
1st February Southland VCC 70th Anniversary Rally
5th – 7th February National Veteran Rally, Marlborough Branch
13th – 16th February Art Deco Festival, Hawke’s Bay Branch
14th – 16th February Classic Speedfest, Teretonga Park
23rd – 28th February 17th National ModelAFord Rally, www.modelafordclub.co.nz
8th March Nelson Swap Meet Bazaar 11th March Race4Life, Teretonga Park
15th March Motorcycle Rally, Central Otago Branch
22nd – 24th March COVCC Otago Anniversary Weekend Run
5th April Swap Meet & Bazaar, South Canterbury Branch
10th – 13th April George Begg Festival, Teretonga Park: https://www.georgebeggfestival.nz/ 11th – 18th April South Island Club Captain’s Tour
th – 20th April
South Island Easter Rally 18th – 20th April 30th NZ National Morris Minor Convention, Timaru 18th – 20th April Wheels at Wanaka: https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/
15th – 21st March Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
In New Zealand History This Month
26 January 1984
Floods devastate Southland
Photos from: Environment Southland Otago Daily Times
A record one-day total of up to 84.8 mm of rain caused extensive surface flooding in the streets of Invercargill, Riverton, Ōtautau, Tūātapere and Bluff.
Local waterways soon overflowed, and by 4 a.m., a state of emergency had been declared. By morning, streets, houses, shops and factories were under water, and local streams sent torrents of water through Invercargill. Levels rose further still as high tide prevented floodwater from draining into Invercargill estuary. Invercargill airport was flooded by water that was 3 m deep inside the terminal.
By mid-morning on 27 January, the state of emergency included all of Southland. The rain had stopped by noon, but the rivers continued to rise.
Floodwaters left around 1200 homes uninhabitable and forced the evacuation of more than 4000 people. No people died, but livestock losses were heavy – more than 12,000 sheep, 330 pigs, 100 cattle and 75 deer drowned. A relief appeal raised more than $3 million (equivalent to $10 million in 2020), and insurers paid out tens of millions of dollars in claims.
On 26th November, 22 members met at the Clubrooms for our monthly “Ramble.” It was a lovely fine day.
We drove to Edendale where four others joined our group, then continued to Seaward Downs, MatauraIsland, Waimahaka, Fortrose,Tokonui, Quarry Hills and arrived at Niagara Falls Cafe just intime for lunch where we were offered a beautiful buffet meal.
After lunch we took a short drive to view Janette Buckingham’s Thickthorne Llamas. Janette first gave us a short talk on her llama journey - she was a spinner and weaver who preferred working with llama fleece. She outlined the difference between llamas and alpacas. Janette has 40 llamas, we were shownthe females and babies. Shealso has Gotland sheep, with coloured fleeces, on her farm.
Janette then took us to her gallery which had a pictorial historyof her farm and animals. She had a variety of fleeces for sale and other related items.
Amost interesting day. “Thank you Gerry“ for organising the day.
Words
by Margaret Martyn, photos by Athol Martyn
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
Brian Kirby, Llama whisperer (photo by Donna North)
Fun Fact
In 1953 Swanson introduced the first TV dinner, a compartmentalised aluminium tray with sections for meat, vegetables, and dessert. The Swanson family says the idea came about after they were left with a 260ton surplus of turkey after Thanksgiving. The first TV dinners sold 5,000 units, but by the following year, Swanson had sold over 10 million.
SPOTTED (2)
In Gore’s free newspaper, “The Ensign”, November 20, 2024
Ready for a big day: Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum volunteer preservationists (from left) Linda Best, Thelma Williams, Lorna Argyle, Heather Heteraka and Nancy Stronach will be unveiling some new additionsto the village. Photo: Gerrit Doppenberg https://digital.theensign.co.nz/html5/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=ENS% 2F2024%2F11%2F20&entity=Ar01004&sk=40130A4D&mode=text and (opposite) in the November 27 edition:
Celebrating history. It was a great day for the hundred-odd people whocameouttowatch the unveiling ofnew plaques anda new tableat theHokonuiPioneerVillageandMuseum.PicturedaresecretaryNancy Stronach andpresident David McDowell. Photo:Gerrit Doppenberg https://digital.theensign.co.nz/html5/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=ENS% 2F2024%2F11%2F27&entity=Ar01202&sk=29A31632&mode=text Project
Snapped by Denis Knight, out Pukerau way
Hill Climb Preparation
Group training at Cromwell for Scrutineers, Clerks of the Course and Stewards, getting prepared, trained and certified for Hill Climb Events.
I am glad to say everyone passed with flying colours and have a nice Certificate to prove it.
In the photo (L-R) are: GrahamTaylor (CentralOtago Branch), TerryInder (Gore Branch), unknown, unknown, Denis Knight (Gore), Chris Scoles (Gore), unknown, Errol Hewlett (Eastern Southland Sports Car Club and Gore), Ray Sanders (VCC Speed Steward).
Katherine Welsh at theGoreChristmasParade(photo by Murray Proctor)
Christmas Run Cars at the Clubrooms
Evan Henderson
Christmas Run, 7 Dec 2024 -
Saturday Stunner
It was one of those Goldilocks days in early summer, you know …. not too hot, not too cold. The countryside was green and lush and not a gust of wind troubled anybody, well, unless you were Julia and lost your hair clips ‘cos Star put the top down, but it was just that sort of day when we would all have taken our tops down if we could.
Around 20 cars took the road through the Charlton area to the lovely little Clematis Cottage Museum in Mataura. I remember when I first came to Gore (20 years ago now!) there were 2 cute tiny cottages crumbling into oblivion just before the corner on the road Des drove to visit his sister, and a best friend, for the nerve-wracking “reveals” of the new lady in his life.
I remember articles about ‘restoration efforts’and ‘fundraising’and ‘local history worthy of saving’ and seeing the results on Saturday I can only say…. “Wow! I’m glad that came off”. It’s really stunning how good that wee place is. The garden is beautiful at this time of year and the ubiquitous clematis in its purple splendour is a nod to the original that always adorned the porch.
The second cottage has vanished now but the heritage garden that replaces it is a nod to Jim Spooner, who fed his eight children from his back garden next door to it, after losing his wife too early.
The history of Jim and his family is admirably displayed in the tiny porch entrance that his two youngest girls shared until they grew too big to sleep there. You get a sense of the faithful father and man he was when faced with the biggest tragedy of his life.
Ramblers admiring the gardens – and Evan Henderson deep in thought
The life and times of Mataura are told in the other rooms, and it was heartwarming to hear the conversations sparked in the people around me who remembered the people whose photos they were viewing, and could recite the names of the householders on the town’s plans. It wasan inspired destinationandtimelyto beremindedofthose, gonenow, who founded the very place we live in today. I unreservedly recommend taking our visitors there as often as possible, or just dropping in a donation.
Wereturned to the clubroomsto anexcellent afternoonteaheld inconvivial company topped off with an unexpected but welcomed offer of libations donated byour gracious hosts Bruce and Pauline Price, manythanks to you for a really lovely day all round.
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
SPOTTED (4)
Last month’s “Mystery Car” , in Mopars inGore2024, anarticleby Quinton Tayloronpage 127 ofthe Jan/Feb2025 issueof NZ Classic Car magazine
ATuesday Ramble with a Difference
Our December Tuesday Ramble was held on a Thursday, a short run to the Gore Racecourse for Christmas lunch catered admirably by FoodAffair.
Santa and his helper
We enjoyed a festive feast including lamb and ham, plum pudding and pavlova and all the trimmings. With 33 members in attendance frivolity abounded, raffles were drawn and Santa (Tom) enjoyed his meal (after removing his beard!).
Here we were saddened to learn that our Patron, Ray Tressler, had just passed away, a long standing and respected member of our Branch.
Our thanks must go to Gerry Kennedy for organising the day and venue and for all the enjoyable outings throughout the year.
We look forward to another year of getting together and Rambling.
Our great organiser
The cake decorator wins the cake
Annette & BillAinge
1952 Austin 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.
Tailpiece
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 jottingsinto 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.
