VCC Wellington Motoring Spirit March 2025

Page 1


THE MOTORING SPIRIT

The Wellington Branch Newsletter

3000 caught the eye; it s very photogenic.

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)- Wellington Branch

Clubrooms: Halford Place (East end Jackson Street Petone)

Postal Address: PO Box 38-418, Petone Clubrooms Phone: 568-7463

Email: wellington@vcc.org.nz

Webpage: http://www.sporty.co.nz/wellingtonvcc

Branch Committee

Chairman Phil Kidd prcmk@xtra.co.nz 528-9897

Secretary Alastair McCarthy mccarthys@xtra.co.nz 589-8248

Treasurer Peter McKeown peter@smartpower.co.nz 233-5113

Club Captain Neale Ryder joannemillar@xtra.co.nz 0274 493-014

Committee Members Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514

Brendon Priestly 0220-993-437

New Member Liaison Robert Horne rjhhorne@hotmail.com 0273-459-800

Newsletter Editor Angelica Edgley mccarthys@xtra.co.nz 589 8248

Property Manager Paul Hooper paulhooper31@gmail.com 027-285-1713

Club Talks Coordinator Brian Christensen bestelectronics@outlook.co.nz 565-0664

Social Convenor Tasi Betteridge tasiandray@gmail.com 027-601-5399

Member Welfare Co-ordinator Tasi Betteridge tasiandray@gmail.com 027-601-5399

Nat Executive Delegate Alan Thompson alan@thompsonfamily.nz 027-285-2048

Parts Mgr / Memorabilia Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514

Appointed Officers

Librarian Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220

Scribe to Beaded Wheels John Stokes tourist.times@xtra.co.nz 027-537-9491

Fire Engine Custodian John Jackson jackapp@xtra.co.nz 234-8702

Motorcycle Rep Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220

VIC Officers: Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514 David Gwynn gwynn.family@xtra.co.nz 527-7875

W/shop Custodian Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514

Rally Secretary Vacant

Archives John Sheppard john@johnsheppard.co.nz 027-312-1089

Web Master Trevor Barnes trevor.barnesnz@gmail.com 0211-588-033

NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of VCC Wgtn Branch

CONTENTS

Chairman’s Chat pages 4, 5

From the Captain’s Table pages 6, 7

Manawatu Steam Festival Notice page 7

National Motorcycle Rally pages 8 to 11

Lochinver Station Trip pages 12, 13

British/European Car Day photos pages 14, 15

Avalon Studios Visit pages 16,17

WoF and CoF Consultation page 18

Te Horo Kilns Visit page 19

Motorcycle Section Report page 20

Coming Events pages 21 to 23

Advertisements pages 24 to 27

Club Notices and Calendar of Events page 27

Photo Left: Two of Neale’s cars at British/European Car Day. The ’51 Velox was driven there by Joanne’s young nephew, who later became the owner of a ‘37 Vauxhall.

VCC Wellington Branch - Bank Details (KiwiBank)

VCC Wellington Branch: 38-9022-0167435-01 for all rally entries

VCC Wellington Branch: 38-9022-0167435-02 for all general business

NAME BADGES

Don’t forget name badges are available from the Club Secretary at $15 each. Please remember to wear your name badges on Club Nights.

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT PhilKidd

If, like me, you had the choice of attending an event which meant missing out on one, then you are not alone. Not only was I unable to attend the American Car Day but also the English car day – both held in Upper Hutt.

At the latter event the President of the Federation of Motoring Clubs (Garry Jackson) was interviewed, followed by Chris Bishop, the Hutt Valley MP. The announcement was that twelve monthly Warrants of Fitness would be going ahead for most of our club-eligible vehicles*. This turned out to be premature because of course it is important to note that these decisions rest with the NZTA officials under the legislation and are not the prerogative of the Minister of Transport. It is the FoMC view that the rejected proposals were based on worstcase scenarios. Still, with approximately 150,000 members in the affiliated clubs and members representing $16.5 billion economic footprint (as shown in the recent NZ Historic and Classic Vehicle Survey) it is expected that the current Government and its agencies may have great interest in the response to the proposals.

In my case I travelled a whole 14 kilometres between warrants! – the distance to and from the issuer! I’m sure my own experience is replicated by our fellow members. I hope you saw the follow up discussing this matter on the telly. Let’s hope that this matter will conclude satisfactorily by the end of this year.

It was really good to see so many of our members who are affiliated one way or another with Ford Model As attend the open day at the Solway Showgrounds in Masterton, Monday, 24 January. I couldn’t help myself so took my Model A (made in 1918 by Essex of course) to the meeting with my brother and was accepted in good spirit by the organisers. The meet was well attended by some 140 cars.

In just a few days the Executive meeting will be held in Christchurch, and it will be interesting to see where we get to with the debate around our Constitution. Alan Thompson will be taking the

Chairman’s Chat continued:

directive given by our Branch to that meeting. It is sad to farewell Paul Hooper, who is going to live in Taupo next month. A big thank you has been passed on for all the work he has done as the Building Supervisor in ensuring the Clubrooms have been kept up to scratch . We will be looking to get a nomination for his replacement – so don’t be shy – let a committee member know you are interested.

I look forward to catching up on our return from visiting Japan. On that note I will sign off and look forward to seeing you in, or on, whatever means of transport you choose.

Happy and safe motoring, Phil Kidd.

{Editor: *At the British/European Car Day, Chris Bishop said

See page 8 for story.

These chaps did Wellington Branch proud at the National Motorcycle Rally: Dave Gwynn - 1st Veteran, Peter Simpson - 1st Post War, and Adrian MacNee - 1st Vintage. There were about 130 entrants.

FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE NealeRyder

How many of you managed to attend some of the many events that were held in the area during February? I do know that a number of VCC members attended British and European Car Day; as usual a tremendous number and variety of vehicles were on show during the day. I took my 1949 Velox Caleche this year; it is 25 years since I completed the restoration of this car - its first trip was to the Vero 2000 Rally in Hamilton. It hardly seems that long ago. Joanne's nephew, Sam, offered to take the 1951 Velox along and the end result is he now has a "vintage" car himself. He is now the owner of a 1937 Vauxhall 14 which I had owned since 1980, but had been in storage since 1985, waiting for attention. We really do need to encourage younger people into our older cars and bikes, but how do you do it? Well I don't claim to know, but it does help if you take a little bit of time and show them your car, let them sit in it and yes, even drive the thing. I'm looking forward to seeing the old Vauxhall returning to the road again within a couple of years. Coming up in March, our club event takes place a little earlier than usual, over the weekend of 15th and 16th. Just to try something different, we are going to visit the Steam Traction Society for their 2025 Steam Fair. To keep things simple and easy there is no formal rally to get there, all you have to do is turn up, preferably in a club eligible vehicle, on either or both days. They will have traction engines, and a lot of "heritage machinery" operating. Rides behind traction engines are also available along with the

Captain’s Table: continued from page 6: chance of driving one. Now this is an opportunity not to be missed, especially if you think your car has heavy steering! There is an entry fee (traction engines are costly to run): $10 per person or $30 per car with a maximum of 5 people per car. Cash only; they don't have eftpos facilities. They are located at 76 Maewa Road, Feilding, (next to the Austin museum) and will be operating from 10am until 4pm on both days. I realise it involves a bit of effort to get there, but I have no doubt that you will enjoy it.

Regards, Neale.

WELLINGTON BRANCH MARCH RUN TO:

THE GREAT MANAWATŪ STEAM FAIR 2025

15 and 16 March; 10am to 4pm.

76 Maewa Road, Feilding

$10pp, $30 per car (Max 5 people), under 5's Free, Cash Only Trailer rides; Steam powered sawmill; Rock crusher; Heritage machinery; Food and beverages; Live entertainment and MORE!

Take a ride behind one of the engines or, if you're keen, take the controls on one of our engines under guidance from our qualified drivers.

National Motorcycle Rally & Tours Trevor Barnes

First, the sign-off from the rally organisers: "Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul. Life is short - buy the motorcycle, have a ride - Live your dreams!"

Most riders assembled in Palmerston North on Friday 24th January to claim their rally packs, though some of the 130 entrants (including our Ian Munro) arrived on Saturday morning. Ian had only entered for the Saturday ride, but had brought some camping gear. He kept on staying on. Rally packs contained an arm band with our rally number – a novelty instead of the usual bibs.

Riders were staying in accommodation all around town and, as the clubrooms are rural, the organisers had arranged transport for all evening functions. There were of course hiccups (and frustration for the organisers when people requested rides but did not show) but the service was greatly appreciated.

Saturday was the competitive time trial day. Bikes departed in groups of three at 30 second intervals after a briefing which said “No gravel, and count no exit roads, but do not enter them”. I should have absolutely applied this! Not far along the route I came across Brad Govan’s (ex-Ashley Blair) Humber stopped. I stopped just in time for him to get going again. Looking for my chance to pass him, I roared past at the next crossroads only to see a checkpoint. I had to double back for them to record my number, so the Humber was ahead again. The next instruction was second right onto Valley Rd. Like a number of others, I missed the first right, and there was no sign on the post at Valley Rd. Some riders ahead of me turned right but I assumed they were on a shorter route so continued along Taonui Rd. The Humber was stopped pointing straight ahead – more of that later.

Some way up the road, at a left bend, there was a No Exit sign on the right. But it was largely obscured by vegetation. Silly me! I thought the organisers had missed it so carried on. Further up

MC Rally, continued from page 8:

there were stopped bikes so I pulled up. Another rider asked if I was on the long route. Yes. “Follow me”. Which I did, to enter gravel and emerge at Pohangina. Then back onto the route at East Pohangina Rd – but after the final checkpoint.

At the Cheltenham Pub lunch stop I was waved into a park and off to lunch. I sat next to Glyn Clements, the organiser, and he was on the phone to one of the backup crews. The Humber had broken down, off route on Taonui Rd (I think at the gravel). So, a rescue vehicle was dispatched but the Humber was not found. I understand that Brad got the bike going again, ran out of fuel, acquired fuel and completed the morning run. A special award was given for the effort (but it must have been galling for the recovery crew).

After lunch I went out to my bike and advanced the navigation roller for the afternoon run. “First left onto McKay’s Line.” Off I go down Kimbolton Rd towards Feilding, oblivious to the pub’s main carpark being around the corner on SH54. Most bikes had been marshalled there so there was no instruction to turn when

A visit to Thomsons Motorcycle Museum during the National Rally.

MC Rally, continued from page 9:

Sunday was Gymkhana Day, held at the Black Barn where there are vehicles and motoring memorabilia, with plenty of grass areas for field tests. On Sunday evening, I pulled out of the tours due to back trouble, only going to the Thomson Motorcycle Museum near Rongotea then heading home. As a footnote, my Suzuki and sidecar performed well, with two trophies and second overall, but driven by my oldest brother, Barry, and ably navigated by his wife Carla. An intercom on their helmets helped.

(Photo of Wellington Branch prize winners on page 5.)

My National Motorcycle Rally Paul Switzer

130 motorcycles assembled at the start of the rally which was all centered at the Manawatu VCC clubrooms in Palmerston North. As the rally day was forecast to be quite warm, all unnecessary clothing was discarded and a water bottle put into the carry bag.

As I was entrant no 123, I had a good chance to look at the assembled machinery and watch many of them depart. My turn duly arrived, so I headed off following the instructions in a sort of northerly direction. The roads were smooth, the sun was shining, the instructions were clear, there was the odd faster bike that passed me and I could see another bike up in the distance in front of me and the bike was going well, and I was trying to keep it cruising not too much above the given average speed.

Instruction five was a turn to the left to go down a long fairly straight road, which was then "right at T" quite some distance away. What could possibly go wrong?

I went to change gear and surprisingly found a void where the gear lever normally sits. Pulling to the side of the road confirmed the lack of a gear lever, the engine was still running, if I stopped it i wouldn't be able to restart it, but then I couldn't really

MC Rally, continued from page 12:

continue on with top gear only, so the bike was parked. There was another entrant on a Panther m/c taking photos of other bikes going past from under the shade of a nearby large tree, so I decided that would be a better place to wait. He kindly offered to go back to look for my missing gear lever, which had fallen off between instruction five and instruction six. Nothing really to do but wait for the backup or my gear lever to arrive.

After about 10 minutes, another rider arrived on a modern bike, and pulled my gear lever out of his tank bag. Whoopie! Thanks.

Attach the gear lever, which still had the bolt, nut and spring washer intact and head off towards the end of the timed section. The arrival at the lunch stop was not too late so there was still plenty of food available. The afternoon section, which was untimed, was completed without a problem, arriving back at the clubrooms for some welcome refreshment.

In all, the National Motorcyle Rally was a great event, with great organisation and everything seemed to go to plan. As one of the speakers said at the rally dinner, if your bike is too heavy and hard to manage, get a smaller and lighter one, if that becomes too heavy and hard to manage, get a smaller and lighter one!

There was one entrant who stood out amongst the rest. He had bought his eight year old grandson with him, who occupied the sidecar on the rally days. For the touring days (a five-day after-rally tour), he sat on the pillion seat of the solo bike, but as a safety precaution there was a belt that went around rider and pillion.

The weight of the rider was more than able to support the eight year old should he nod off to sleep again! This kid had a permanent grin on his face and of course the grandfather already had his vehicle succession plan well sorted.

{Editor’s Note: Paul also did the post-rally tour; if there is room that will be in the April issue of the magazine}

LOCHINVER STATION VISIT Phil Kidd

In association with the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club, a group of vintage cars went to visit the station in February. Our hosts were Tom and Liz Loughlin who run “Kai Waho Aotearoa” and with them the weekend was organised for a small group tour that felt like you had turned back in time to see and experience New Zealand as our forefathers did. The 22 Essex Four Roadster had a problem, so took the 34 Railton instead. The diversion via Ohakune added extra time.

The station is 47kms from Taupo on the Napier-Taupo road and is a jaw dropping 50,000 acres making it the second largest station in the North Island. Owned by the Spencer family (of toilet paper fame), it is served by some 140km of roading with 14 family homes and 4 single dwellings for the full -time staff. They employ full-time mechanics for the vast array of machinery required to run the farm and on our trip in we saw no less than four 4WD utes, plus new fencing being erected. At 10am the group assembled at the entrance to the station and we proceeded to the Assembly point several miles in for a greeting and explanations. The group consisted of six vintage cars plus two utes and one car – a total of 18 folks.

The roads are all pumice and after leaving the station boundary we entered Tūwharetoa tribal land; from there the standard of roading decreased dramatically. The paddocks we passed were huge. The station produces 25,000 lambs per year and one paddock had so many Angus cattle beasts in it

Lochinver Trip , continued from page 12: the land looked black. We stopped to view a lake and scenery and then proceeded to “Xena’s rock”. This was a huge lump expelled from the Taupo volcanic explosion sitting by itself in the vast landscape, once used in “Xena, warrior princess ”.

At the far boundary the standard of road reduced dramatically and after several hours we arrived at our destination. It was a relaxed atmosphere and we all got to know each other very well. The highlight was the preparation and putting down the hangi. While it was cooking we went by ute to the top of the nearby hills (much too steep for our vehicles), or to visit a waterfall downstream from the campsite. On return the hangi was opened and the tables set. The food was to die for! Tom was a chef in his past life and that was obvious. For sleeping, we were “the glampers” with camp stretchers and mattresses in tents and “the wharriers” in the bunkhouse some distance away. Incredibly, the toilet (open with view) was set up with flushing water.

Then, sadly it was time to leave. There was one extremely steep section that nearly all navigated successfully, but the 1924 Essex Coach (Auckland) made it up 3/4 of the way but ran out of puff! It was a bit of touch and go and thankfully the 2 -wheel brakes held on the steep incline until a tow by one of the 4WD utes finally pulled it clear. We went out on a different path which gave us more appreciation of just how vast Lochinver is; ie: Over 100 oak trees, each fenced, planted about 100 metres apart on a dead straight road some 8 to 10 meters wide.

Overall a great trip, driving our vintage cars as they should be!

British and European Car Day at Trentham, 9 February.

Above: Both the bike and the Super Snipe were made by Humber. Below: Phil and Pat’s SAAB station-wagon, and a Ford Consul. {Editor’s prerogative to indulge in nostalgia as

Also spotted at Trentham:

A Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (above) and (left) a German Hansa 1100 Coupe with His and Hers? Martin (Morris) and Rita (Armstrong Siddeley) head for home.

Club Night Trip - Avalon Studios Angelica Edgley

About 30 club members visited Avalon Studios in the evening before the February club night. On the second floor of the studio building we visited the following three centres:

The Maritime Operations Centre was basically a communications room for dealing with emergencies at sea with staff there 24/7. They coordinate responses with the Coastguard, Police etc, and have VHF radio sites over all NZ. Apparently NZ covers a huge area of ocean (with other countries as well).

The Network Operations Centre was also manned 24/7, and deals with keeping all free-to-air transmissions (satellite and earth) going. TV went digital in 2012 and now uses much less power and

Above: The Network Operations Centre with its multiple screens monitoring TV transmissions.

Left: The cabling room associated with the NOC: electrical cords in all directions.

Perhaps the most interesting (and the easiest to understand for the less-technically inclined) was the Parliament TV Room (photo above).

There are eight cameras positioned in the Debating Chamber, and every seat in the House can have two cameras trained on it that can zoom right in. Writing to identify the speaker can be quickly added. There is continuous coverage when the sessions are on.

The audio controller has 136 microphones, most of which are off until that person speaks, although the Speaker’s microphone is always live.

When the photo was taken, Parliament was suspended (for dinner?) but started again at 7.30 and one group of VCC members were there at 7.30 and got to see it all in action for a short time. Very interesting and probably quite full-on work at times, given Parliament can be quite boisterous!

{Editor’s Tip: For the emailed magazine version, use the “zoom in” tool on the photo above to see what’s on the screens.}

Many thanks to all the personnel that evening who patiently explained their work and answered questions.

****12-MONTH WoF and CoF CONSULTATION****

Vintage Cars: Last weekend we had a family day out to Upper Hutt for the British & European Car Show (my son Jeremy absolutely loves cars!) and I took the opportunity to officially announce we’ll be consulting on reducing the frequency of WOF and COF inspections for vintage cars and private motorhomes from 6 months to 12 months. The evidence is that vintage cars are driven less and pass their tests at a higher rate so a 6 month inspection is just unnecessary time and cost. Consultation opens 27 Feb and the feedback so far has been amazing!

We'll be consulting on reducing the frequency of WOF and COF inspections for vintage cars and private motorhomes from 6 months to 12 months. Opens on 27 February - get your submissions in!

Kapiti Run: THE MIREK SMISEK TE HORO KILNS

Over 40 members and partners made the trip to Te Horo to see the unique beehive kilns built by one of NZ's most famous potters, Mirek Smisek, and learn a little about his fascinating life. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1925, Mirek spent some of his teenage years in a Nazi POW camp, then found his country occupied by Russia when the war ended. In 1948 he escaped from his native country and, after a short stay in Australia, he settled in NZ where he gained international recognition for his salt-glazed range of pottery. He lived and worked in Te Horo from 1969 to 1997. You may not realise it, but if you have seen any of the Lord of the Rings films then you will have seen some of the 700 pieces which he produced specially for Sir Peter Jackson. Mirek died in 2013 and a few years later the kilns were in danger of being bulldozed to make way for the new expressway. But thanks to the Mirek Smisek Trust and help from NZTA, the kilns were dismantled brick by brick and relocated to their new site alongside the expressway, where future plans include an arts centre, workshops and exhibition space to create a ceramic art hub on the Kapiti Coast. To round off the run, most attendees enjoyed a convivial lunch at the Longbeach Cafe at Waikanae Beach.

View of the Kilns, and the relocated Te Horo Railway Station now used for accommodation.

MOTORCYCLE SECTION REPORT by Trevor Barnes

Meeting Monday 24th Feb: 11 people attended. Apologies Peter Simpson. Special welcome to Hal O’Rorke after a long recovery. Past Events attended: Christmas Ride Friday 13th December: 14 riders for the visit to Stonehenge Aotearoa.

National Motorcycle Rally, Manawatu 25-27 January 2025: A separate report will be in the Motoring Spirit.

Horowhenua Ted Green Memorial Rally 23 February 2025: Wellington attendees were Paul Switzer, Royal Enfield, Adrian Macnee Honda CB750, David Gwynn BSA B50, Ian Munro AJS, Trevor Barnes CB200T. Mostly off the main roads with visits to Shannon back streets, Foxton and Foxton Beach. Around 90 miles including a farm track (which Trevor declined to ride). Food galore, with a BBQ at Foxton. Results: Paul 1st PV, Trevor 2nd P60 and Ian the Tony Wallace Memorial Trophy (best AJS/Matchless).

The overall winner was Verdon Heath on his 1974 CZ 175cc.

Coming Club Events:

North Island (Claytons) Tour 15-23 March: See December MS. Whanganui Autumn Trial 12 April 2025: The entry form has been circulated. Trevor Barnes, Adrian Macnee, Kevin Clemens, Paul Switzer are interested. Group ride. Accommodation: Whanganui River Top 10. This needs to be sorted soon as it’s in school holidays. https://www.wrivertop10.co.nz/

Coming Non-Club Events: National BSA Rally 14-16 March, Port Waikato. Ashley Blair is attending.

Other Business: After circulating the Capital to Country Scooter Safari information, Kevin Clemens asked if there would be any interest in VCC folk entering these events. From Kevin: “I just registered for the Scooter event. I also am doing the 50cc scooter event from Napier to Wellington on March 1st. Do you think there would be any interest in a VCC Wellington team for these scooter type events? It is easy to find a 50cc scooter for less than $1500 and riding with 4 or 5 other VCC types would be fun!” Let Kevin or Trevor know if you are interested. Going to try for a speed record Kevin? Next Meeting: 24th March, 7.30 at the Empire (Brewer & Butcher)

COMING EVENTS

If no details are provided, check the VCC website or contact Wgtn Branch Secretary for details/entry forms.

Saturday and/or Sunday March 15 and 16:

Wgtn Branch Trip to Manawatu Steam Festival For details see pages 6 and 7 of this issue.

April issue Kapiti Mid-Week Run, 26 March, see page 22

KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN - 26th MARCH

Brunch & fellowship in ‘The Woolshed’ and a 7 Heritage Houses tour on-site.

Murray Hislop has organised a visit to The Woolshed Café & Heritage Walk 1km south of Sanson at 2879 State Highway 1

This time we will start with a brunch and a chat, followed by an audio-guided walk through seven heritage houses. For brunch we can choose from the cabinet or from the menu that can be found online at www.woolshedcafe.co.nz

Then enjoy a slice of Kiwiana with the Heritage Walk that takes approximately 1½ hours and involves around 500 metres of walking including some steps. Discounted price is $18pp. More details are on the above website

There will also be an opportunity to take our club-eligible vehicles into the heritage area for photographs.

Time:10:30 Arrival & Brunch; 11:30 Groups leave for the Heritage Walk; 12:30 onward. Groups return to café. Photo opportunities. Note that there is an interesting second-hand bookshop just up the road in Sanson.

The Woolshed is not open Mondays or Tuesdays so it is important that we advise numbers by noon, Sunday 23 March. Please advise if you will be coming for Brunch, The Tour, or Both, and whether you would like to photograph your car in the heritage setting.

Philip Pearce: nzpearce87@gmail.com 027 274 4084

OTHER RALLIES, RUNS and EVENTS

9 March: Ruahine Ramble; Manawatu VCC

15 March: Taupo Country Roads Rally, Taupo VCC.

15 - 16 March: Steam Fair, Wgtn Branch run, see page 7.

11 - 18 April: South Island Club Captain’s Tour, Dunedin.

12 April: Bristols Open Day, Upper Hutt, see page 21.

18 - 20 April: Final Wheels at Wanaka, Otago.

17 - 22 April: Road trip to Easter Rally by Manawatu Branch

18 - 21 April: North Island Easter Rally, Waikato.

18 - 20 April: South Island Easter Rally, Canterbury.

25 - 27 April: Highland Fling, based in Feilding. For further details on any of these events, look up the National website, or contact Wgtn Branch Secretary: mccarthys@xtra.co.nz or wellington@vcc.org.nz

Did our members know that in New Zealand a male driver can still pee on the left-hand front wheel of his car in a public place? This is a carry over from the horse and cart days.

I wouldn’t try it because the men in blue have probably not been taught this rule and may take a truncheon to the offending organ - ouch!

(From Ray Betteridge)

Visit the VCC Website: VCC.org.nz and click on “Membership Benefits” for details on various benefits and instructions on how to apply for them.

- Code

FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS

See details on page 23 of this magazine.

VERO INSURANCE

If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. In 2021 the amount was approximately $4,159!! Well done everyone!

We are the company that offers you Total immersion stripping of Car bodies and panels WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS

Contact: Warren Leslie

Phone: (04) 232 6880 Fax: (04) 232 6882

11 Wall Place, Tawa

Email:

WELLINGTON BRANCH - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Club nights are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Clubrooms, Halford Place, Petone (Eastern end of Jackson St) starting at 7:30pm

The Clubrooms are also normally open for casual gatherings on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 12:00, and for Noggin and Natters on Fridays 7:30pm.

Motorcycle Meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Butcher and Brewer, 75 Jackson Street, Petone at 7:30pm.

MARCH 2025 CLUB NIGHT

Rory Taylor will talk about Car Tracking Systems and Fleet Management.

JUNE

Secure, dry storage available

20 sq metres, 5.7m deep by 3.6m wide, in St Mary Street, Thorndon. Level street access, electricity included. Suitable for two vintage cars, business or household goods. MUST be long term, no daily visits!

Negotiable monthly rates apply but there's no GST to pay. Call Neil on 027 499 1212 anytime for more details. 1

Above: One of the Te Horo Kilns. See page 19.

At right:

A spectacular photo of a night firing session at the Te Horo kilns in the past.

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