#0096
June 2020
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron
Tom Hayes
06 367 9445
Chair
Des St Clare desstclare@gmail.com
0274 191412
Deputy Chair
John White
06 368 3299
Secretary
Glenn and Stephanie Peach
04 364 3115
Treasurer
Jackie Job
06 368 2565
Club Captain
Bruce Lawrie
04 293 6803
Branch Delegate
Michael Gaffaney
04 905 2402
Committee
Derek Ransom Bob Barton Warren MacMillan John White Colin Brooks Peter Collins
06 368 1011 06 367 8216 06 362 6156 06 368 3299 04 298 5458 06 368 8656
Custodian Groundspeople
Andrew Judd Wayne Thrower Julia MacMillan
06 368 6891 06 368 5611 06 362 6156
Spares Team
Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams Mike Khull Bob Barton Jeff Fox Colin Brooks Robert Cammish
06 364 7238
Library Archives
Don McLaren Pauline St Clare
021 1172418 0274 191412
Spark Editor
Mark Gibson gibbos2@outlook.com Bob Barton
04 971 2858
Spark Distribution VIC Team
06 367 0613 06 363 5633 06 367 8216 06 362 6013 04 298 5458 04 905 0772
06 367 8216
Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn, Jeff Fox, Mark Morgan and Mike Khull Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night Club Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 00
The COVID-19 crisis has certainly had a huge impact on all our lives. It has altered what we do and how we do it dramatically. However the outcome for our little country is looking good, how we have pulled together and obeyed the rigid regulations of isolation is a credit to everyone and makes me proud to be a New Zealander. My personal feelings are that we have shown the rest of the world the way forward and how a small nation can handle probably one of the hardest crises that the world has known. As we are now entering into the later stages of isolation it is time to start re-organising our lives. While we have been in isolation some members have still been active but have rigidly obeyed the regulations. Callum has held two working bee’s in Spares and has enforced the distancing rules, supplied masks, gloves, and hand sanitiser. There were only 10 people present and all names etc were recorded so well done Callum. Also John White, Pete Collins, and I have been keeping an eye on the clubrooms, opening and airing them regularly. On Wednesday night 27 May, the committee held a meeting and it was decided that there was not enough time to advise members of a club night in June. Due to Covid restrictions the next club meeting will be held on 1 July 2020. Please take note that all members must sign in at the door before entering, there will be no exemptions and distancing will still be required. We will not be having a speaker at this meeting but hope to make it a social chat over supper. The AGM will be held on 5 August and nomination forms, details of the meeting etc, will be available on club night. There will not be a working bee in June. About a year ago we had a very interesting presentation from Chief Superintendant John Hand of the Kent Police Department; his presentation was on a long-running murder investigation which he was in charge of. John was in New Zealand at the time preparing to retire and move permanently to NZ and to join our club. Very sadly John had a
massive brain hemorrhage and has died. So our most sincere condolences are passed to his family and friends. On behalf of the club I would also take this opportunity to convey our sincerest condolences to Bruce Lawrie and his family for the sad and sudden loss of Raewynn. She was a much valued member of our club and will be greatly missed. We will remember her for her fabulous Art Deco styled outfits, which she wore so well! Lately, my attention has been drawn to the fact that many trading banks have closed and it now appears that banks are gradually phasing out of cheques. This might present quite a problem for some club members. My thoughts are that if we had enough interest, perhaps a club meeting with a bank executive or someone connected to Senior Net, with capabilities to explain how these problems could be overcome would be to our advantage. Such a meeting could possibly be arranged over an afternoon tea or an early evening gathering at the clubrooms. If this suggestion appeals to anyone please give me a ring and let me know what you think, what time would suit best and what you would most likely want to learn and perhaps we could make plans from there. My number is 027 4191412. Well, that’s all for now. Please remember to stay in your bubbles and help to keep us all safe. Regards
Des St Clare
Des St Clare
Roster for July 2020 Bill and Lyn Isles, Bruce Jacob, Bruce Jamieson, Andrew and Linda Judd. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night, 1 July, or for the Working Bee on Saturday morning 4 July, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 0274 191412 or desstclare@gmail.com.
Speaker for July 2020 There will be no speaker this month; however the time will be used to have a chat over a cuppa and a catch up.
The Night Owl Rally
The Night Owl is our first event back from lockdown! Sunday 26 July 2020 - 6.30pm at the clubrooms Bring a torch and warm clothing! A huge ‘Thank you’ to all that came to my assistance when I pleaded for material for Spark. A great response and much appreciated! With nothing happening in the club to report on, your items were very much needed. Thank you! The drought is not yet over, so please keep those ditties coming. You may think they’re not worthy, however others do! Some are awaiting next month’s Spark. Ed
Message from the National President Sadly I advise that Mollie Anderson, Life Member of the VCC and wife of our founding President Andrew Anderson, passed away at her home on 30 April 2020 in her 91st year. Mollie was a founding influence of the Vintage Car Club and was, among other things, the editor of the first VCC newsletter, the “Guff Sheet”. A memorial gathering will be held when Alert Level guidelines permit; messages to Andrew Anderson, 428 Mound Road, RD2, Amberley, 7482. Diane Quarrie President
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ INC HOROWHENUA BRANCH Notice is hereby given: That the Annual General Meeting will be held in the Branch Clubrooms, 14 Tiro Tiro Road, Levin on Wednesday 5 August 2020 at 7.30pm
Stephanie and Glenn Peach Secretary
AGENDA 1 Apologies 2 Confirm 2019 AGM Minutes 3 Matters Arising 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Treasurer’s Report 6 Appointment of Auditor 7 Election of Officers 8 General Business Election of Officers Chairman Secretary Club Captain Committee Spark Editor Librarian/Archivist
Deputy Chairman Treasurer Welfare Officer Custodian Beaded Wheels Scribe Parts Team
Nomination Form – Office Bearer for Year 2020 – 2021 I nominate ________________________________________________ For the position of __________________________________________ Proposer _________________________________________________ Seconder _________________________________________________ I accept nomination _________________________________________ Nomination forms to be returned to the Secretary, to arrive no less than seven clear days prior to the above date: Please email horowhenua@vcc.org.nz or to the Secretary Stephanie Peach, 51 Paul Faith Lane, Te Horo, OTAKI 5581.
Brucie’s Burblings Firstly a huge thank you to all the club members that have supported myself and my family during the difficult time we have just experienced with the sudden passing of my wife Raewynn. I know many of you would have liked to contact me personally but the situation was a bit overwhelming so I asked Des to field enquiries for me. Thanks Des. Most of you won't know that Raewynn was not particularly fond of cars but absolutely loved dressing up and socialising especially talking to others who seemed to be by themselves. One of her common phrases was “you don’t need that many cars, you should sell some”. She was also the current Chairperson of Samaritans NZ and an active telephone councilor with the Levin based branch and a Victim Support Volunteer. Raewynn was also very competitive even though she would not admit it and would give everything she got involved in 100% effort. Hence our winning the Wellington Branch Club Captains trophy 2 years in a row. Coming Events I will be organising the Night Owl Rally for the last Sunday in July. That is 26 July. Start at the clubrooms 6.30pm. There will be no straight line navigation and local knowledge will be of absolutely no use to you! See you all at the next club night on 1 July.
Bruce
Raewynn Lawrie
Well it looks like we have come to the end of the major lock down and like most of us, the enforced stay at home has at least achieved those “get round to it” jobs being done. I heard the other day that a member is getting 300 kms to the month from his car. I have been busy with jobs around here but have also made good the time in the shed with my Model T restoration. I’m now on the home straight with the engine running, wiring done and the hood completed. My friend Ron Finucane finished the wiring at the time of the Swap Meet. Ivan Horn kindly lent me his New Beauty pick up and I made the hood bows using his as a pattern. Ivan then said if I can get the correct material he could cut out the hood panels. This was delayed by the lock down but it’s all done now. I still have to fit the valances. They arrived from the US which I ordered 3 months ago. I’ll have to decide on paint now? I have been to Ivan’s house and was completely amazed that he has completed his gipsy caravan project. He has completely under estimated his description of it when he calls it ‘a piece of
yard art’. It is a beautiful caravan. This project just shows some of his many talents. Built from the ground up this is created from ideas he has had in his head for years. He started with a set of 1935 Ford model Y wheels which were given to him by Trevor Hayes. They’re the only items that define an age, so the wagon is built to the 1935 style. The chassis is two 300 x 50 timber beams. He has a chook shed, built in hay rack, stove and all the nice things you would love for comfort and appeal. It is finished with pin striping and a great colour scheme that suits it
well. Ivan says the Gipsy van sits nicely among his garden trees, she tows nicely even along the road, although I think is not actually registered for the road at this time. In his workshop, part done, are three more Ford projects and he tells me he is now retired!
Mark Morgan is making progress with his friend’s Chevy. Andrew Heffey is finishing bits for the T raceabout. Tom Hayes has just completed all of Ireland’s population’s genealogy. A big task indeed! Jeff Fox was working on another interesting propeller when I last saw him. Murray Horn is back on the job surrounded by work. He is also building a new house in his spare time with the concrete floor now poured. A very rare Durant motor has just been completed by him and is still in his workshop. A car I understand is from just north of us. I will try and get more gen on this one.
Weka
If only I could talk! ER4184 a 1954 Armstrong Siddeley Utility
I am trying to trace the history of this vehicle and would appreciate any information regarding the early days of its life. Apparently the ute started life in Wellington, as a saloon, Chassis No: C342679, a 1954 Mk1 preselect saloon and was delivered to a Mr H Isherwood of Wellington, sometime after April of that year. In July of 1958 an Armstrong Siddeley sedan experienced rear end damage after sliding on ice and going over the edge of the Petone over-bridge and was subsequently sold at tender. Research indicates it was turned into a utility vehicle – maybe this car?
The early history of the car has been the subject of much conjecture over the years. The main problem with tracing the history is that most of the people involved have passed on, so most evidence is anecdotal, at best vague and occasionally incorrect. In the first instance I had assumed it was George Barnes who had built the ute, as he was well known in the Levin area for his ute conversions. Notably for the Daimler V8 now used as a promotional vehicle by the Daimler Parts Club in Christchurch. However discussions with George’s son Richard have revealed it was most probably a firm called ‘Bolderson and Chritchley’ responsible for the build. Talking with tradesmen who worked with his father in Levin around that time Richard reports that they all remember the light green vehicle being constructed on the site presently occupied by Pak n Save also in Levin. In about 1960 the late Bob Bruce (longtime member of the Armstrong Siddeley Car Club) arranged the purchase of the ute for his brother David. It was to be used on the family farm in Greendale, mid Canterbury and there it stayed until the mid 1980’s. Graeme Taylor of Temuka reported in 1993 that the only clue to its history was a lube sticker from Paraparaumu. The car is still in one piece dry stored in Christchurch but badly needs some TLC. Photos courtesy of Ivan Gardiner. Any information in confirming the history of ER4184 would be greatly appreciated.
Don McAlpine
Kind regards
Phone 027 2438417 donmcalpine@xtra.co.nz
What I did on my break
This has nothing to do with vintage cars but it is some of what I did during lockdown. When we moved into our second home in Feilding it needed a lot of work like a new kitchen, bathroom and laundry. The back porch we joined into the kitchen shifting doors etc. All this was done before I could get a workshop up and going so when lockdown came I said to Ann, “I’m going to get my workshop built!” So onto the clean out, then I had to build a decent work bench. The work bench is made of 100x50 timber which is screwed together with fortress bugle head screws. The timber runs across the bench to give it greater strength. When we lived at the beach my workshop had a shadow board on the wall which I had kept, The workbench and shadow board so I mounted this on the block wall rear and end of the bench. This has made it easy to find tools, better than looking in boxes as was the case before the work bench.
While I was cleaning out my shed I found a book which had a cardboard model of a David Brown 990 tractor 1/8 scale. I had made one of these models some 45 years ago and it was on display in a shop in Palmerston North. However when I went to pick it up it had disappeared! The shop owner said it had been stolen! However he gave me another book and this was it. I decided to build this tractor on the dining room table where I had a piece of prefinished board which I make jigsaw puzzles on. This was a good challenge because there were 92 cut out pieces to this cardboard model. After a week working on and off the project I had my cardboard David Brown 990. The finished tractor model
Well this is some of what I got up to during lockdown.
I also cut the Gelcoat and polished it on our motor home which was a big job! Well have a great day.
Colin Geange
While researching some family history I looked at Papers Past and came across the following item which may or not be of interest. It was in the 8 December 1909 edition of the Timaru Herald. It refers to an economy survey covering clients of Adams Limited Triumph Motorcycle business situated in Stafford Street Timaru. The period covers the summer of 1908-09. My Grandfather was Gaffaney family photograph album the third on the list. He was a livestock buyer for Canterbury Meats later known as NZ Refrigeration, based in Fairlie. Unfortunately the photo of my Grandfather on his Triumph requires restoration. Michael Gaffaney
J.A. Hofmann – Undertaker – Foxton Browsing the book, “Foxton 1888 – 1988, The First Hundred Years”, gives a great insight into the development of the Foxton borough. Being situated on the bank of the Manawatu River it also served as the port for the Manawatu district from the mid 1850’s. Borough status was accorded the town in 1888 some seventeen years prior to Levin attaining borough status. The chapter on professional and medical services includes a brief paragraph on undertakers. Joseph Alfred Hofmann was born at Moutere, Nelson in 1880. He married Mary Andresen (note Andresen – not Andersen) at Wellington in 1906 and by October 1917 he has commenced business in Foxton as a builder and sanitary undertaker. In the Shannon News 21st January 1924 he advises the construction, “to his order” an up-to-date motor hearse. This was built by Burges (not Burgess) the Ford agents in Palmerston North. The Burges family operated their business in Rangitikei Street from 1892 until 1942 some 50 years as blacksmiths, agricultural implement works and Ford agents. Joseph Hofmann continued to advertise at least until 1943. The later newspapers are not yet available “on-line”. Hofmann died in 1959 and is buried at Kelvin Grove cemetery, Palmerston North. With thanks to A.N. (Tony) Hunt (editor of Foxton 1888 – 1988, The First Hundred Years). NZ Archives – Papers Past (on-line) Palmerston North City Council – Manawatu Heritage
Contributed by Tom Hayes
Undertaker J A Hofmann and his hearse. Mr Hofmann had his premises on the south side of Union Street, midway between Johnston and Brown Streets.
Many thanks to Michael Gaffaney and his undated version of ‘Mr Punch Goes Motoring’ Volume XI.
Answer later in this issue of Spark
Many thanks to Bruce Hutton QSM FPSNZ
Welcome back everyone and thank you to every member who went to the trouble of touching base with me during lockdown 3 and 4. The key word over the following weeks to come, is ‘patience’, as Spares is now up and operating under strict level 2 rules. So far we have managed to open on both 16 and 23 May, thus allowing us to clean up after the March Swap Meet. This allowed members and local car enthusiasts who reached out for help during lockdown to come in. We were closed over Queen’s Birthday weekend. However, from the weekend after we will start talking to members who have cleaned out their shed’s and wish to donate parts. The first trailers and ute loads should be able to start arriving during subsequent weekends, as we will be working on them one at a time.
Callum ______________________________________ _________________ Stay safe everyone
All medical problems sorted at Spares! Examinations not given by qualified staff. However they’ll all take a look.
Library Merchandise HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
-
$ 4 $ 3 $10 $12
FOR SALE – 1972 Morris Minor original factory Well Side Utility. 1100 motor. Dismantled and rolling chassis. Requires restoration. Minor surface rust. Container stored. Price negotiable. Contact Stewart Walker (member) Levin. Phone 027 4454156.
For Sale - 1957 Jaguar Mk 7 M Enquire for details. Deceased estate. Phone Bob 06 368 8020
______________________________________ _________________
For further information see Trademe listing # 2613733673 or contact Horowhenua branch member
Paul Greenaway 027 5703796
CAR FOR SALE 1968 Wolseley 18/85. 4 speed manual, power steering, one previous owner. Just completed 5 day Wolseley National Rally. Good runner. $5000. Further details from Michael Gaffney Ph 04 9052402 or michael@gaffaney.com
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS July July August August
1st 26th 5th 22nd
Horowhenua Club Night. No speaker, a social occasion. Night Owl Rally. Commence 6.30pm at the clubrooms. Horowhenua Branch AGM. VCCNZ National Day – Daffodil Rally for the Cancer Society. November Tararua Trundle. Will utilise the Easter Rally route. Date and further detail to be advised. Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
ANSWER
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330