THE WIPER The Newsletter of the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
January 2021
Next meeting: 12th January
MEETINGS: SECOND TUESDAY of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore Branch telephone number: 03 208 7424
2020-2021 Committee and Officers Branch Patrons Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Assistant Club Captains
Neil McVicar, Ray Tressler Greg Elder Paul Herron Bill Ainge Rod Bell John Parish Rod Bell Charlie Davis Matt Cook Greg Elder Bill Sheddan Tim Walsh Branch Recorder (Wiper Editor) David North Assistant Branch Recorder Position not filled at present House Convenor Des Brewster Social Committee Beb Kennedy, Murray Low, David McDowell, Russell Newland Beaded Wheels Reporter Jim McFadzien Festival Rally Organiser Murray Proctor Assistant Rally Organiser Marilyn Proctor Bar Manager Chris Scoles Assistant Bar Manager Murray Proctor Maintenance Supervisor Keith Nunn Maintenance Assistants Bill Ainge, Keith Dodds, Russell Newland, Ken Youngson Swapmeet Gerry Kennedy Parts Assistants Evan Henderson, Gerry Kennedy, Bryan Neilson Hill Climb Evan Henderson Hill Climb Assistant Terry Inder Sheriff Denis Knight Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Starr McDougall National Delegate David North Privacy Officer Bill Ainge Health & Safety Officer Murray Low Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum David McDowell Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Gerry Kennedy Branch Daffodil Day Co-ordinator John Tremaine Vehicle Identity Card signatories Evan Henderson, John Parish, John Tremaine
(03) 202 5710 (03) 208 6121 (03) 208 9877 027 229 2191 (03) 208 5505 027 229 2191 027 451 5234 027 379 1131 (03) 202 5710 027 434 2935 (03) 208 3531 021 172 3281 (03) 208 1960
(03) 208 0121 (03) 208 4768 (03) 208 0052 (03) 208 4768 (03) 208 5403
027 233 4634
(03) 208 6479 (03) 208 7017 027 351 3190 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 5450 021 172 3281 (03) 208 9877 (03) 208 4007 (03) 208 6791 027 233 4634 (03) 208 9670
Front cover picture: Alex McLennan pictured at the Josephville Hillclimb in 2013. (Photo from the Editor’s collection)
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Chairman's Report January 2021 Summer has arrived and (at the time of writing) Xmas is nearly here. I am very pleased this past crazy year is nearly over. Welcome to Graeme and Ann Humphries from Te Anau who have just joined our Gore Branch. Looking forward to seeing them out in their 1931 Studebaker President. Thank you to Evan Henderson and Team for putting on a great event at the Josephville Hillclimb. The weather was perfect and some very fast times were recorded. [And a very slow one...... Ed.] Our club members extend their sympathies to Margaret McLennan and family on the recent death of Alex. Alex was a member of our club for 50 or so years, Past President for 3 years and a very active member. He restored some amazing vehicles over that time including a Model A Ford Roadster, MG TA, 1914 Renault, Amilcar, 1967 Porsche, Austin Healey Sprite, and several others. His workmanship was top class and he could lend his hand to anything. I have fond memories of going with Alex on the 1972 International Rally to Nelson in his newly-restored 1914 Renault. We motored from Christchurch to Nelson and back. I wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Safe Happy Motoring Greg Elder
Want to dob somebody in to the Sheriff? Have you got a small tale to pass on? Or a tall tale? There’s no need to wait for a meeting night - you can now do it any time (and completely anonymously) by emailing it to Denis at ramsel@xtra.co.nz Complete discretion is assured!
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FAREWELL
Alex and the Vauxhall Special at the Josephville Hillclimb in 2012 (photo from the Editor’s collection)
McLENNAN, Alexander Thomas (Alex): Of Riversdale. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, aged 86 years. Dearly loved husband of Margaret, cherished and respected Dad of Debbie and Trevor Allan (Riversdale), Julie and Graeme Collins (Dunedin), Chris (Glenorchy), Steve and Tracey (Wallacetown), Dean and Bronwyn (Christchurch). Dearly loved Grandad Alex and Pop of his 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Alex will be held in the Riversdale Community Centre, on Friday, December 11, at 2.00pm. Special thanks to the staff at Resthaven, Oban ward, for their love and care of Alex. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hokonui St John Ambulance. Messages to PO Box 22, Riversdale, 9744. Taken from the Southland Times The Editor 4
Club Captain’s Report January 2021 Another year pretty much done and dusted. We hope everyone has a great Christmas and a happy New Year. Vintage car club activities are ramping up with Rod Bell’s picnic run scheduled for the 10th of January and the Ladies Run organised by Des and Janet Brewster on the 17th of January. February has the Combined Rally being organised by Southland Branch on the 7th, the day after the Southland Rally, so get organised and enter both to make a weekend out of it. We are still to confirm a date for the Diggers Run with the Gore RSA. Entry forms are out for our Festival Rally on the 27th of February so fill these out and send them in to Murray Proctor before you misplace them. Since the last Wiper we have had the Josephville Hill Climb on the 27th of November organised by Evan Henderson and his team. It was another successful hill climb with 13 entrants and Dave Harris set a new record time. On the 13th of December we had the Christmas Run with 12 cars travelling to Waikaka Station to view Sharon and Laurie Paterson’s garden. It was cold but dry and the garden, which covers 5 acres, was well sheltered so everyone enjoyed a wander around before returning to the clubrooms for a pot luck BBQ tea. Thanks to all those that helped with the meal and cleaning up afterwards. See next month’s Wiper for a full report. John Parish
More Puns Please I used to be allergic to soap but I’m clean now. The patron saint of poverty is St. Nickeless. Did you know they won’t be making yardsticks any longer? Do you have weight loss mantras? Fat chants! Sent in by Janet Brewster 5
From the Editor’s Keyboard I hope that you all had an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas. Now is the time to think about the New Year – and resolutions. Make it one of yours to send me a story for The Wiper, you know it makes sense! October/November seem to have been very busy months for the VCC, judging by the number of event reports I have received. A big “thank you” to Greg Elder for his on the Prince Henry Tour, Janet Brewster for hers on the November Tuesday Ramble, Murray Proctor’s on the Clutha Rally, Evan Henderson’s on the Josephville Hillclimb and, once again, to our Junior Reporter, Ryder Cook, for his account of the Mount Cook Rally. It is thanks to the likes of these enthusiastic members that you have such an enjoyable and interesting newsletter to read each month. Don’t leave it all up to “somebody”, do a little yourselves! A Happy (and, hopefully, more “normal”) New Year to you all, David North CORRECTION: due to an editing oversight, the overnight temperature during the “big freeze” mentioned in Bill Sheddan’s story was given as 0º rather than -10ºC (minus 10ºC). The error is regretted. The Editor
Spotted! If you have sharp eyes, Evan Henderson (and his Mk 2 Jaguar) are pictured on page 107 of the December 2020 issue of New Zealand Classic Car magazine. He was one of the judges at the Southland Jaguar Drivers’ Club concours competition, held in conjunction with the AGM in Gore earlier this year. The Editor 6
***PRESS RELEASE*** Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc/Motorsport New Zealand agreement updated Vintage Car Club National President Diane Quarrie and Motorsport New Zealand acting CEO Elton Goonan have signed an update of the agreement of co-operation and mutual support between our two organisations. There has only been one change to the existing and ongoing agreement, which is a change in eligibility date for circuit racing. Previously this was 31 December 1960, however it has been moved to 31 December 1965. This change will give event organisers an additional group of vehicles and competitors to call on and we hope it will bring new competitors to our races. As has always been the case, the choice of which group or era of vehicles invited to compete at any event will remain in the hands of the organising branch. Diane Quarrie National President
Tony Haycock Speed Steward 7
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From the Editor’s Christmas Crackers Q. Why is it getting harder to find an Advent Calendar? A. Because their days are numbered. 9
The 2020 Founders Prince Henry Tour On Tuesday the 20th October, after the National Veteran Rally, 17 veteran vehicles gathered at the Gore VCC clubrooms for morning tea before the start at 10am of the above rally. As the previous day had been a lay day for entrants after the National Veteran Rally many journeyed out to look at the late Robin Dickson’s Veteran collection which will be coming up for sale in the future. Others took the opportunity to service their vehicles. John Callesen (1918 Cadillac) who had motored all the way from Palmerston North along with Alan Hardacres (1915 Dodge) made their way up to my workshop to service their cars. The three of us joined the group here to save motoring back to Gore on Tuesday morning. First stop was at Mandeville to the Aviation Heritage Museum and Moth Cafe and to view the Rogers K92 Locomotive. Next stop was out to our place where it was great to see all the entrants’ vehicle lined up in our drive while they viewed our collection.
The weather was particularly good, so it was great to be able to continue motoring with the hood down. Next stop was Lumsden where most entrants had lunch and viewed the two V-Class locomotives which were built in 1885. They had been recently excavated from the Oreti River after being dumped there in 1927 as river protection. After having our lunch, it was on through Mossburn to Te Anau where we arrived about 3pm. The lake was like glass and we enjoyed a drive around the foreshore before booking into our motel. At 6.30 pm we all gathered 10
at the Ranch Bar and Grille for a meal. Two vehicles had to be trailered in to Te Anau but would be repaired for the next day’s motoring. Wednesday dawned bright and fine so another day with the hood down! We assembled at 9am for a 10 am start at the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum. With the Cadillac fuelled up and checked over it was on our way towards Milford Sound. Our first stop was at the Mirror Lakes. As the weather was perfect the lakes certainly lived up to their name. With stops along the way for photos we finally, after 73 kms, made the turn left into the Cascade Creek camping area for our picnic lunch stop and turn around. Luckily, there was a slight wind which kept the sandflies away.
Paul Herron’s Model T (foreground) and our Cadillac at Cascade Creek
This in my mind must be some of the best motoring in the world with amazing scenery and the sun coming down through the beech forest as we motored along on perfect roads. There were no tourist buses on the road and very few camper vans or tourist vehicles so maybe we could say that the Covid 19 had done us a favour on this special rally. We then motored back to Te Anau where we met at the Moose Restaurant for an evening meal and catch up on all the stories of the day. Next morning everyone gathered outside the Moose bar on the waterfront at 10am on another perfect day for the final day’s motoring back to Gore. Unfortunately, our Cadillac, which had performed very well up to this 11
stage, decide it was going to play up. They say things happen in threes and this was the case!! Firstly, I had forgotten to turn off the isolating switch the previous night, so the battery was flat. Luckily, I had a spare one. Secondly upon start up, no oil pressure which is a bit of a worry with a big V8 engine. Now it has been known to do this before which can cause a few headaches. The original handbook which I carry in the car says prime the pump with fresh oil. Now this is not an easy exercise so I came up with a cunning plan and use the original hand air pump on the dash to pressurise a small 500cc reservoir under the dash where I can open a tap and back feed the oil pump in case of an issue. Thirdly, would you believe the leather washer on the pump came off? So I had to remove and fix it with help from my Cadillac mate John Callesen. After all this drama we finally got oil pressure and made the start just in time as the last car away on our journey out to Manapouri where we stopped at Pearl Harbour and then back out to SH 94 where we motored back up Gorge Hill and down to Mossburn. After a short stop there it was down through Wreys Bush to Winton for a lunch stop. By now there was a very warm Norwest wind blowing behind us which certainly pushed us along down those beautiful roads. After lunch Daphne and I decided to motor straight back to our home at Riversdale rather than follow the rest back to Gore via Browns as I wanted to get the lawns mowed! In the evening it was down to the Rustic CafĂŠ and Restaurant in Gore for the prize giving and meal to finish off a fantastic rally. The overall winners were Travis and Margaret Michelle from Otago in their 1917 Moon. I enjoyed taking a photo of their Moon along with two of my Stars while they were visiting our place. A big thank you to Nevin Gough and Kelly Findlay for organising the rally and to Bryan and Marion McConachie for the backup trailer which was used a couple of times. Happy Motoring Greg Elder 12
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An Eggcellent Adventure The November Tuesday Ramble
Vitamins and Minerals Eggs contain the following essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants: • Selenium - an antioxidant which protects our body and immune system • Folate for growth and maintenance of healthy cells • Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) releases energy from our food for our body to use • Vitamin B12 for brain and nervous system functions and blood formation • Vitamin A for growth and eye health • Iodine to ensure proper function of our thyroid gland • Vitamin E an antioxidant to protect our bodies against disease • Phosphorous helps build strong bones and teeth • Iron to produce haemoglobin which carries oxygen around our bodies • Thiamine to turn carbohydrates into energy our body can use • Zinc helps in growth, wound healing, blood formation and maintenance of tissues • Vitamin D important in bone health • Calcium for building and maintain bones and teeth • Biotin helps cell metabolism and the utilisation of fats, proteins and carbohydrates • Lecithin contains acetylcholine which has been proven to help brain function • Choline is important in many metabolic processes, including those of liver, heart and brain • Lutein is important for eye health
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Antioxidants Eggs contain the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants and are thought to be protective in the prevention of eye disease. Eggs & cholesterol Studies conducted in healthy people show no effect of daily egg intake on blood cholesterol. In addition the latest scientific evidence shows no association between increased intake of dietary cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
TRADITIONAL EGG NOG INGREDIENTS 2 cups milk 1. ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp pure vanilla extract 2. 6 large egg yolks ½ cup granulated sugar 1 cup heavy cream 3. 1 cup bourbon or rum (optional) Whipped cream, for serving
DIRECTIONS In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla and slowly bring mixture to a low boil. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until yolks are pale in colour. Slowly add hot milk mixture to egg yolks in batches to temper the eggs and whisk until combined. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until slightly thick (and coats the back of a spoon) but does not boil. (If using a candy thermometer, mixture should reach 160º.) 4. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and, if using, bourbon. Refrigerate until chilled. 5. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Tuesday 24th of November was a beautiful day, warm, clear skied with not a breath of wind. Just as Gerry ordered. A large group of Tuesday Ramblers gathered at the club rooms at the early start time of 9:30 am to 15
await orders to mount up and move out. Our objective turned out to be Tony and Michelle Pringle’s farm at 373 Smiths Track, Balclutha. The Pringles have a 400-cow dairy operation and they have developed an organically-principled egg farm on rolling hillside farmland offering fabulous pastoral views from their well sheltered home and garden.
Michelle & Tony
and (very) free-range hens (photos by the Editor)
It’s obvious from just a cursory glance that this is a very busy couple but they were welcoming and generous with their time, knowledge and easy hospitality. Michelle’s passion for natural foods as organically grown as possible shone through from the start. This passion comes from concern over the nation’s health sliding into serious long term disease and obesity as evidenced from her nursing career. Agreeable Nature is the brand name and the ethos of the venture. Day-old chicks are flown down from Auckland and reared in three nurseries to keep the hens in the optimum egg laying age range, as hens have a best by date too. The hens are kept in large houses constructed on skids that make it possible to change location in the paddocks where they are truly free to roam at will. Feed is provided in hoppers with a 9-day capacity right beside the houses. Water from the dairy farm troughs is only metres away. Each house can roost 1,000 hens and the laid eggs roll on carpeted, gently sloped shelves at one end of the structure. Roughly 1,500 eggs being collected every 2 days. Every 2 weeks two young men dig out the hen poop before towing the houses on twenty metres or so to fresh grass. Hawks can kill quite a few hens and are constantly dealt with, cats are also a problem but they deal 16
to the rats so by the end of the hens’ natural egg-laying life there may be 750 hens left in each roostery. Five part-time ladies collect, wash, grade, and pack the eggs using a mechanised production line. Egg cartons are bought in from overseas by the container load as there is now no production of affordable egg cartons in New Zealand. This disappoints Michelle as she would really like to carry on the locally-made, recycle where possible, ethos that is so important to her. And in that spirit she is learning to effectively use the biggest worm farm I have ever seen. It must be 30 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1 metre high. She stockpiles the sawdust used in rearing the chicks till it’s aged and wet from rain, and adds old egg cartons, lawn clippings and fruit pulp from her contacts at the food markets to feed the thing. This could become a further income earner too in the future. BC (before Covid) a thriving business selling eggs to stores and restaurants/cafes had been built up over 7 years. Now, however, things are very different. The couple have had to develop a presence at farmers’ markets and on-line sales just to get by till the usual markets are back. But even in adversity they have realised a business opportunity exists in providing a “destination” selling point/experience that incorporates the products of other food sellers at the markets and their eggs. A roadside garage is to be decorated and promoted to the public as a place to come and buy specialty goods. Country Calendar has aired a programme on this enterprise and a newspaper article brought them to Gerry’s attention. I applaud the Pringles on what they have achieved and on what they hope to do in the future. I wish them all the best and hope that post-Covid they can recover quickly. Once again Gerry has led us to a most interesting and diverse Tuesday Ramble eggperience, one I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Gerry. Cheers and Merry Christmas to you all. Janet Brewster P.S. Nobody found out what came first - the chicken or the egg!
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Haere mai – Welcome A very warm welcome to Graeme & Ann Humphries from Te Anau. They own a 1931 Studebaker President and we look forward to seeing them at meetings and on Runs and Rallies. The Editor
Looking for an unusual and/or useful present? Two mugs featuring advertising artwork for McNaughton Brothers Ltd. (Riverton’s Standard-Triumph dealer back in the day, located where the Supervalue supermarket is now.) One shows the Triumph Herald and the other the Standard Vanguard. If they sell well more designs may follow. Cost $20 each. Available only from the museum (or to order through me for collection at a meeting night or run). The Editor
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Gore VCC Supper Roster 2020/2021 January
Des Brewster
February
To be advised
March April May June July August September
To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised
October
To be advised
November
To be advised To be advised
December
IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE ON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE ARRANGE YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE. We need to cater for about 30 to 40 members each night. The cuppa and serving of the supper 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.
My thanks to those who have come forward. If the month you are listed for doesn’t suit let me know so I can rearrange them or you can work with another person on the roster to swap. Des Brewster 19
Mystery Picnic Run Sunday 10th January
Start time: 11:00am at the Club Rooms Distance: approx. 70 miles (with an estimated travel time of 1hr 20 minutes, cruising, not racing!)
Activity There will be a quiz of some sort, either run-related or just a general knowledge quiz or perhaps a combination of both To find out you will need to participate Destination: Lunch Bring your own food and refreshments, a chair to sit on, a table if you so desire, a hat to protect your head, sun block to protect the skin, umbrella for some shade and a sense of humour! Any enquiries to Rod Bell 027 229 2191 20
Tuesday Ramble 26th January
12 noon – 12.15pm Meet at Drummond Golf Club then we will convoy to the venue
12.30pm Visit to a hazelnut farm for a picnic lunch (bring a picnic lunch, drinks and something to sit on)
1.30pm A talk and tour of the farm, demonstration of nut processing, followed by tasting a variety of hazelnut recipes ($5 per person for this) and produce for sale (There is also a pick-your-own blueberry farm a few kms away if you wish to go on to that before returning home) Numbers to David North 021 172 3281 No later than 20th January (for the tasting plates) 21
Gore Branch Events for the 2020-21 Season Event
Proposed Date
Organiser(s)
2021 Picnic Run
Sunday 10th January
Rod Bell
Ladies Run
Sunday 17th January
Janet Brewster
Diggers Run
?? February (to be confirmed)
Charlie Davis
Festival Rally
Saturday 27th February
Murray Proctor
Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers
Sunday 7th March
Greg Elder
Swap Meet & Boot Fair
Sunday 14th March
Gerry Kennedy
Night Trial
Saturday 8th May
Tim Walsh
End of Season Run
Saturday 5th June
Rod Bell
VCC National Day / Daffodil Rally
Sunday 22nd August
TBC
Opening Run
Sunday 12th September
TBC
Tuesday Ramble
Normally last Tuesday of Co-ordinated by the month. Gerry Kennedy Variable in December
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 usually works best if you ask them before the event!)
From the Editor’s Christmas Crackers Q. What does a Christmas tree eat with? A. Utinsels 22
Other Events 2021 th
16 - 17 January
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24 January 29th – 31st January
Otago Branch, Dunedin - Brighton Veteran Rally. Enquiries to Colin Winter, phone (03) 456 4382 or email wolseley2@xtra.co.nz Otago Branch Jackson Rally. Enquiries: Bill Veitch, phone (03) 489 1626 or email w.veitch@xtra.co.nz Edendale Crank Up featuring Allis Chalmers tractors & machinery, Australian classic cars
6th February
Southland Branch Rally
7th February
Combined Rally, organisers Southland Branch
Art Deco Festival 2021, Hawkes Bay Branch. Online entry here www.hbvcc.org.nz. Contact: 18th – 21st February Steve Trott stevetrott@xtra.co.nz or Steve Donovan stevedon@xtra.co.nz 14th March th
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Best of British, Dunedin Swap Meet, South Canterbury Branch
2nd – 4th April
National Vintage Easter Rally, South Canterbury Branch
3rd – 4th April
Wheels at Wanaka https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/
22nd August
VCC National Day/Daffodil Rally
25th - 30th October
Targa VCC Time Trials (North Island) Enquiries to: Rod Corbett, VCC Steward, rod.corbett88@gmail.com or 027 433 8772 2022
16 – 21 January th
st
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, New Plymouth 2023
Burt Munro Week
National Motorcycle Rally, Southland Branch 23
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Mount Cook Rally 2020, 24th – 26th October On Friday morning Poppa, Dad and I left Edendale at 8:00am and headed for the South Canterbury VCC Mt Cook Rally. The Wolseley was packed with luggage and gear for four days away and I was squished in the back. We stopped outside of Palmerston on the coast for our morning tea of yummy sandwiches that Mum had made. We got to Timaru and checked into our motel. Then because we were so close to Winchester we headed there so Dad could take photos of the Wolseley outside of the Wolseley Hotel (which is for sale).
Drove my Wolseley to the Wolseley but the Wolseley was for sale
Early Saturday morning, we left the motel and went to the South Canterbury VCC Clubrooms where the run was leaving from. There were about 54 car and bikes entered. They all looked cool, a lot of fancy looking cars, like Alvises, Rovers, MGB’s Rileys, Model A and T Fords as well as a 1914 Indian motorcycle. While Poppa and Dad were in the front I was in the back and navigated from there.
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Me, squished in the back seat waiting for the 'off'
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How do you make a Wolseley seem large? Park it beside an MGB
There were two different routes a long and short, Dad had chosen the long route. Made longer by the fact that he had missed a turn off and I had us driving along looking for a road that didn’t exist and it was the road we were already on. Dad kept calling me the ‘dyslexic navigator’ after that one. We stopped for lunch in Kurow and found a shady tree to park under. In the afternoon we drove over the top of the dam at Aviemore to drive along the side of Lake Aviemore, and then drove over the dam at Benmore to get to Otematata where we stopped for an ice cream, it was a really warm day and it was the best ice cream ever. (Highly recommended by me.) We headed to Twizel for the night where we had accommodation booked. Dad went for a fish that night but didn’t catch anything. On Sunday it was a more relaxed day. Everyone met at the truck’s playground for the field trials that consisted of: 1. A general knowledge quiz, Dad and Poppa had this one. 2. A large version of the Buzz Wire game, the ‘floating on fluid’ Hydrolastic suspension had this one. 3. And parking the closest to a cone without touching, blind luck had this one. After that we headed to The Hermitage at Mt Cook. We were looking forward to seeing the views, however it was pouring with rain and we couldn’t see anything. We had also packed a picnic lunch so we drove back down to where it wasn’t raining and had our lunch at the Lake Pukaki Lookout. We didn’t join in all the events, but we did have lots of fun and can’t wait to do it again next year. 27
In Short: • The accommodation was – good. • The food was – good. • The journey was – good. • The company was – good. • The navigator was – EXCELLENT! Postscript: About 10 days after we got home Dad received a certificate in the mail as he had come first in the P60 section of the field trials. Ryder Cook
Asked why, after 65 years, he still called her “sweetie”, “love” and “darling”, he replied “Well, five years ago I forgot her name and I’m too scared to ask her!” Sent in by Gerry Kennedy 28
REMINDERS A few of the vinyl “VCC Wings” badges (as featured on the front cover) are still available from the Treasurer, cost $2 each. VCC name badges: are available from Van De Water Jewellers at a discounted cost of $25. These badges are black with white lettering and bear your name and “Gore VCC”. N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you are likely to attract the Sheriff’s attention and be fined! To Let: the Gore Vintage Car Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost. Email version of The Wiper A reminder for the computer whizz-kids out there. The Wiper is also available by email; either as a link to an online version or as an emailed pdf file. The pictures are in colour, it arrives earlier and the hyperlinks work too! Just send me your email address if you would like to try this. The Editor 29
South Otago - Clutha Rally, 14th November Car fuelled, lunch packed, wet weather gear? No, not needed. 8.30 am and time to head off. Driving to Balclutha was quite good, overcast, no wind and dry. The only let down would have to be the state of the road. Rough, State Highway One she’s pretty bad, really. Anyway, we arrived at the Town & Country Club and picked up our rally pack. 11.00 am starting time for us. No need to rush with the cuppa and plenty of time to catch up with friends we hadn’t seen for a while and also those we had seen just yesterday. After the briefing by the man in the blue hat, the room started to empty, and cars moved off. By the time it was our turn to start a light drizzle was falling, not enough to need the wipers continually, just enough to be nuisance. We left the T&C and went on to the main highway and then we were directed to take a loop around the Clutha Views retirement home. Coming out of there, we turned right on to the main road and travelled north to Hillend Road where we left the main road and the traffic. We then generally headed towards Clydevale, before turning away and going over the hills to Waitahuna. Along the way we had to count the wind turbines and note them onto a questionnaire sheet. A short drive around Waitahuna, where we had to stop and write down the registration number of the local fire engine. Leaving Waitahuna, we travelled to Lawrence and around the back streets while trying to identify shops and what they sold. This is where we had one of those moments. Not too sure if it was inattention, perhaps old age or maybe aliens changing the wording on our instructions, but we turned right instead of left missing out part of the drive around Lawrence. Well, 10 miles of driving and with no roads matching our instructions we turned around and back tracked, managing to realign the roads. At Waitahuna (third time through that wee settlement) we turned off SH8 and went back over the hills to Tuapeka Mouth, stopping at the local church ground for our lunch. Great place for a picnic lunch although you had to be careful just where you placed your feet. The local woolly lawn mowers had deposited a fair bit of liquid clipping in the grass.
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Because of our deviation from the written instructions previously we couldn’t answer all the questions, so we knew at that stage that we were just out to enjoy the drive for the day. Now, getting from Balclutha to our lunch stop required travelling over some fairly high, hill country roads (gravel, dry and dusty, with the odd smattering of light rain) and we were told at the briefing that the views should be fairly spectacular. Well they might have been, but following other cars, even though we were well spaced required a fair bit of attention with all the dust. I’d have to say that I couldn’t really appreciate what was on offer. Good fun though. Bellies full we headed back to Balclutha and afternoon tea followed by prize giving. Gore Branch members to win trophies were: Katy Parish, 1st lady driver and Bryan Neilson 1st Commercial. Well done to them, Gore also managed to pick up a couple of raffle prizes. After the prizegiving etc. started our decidedly dusty car and headed for home. Thanks, South Otago, for a great day out travelling some interesting back roads. Gore entrants: Neil McVicar & Fay, John & Katy Parish, W (Bill) & Annette Ainge, Bryan & Frances Neilson and ourselves. Bryan Neilson and his trophy (Photo by Annette Ainge)
Murray & Marilyn Proctor
From the Editor’s Christmas Crackers A pun, a play on words and a limerick walked into a bar. No joke. 31
Josephville Hillclimb 2020 On Sunday the 29th of November, the Gore Vintage Car Club held its 15th annual Josephville Hillclimb on an area of the old state highway that now runs through the Mitchell family farm. The usual preparations were made well in advance, with the required racing permit in-hand and course maintenance completed on the preceding Friday by South Roads. With 13 entries – a decent number slightly up on last year – most of the regulars were back for more. As usual, entries came from far and near; with Nelson (Phil Benvin), Alexandra (Willie Henderson), Queenstown (Dick Shanks), and the West Coast (Joe Gillman) demonstrating the geographical spread. However, we are always looking for more outside competition, so please spread the word as this is an annual event that will be running again next year. And with this year’s event being such a success, in large part due to a great bunch of people, the only way to know what you are missing out on is to attend!
Joe Gillman’s V8 coupe
Long-range forecasting accuracy has not improved since last year (surprise surprise) and the outlook was quite changeable over the days leading up. At first light things were promising, with the weather gods 32
taking favour upon us. We arrived early at the Mitchell property to a clear blue sky, a gentle gust of wind, and several entrants already keenly waiting. Radios and timers were tested, any relevant competitor paperwork was completed, and all cars were scrutinised by Terry Inder and Andy Christie. The drivers' briefing was delivered on schedule and practice runs were completed without any mechanical issues. The traditional break for lunch was held after practice, leaving time for drivers to exchange a few yarns before it was time to get serious. Racing was close as always, and by day's end we had a new overall fastest time – that record still belonging to Dave Harris (right in photo) in his Johnston Formula Ford, who drove exceptionally well to beat his previous best by 9/100ths of a second and take out the top honour. Great work Dave. Phil Benvin and Willie Henderson made the trip for a fourth successive year as a part of their annual racing calendar. Well done chaps and long may it continue. Speaking of which, the three Jaguar times were close – closer than normal as a point of fact – and I think it might be time to make a few more mods if I am to remain ahead of the family rivals and keep any home advantage. It was a pleasure to have Joe Gillman down from the West Coast in his old Ford V8 – a car he has owned and raced for many years – and Peter Pryde in his Chevy Impala. Both managed to post some impressive times. Mervyn Frew in his Porsche 911 was typically fast but couldn't compete with the speed and handling of the Mallock or the Johnston, and this year he was also pipped at the post by the Monroe Special. 33
Special mention goes to Tony Haycock – our guest speed steward – who kindly made the trip with one leg in plaster while being forced to adopt crutches, and Greg Elder in his canary yellow Ford Escort for posting this year’s slowest time. Some of us are curious as to the cause, but only Greg knows the answer, and to date he isn't sharing! [Apparently it was something to do with shoelaces. Ed.]
The competitors
Presentations were briefly held at 2pm; the Stewart Quertier Trophy for fastest time was presented to Dave Harris, Neil McDonald in his Monroe Special took out the new Clearwater Trophy for home-built specials, and Willie Henderson received the Alec McLennan Trophy for continued support and dedication to the event. The Gore Vintage Car Club would like to thank the Mitchell family for the use of their property, South Roads for sweeping the track, Tony Haycock as event steward, the Eastern Southland Car Club, and in particular Earl & Beth Hewlett, for their time and equipment – along with flag marshals, time-keepers, health and safety officer Rhonda Wilson, and all others who helped make the day a success. I trust everyone enjoyed their outing, and hope to see you all back next year for number sixteen.
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Competitors’ Fastest Times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
D Harris N Longman N McDonald M Frew E Henderson P Benvin W Henderson P Hurley T Inder G Elder P Pryde D Shanks J Gillman
Johnston FF Mallock U2 Monroe Special Porsche 911 Jaguar MK2 Jaguar XK140 Jaguar MK2 Mini Cooper S Datsun 180B Ford Escort Chevrolet Impala Daimler SP250 Ford V8 Coupe
25.30 26.32 28.56 28.68 31.14 31.78 32.13 32.84 33.06 33.42 34.13 34.37 34.62
Neil McDonald in his Monroe Special Formula Vee
Credits: Event organisation by Evan Henderson and Terry Inder. Event photography: Bryan Neilson, Emma McDonald & Mark Henderson Evan Henderson [Photos in the article are from Mark Henderson. There are links to many more photos from the event in Online Bonuses (overleaf). The Editor] 35
Online Bonuses Official Covid-19 information: https://covid19.govt.nz/ Michelle & Tony Pringle’s Farm: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/mobile-hen-houses-helpotago-farmers-with-soilhealth/PVVSLVHPDO2G2BXFMQA5KV5RV4/ https://agreeablenature.co.nz/ Link to the episode of Country Calendar featuring the farm: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/country-calendar/episodes/s2020-e1 2020 Josephville Hillclimb photos: Mark Henderson: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rNS8GPbmdrmj6gQUA Emma McDonald: https://photos.app.goo.gl/t16Uz5ke1uhu8kLn6 Rumour, the Southland Branch newsletter: https://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar/Rumour-1/2020-1# The Editor 36
And, as the cat (or “prancing horse”) is out of the bag:
More next month! Along with reports on the Tuesday Ramble Christmas lunch and the Branch’s Christmas Run – plus all the other stories you are going to send me! The Editor 37
Brainteaser If the day after the day before yesterday was Wednesday, and the day before the day after tomorrow is Friday, what day is today? Answer next month!
Answer to Last Month’s Brainteaser This is a most unusual paragraph. How quickly can you find out what is so unusual about it? It looks so ordinary you’d think nothing was wrong with it – and in fact, nothing is wrong with it. It is highly unusual though. Why? Study it, think about it, and you may find out. Answer: The letter “e”, which is the most common letter in the English language, does not appear once in the long paragraph.
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COOKERY CORNER Apple Shortcake Ingredients 300g flour 1 egg
1½ tsp baking soda 2 tbsp sugar
180g butter 3-4 large apples
Method Sift together the flour and baking soda Grate the butter and rub this into the mix until well combined Add egg and sugar, beaten together, and make a firm dough Cut in half and roll 1 piece out onto a sheet of baking paper Spread the remaining half in the bottom of an 8” (21cm) baking tin Peel the apples and slice thinly. Place these evenly over the shortcake base and sprinkle with a little sugar Invert the top layer over the tin, and peel off the baking paper The top can be brushed with milk to give a brown crust Bake at 180ºC for 30-40 minutes Gerry Kennedy
Newsletters from other branches Most of the other Branch Newsletters are now posted on the VCC Website each month: www.vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches A handful of branches still send us printed copies and these are displayed on the stand in the Library. Most of the others are received by email as pdf files or links to the online versions. These can be obtained on request from the Editor or the Secretary. 40
ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE 1964 MGB Roadster, non-overdrive. Wellknown Club car. Much work carried out by previous owners in 2001: repaint in Tartan Red; seats re-upholstered in leather, door & kick panels in vinyl; exhaust system & suspension overhauled. Original engine, overhauled and new speedometer fitted at some stage. Present owners (since 2002) have done more work including new driveshaft & shock absorbers, replacing & re-chroming some trim; new tonneau cover & windbreak, MG mud flaps, chrome kick plates. Timing chain replaced last year. Complete list of previous owners and a repair manual also available. $20,000 ono. Glenise Corcoran: email glenpaul@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 208 6862 3/3
WANTED I have people in Queenstown wanting access to a London taxi for a film. Could you send out a site-wide request for me please. I think there is one in Dunedin so an email might smoke it out. David Mills mrdavidmills@gmail.com TRANSPORT WANTED The buyer of the four Hillman gearboxes that the club sold wants to know if any club member could take them to Chrstchurch sometime or to Ruapuna in early February. If so, please get in touch with me, Bill Sheddan 0274342935. Thanks
FOR SALE and WANTED advertisements are free to Club members. Each advertisement will be published in 3 consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor
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OFFERED Hello South Otago and Gore Vintage Car Clubs. My parents, Jean and Morrie Holland (Dad is now deceased), used to own a 1926 Sunbeam (see photo). This car was unusual in that behind the bonnet area the body of the car was not painted but covered in vinyl - in black and that bluey colour. Number Plate AJ 1926. This was some years ago, my mother, who lives in the Manawatu, still has a few of the spanners that are useful for some of the French metrics, etc. in the motor area. I said to my mother I would try and track down where this car is and we should try and marry up the vehicle with these tools. My mother told me a long time ago that she thought this car may have gone down to the South Otago &/or Gore area. I'd be keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas about where this vehicle might be located, or where and when it might have gone to. Thank you for your trouble. Megan Holland, Kaitangata, South Otago. Email mh@snap.net.nz or phone (03) 664 3001 (most likely need to leave a message).
Tailpiece
Sent in by Evan Henderson 42
Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. Please send all contributions to David North
before the 21st of each month for inclusion in the next 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 Remember that insuring your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quoting the branch number (300135) results in the branch receiving a commission payment Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch 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 43
GORE BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
WAIMEA STREET, PO BOX 329 GORE
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