Magazine of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
September 2017
Mid-Week Run: Palmerston, 27 July 2017 The Otago RoadRunner is the official newsletter of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc. Views expressed in this newsletter are nothrjrmvmfmdarily those of the editor or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch
Professional recolouring of all leather car seats, interior panels etc. Protect and enhance the look of your car interior with our unique quality service Ring Rodger for a No Obligation appraisal now Phone 455 4065 BROCKLEBANKS Leather Dyers Over 50 years serving Otago
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CHAIRPERSON
Nicola Wilkinson
mnwilkinson@vodafone.co.nz
476 4004
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
David Mills
mrdavidmills@gmail.com
455 6751
TREASURER
David Ross
vccnzobt@gmail.com
455 8800
SECRETARY
Marion McConachie
bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz
453 0404
CLUB CAPTAIN
Graeme Duthie
graemeduthie@xtra.co.nz
488 5242
HOUSE MANAGER
Bill Partel
PROPERTY OFFICER
Bill Veitch
w.veitch@xtra.co.nz
489 1626
VET/COM REP.
Colin Winter
wolseley2@xtra.co.nz
456 4382
PWV/P60V/P80 REP.
Alistair Graham
alrmgraham@gmail.com
455 8834
MOTORCYCLE REP
Bruce Murray
bminor@xtra.co.nz
487 7281
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Keith Moore
Adrienne.moore51@gmail.com
453 0592
EDITOR
Eleanor Harrison
eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz
479 8280
488 4033
VINTAGE/PV REP.
LIBRARIAN
Moira Cunningham
453 5777
TROPHY STEWARD
David Ross
455 8800
SPEED LIAISON
Mark Wilkinson
476 4004
SPARKAHOLICS CONVENER Barry Longstaffe
477 8296
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Partel
488 4033
ARCHIVIST
Barry Longstaffe
477 8296
PARTS OFFICERS
Bill Partel
488 4033
George Martin
489 3621
David Cunningham
453 5777
GROUNDS OFFICER
Bruce Murray
487 7281
BRANCH SCRIBE
Graeme Duthie
488 5242
HONORARY SOLICITOR
Joe O’Neill
477 6801
THE AUDITOR
Arthur Patton 3
CLUBROOMS 125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9012 Phone 455 0586
PO Box 5352, Moray Place Dunedin 9058
BRANCH EMAIL
otago@vcc.org.nz
COMMITTEE MEETS CLUB NIGHT
2nd Monday of month 7.30pm Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm
MOTORCYCLE NIGHT
First Friday of the month
MONTHLY MEETING
Last Friday of the month 8.30pm
PARTS SHED
Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm. Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER
Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesday of the month please
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916” LIBRARY ROSTER SEPTEMBER 1st Moira Cunningham 8th Bruce Murray 15th Bryan McConachie 22nd Paddy Williams NOVEMBER 3rd Paddy Williams 10th Bill Veitch 17th Kevin Mason 24th Hec Browett
Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night OCTOBER 6th Kevin Mason 13th Hec Browett 20th Moira Cunningham 27th Bryan McConachie DECEMBER 1st Moira Cunningham 8th Bryan McConachie 15th Paddy Williams 22nd Closed 29th Closed
Welcome to New Member: The Otago Branch extends a very warm welcome to
JOHN SCOTT - who owns a selection of Triumph Motorcycles The branch welcome you to the Club. We look forward to seeing you at local and neighbouring events. 4
BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold) SEP Fri 1st Sat 9th Wed 13th Thur 28th Fri 29th Sat 30th OCT Fri 6th Sun 15th
Motorcycle Group Meeting GM Night Rally Sparkaholics Sat 16th AUTOSPECTACULAR Mid-week Run Sat 23rd Blossom Festival Rally Clubnight Dunvegan Rally
– Central Otago
Motorcycle Group Meeting 6-9th Canterbury Swapmeet PW/P60/P80 21-23rd Mount Cook Rally – Sth Canterbury
Thur 26th Mid-week Run Fri 27th Club Night NOV Sat 4th Sat 18th
Taieri Tour 11th Clutha Rally – South Otago Commercial & Veteran Rally
DEC Sun 3rd
Moped Rally
Sun 10th Xmas BBQ
2018 JAN Sun 21st Jackson Rally Sat 27th Dunedin Brighton Run Tba National Veteran Rally - Nelson 30th March – 1st April National South Island Easter Rally – Southland Easter National North Island Easter Rally SI Club Captains Tour 2021 Jan 14-24th International Rally – New Plymouth Check out the Events Calendar in the Beaded Wheels for listed branch events
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Sparkaholics
Wednesday 13th September Otago Settlers Museum—see page 13
Mid Week Rally
Thursday 28th September: Meet at the Clubrooms by 1.00pm for a drive and afternoon tea stop. If the weather looks promising on the day bring your afternoon tea, as we might find a spot where we can have a picnic afternoon tea!
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In the Driving Seat I really love this time of the year with the new born lambs, daffodils and blossom trees out in abundance. It means that Spring is nearly here and we can enjoy the long fine days outdoors either in the garden or motoring in our historic vehicles. I was in Blenheim over the weekend of the 11 - 13th August attending the National AGM and National Executive meetings. The meetings were held at the Clubs of Marlborough which is a great venue and close to accommodation and the main shopping area. On the Saturday I was able to catch up with Alistair and Loralei Pegg - who are now based in Nelson and travelled over for the AGM. It was lovely to catch up with them both and find out how they are doing. While we will receive copies of the minutes for both meetings in due course, you will find my report with all the highlights further in this edition of the Road Runner. I’d like to thank Marlborough branch for their hospitality over the weekend - it was superb. Next years AGM will be held in Napier and while it is some distance away it would be great to see as many Otago branch members there as possible as these are a great way to catch up with fellow VCC members. Coming up at the start of November is the Annual Taieri Tour which Club Captain Graeme and his group of volunteers are organising. The weekend will be extra special as Bill Veitch and Bruce Murray will be presented with their 50 year membership badges during the prizegiving dinner. It would be lovely to see a large turn out of members to help Bill and Bruce celebrate this milestone. Speaking of which - the committee is looking to add to the branch history that is on file so it is up to date. We have also found an enthusiast who will edit it for us so we can then get it printed. We are still to work out the fine points before starting, however if you have any old photos that we can include or are willing to share some gems on the history of our branch please contact one of the committee.
This coming month is the Autospectacular plus the GM Night Rally with this years route being organised by Ruth and Gil Edmunds. Hope to see as many of you at both events Nicola. 7
National AGM and Exec Meeting - 11th and 12th August 2017 Notices of Motions: 1. Change to Membership applications removing the proposer and seconder requirements: 1,102 (67%) for; 39 (33%) against. Our club constitution requires 75% or better for the motion to be approved so this motion failed. 2. Changes to vehicle category - 355 (22%) for; 1281 (78%) against - motion failed. Interesting to note that only 19% of total membership voted. There was discussion on why low voter turnout however this is in line with previous years. Some members thought that it was because we need to pay for postage. Some branches including Otago collect the individual envelopes and post all together. If you would like to take advantage of this in the future - please hand them to David and he will ensure they are sent.
There is still more investigation being done on how the club can make it easier for new members to join and how we can move to accepting online applications. At present all 36 branches have different membership fees which makes it impossible to set up a simple online registration programme. There is a suggestion of moving to a set fee for the first year. We will be receiving a copy of the presentation on this proposal which we can discuss at a branch meeting and provide feedback back to the Management Committee. NZ Federation of Motoring committee are making a further submission on 12 month warrants of fitness and believe that it could be looked at more favourably this time. 2021 Rally - Colin Johnston has recently resigned as rally director. The National Management Committee will be meeting with the Taranaki branch to discuss the future of the event and advise the outcome as soon as possible. Due to low numbers attending National and International Events David Yorke from the National Management Committee looked at the numbers that attended the previous 4 International Rallies and 2 Easter Rallies - both North and South Island. They then looked at 3 8
non VCC events that consistently have large attendances - Americarna in New Plymouth, Beach Hop in Whangamata and Art Deco in Napier. Their initial findings show that these are popular as they: • Have a home and held at the same time every year • Open to Non VCC members • No requirement for a VIC. The next step is for a sub committee to look at these findings and recommend changes to our rallies. Ross Holden’s contract as the Communications officer has expired however he is still happy to continue with the Facebook page as this is gathering momentum. He is looking for more material for the Facebook page especially short videos on club runs as these get a lot of views. Any videos taken on a smart phone or IPad can be emailed to the communications email address. Membership Presentations - to date there have been 260 50 year presentations and 15 60 year presentations. National Day and Daffodil Rally - some of the events include short and long runs; scavenger hunts; mystery runs; car shows; gymkhanas; BBQ’s. There is the hope that all branches will be able to participate next year especially as there will be with more preparation time and for Otago Branch we should not be competing with the Special Rigs event. One area that we do need to look at for next year will be sponsorship to cover costs - especially traffic management, health and safety and printing. Canterbury swap meet: This year they are introducing a wrist band ticket system with pre-sales which will make for easier entry. $5 per day of $10 for all 3 days. If you are going to the Swap Meet and want tickets - please contact the Canterbury Branch. The following National events were ratified at the meeting: 2018 Executive Meeting - 24th March 2019 AGM 2020 AGM 2020 National Vet 2020 National North Island Easter Rally
Wellington. West Coast Wanganui Gore Horowhenua 9
NATIONAL OFFICE We welcome Julie back to the office after her time of leave. She / or helper appears to have kept things flowing smoothly over that time. Annual Subscriptions - that time of year is almost upon us again – Expect to see your invoices in the mail to you sometime in September. DAFFODIL DAY - CANCER SOCIETY - DELIVERIES Thanks for all those members who have helped with the deliveries this year. I understand that David had about 11 cars doing deliveries on the 21st of August.
OTAGO BRANCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The committee has spent some time drawing up a draft Calendar for events for be arranged by our branch. Please check out the calendar elsewhere in the Roadrunner. For some of these events the committee is looking for members who would be willing organize or assist with them. Check out the list and if you feel you and some of your friends could arrange or assist with any of these please get in touch with Graeme Duthie your Branch Club Captain, or any committee member, as listed in the front of the Roadrunner.
LIBRARY/ARCHIVE NOTES
Over the past few months a small group of members have been sorting through all the material stored in the library and elsewhere in the clubrooms. They have made good progress towards getting things shelved in a more orderly fashion. This is a good opportunity just to let you know that this work is not quite finished yet. The library is a fantastic source of reference, manuals, and general information on many historic vehicles. We have a full collection of Beaded Wheels, and a selection of other Motoring magazines as well. So if you are searching for specific information do consider visiting the library, which is open to members every Friday night. We have a group of enthusiastic members who man the library on these nights and are only too happy to help you find what you are looking for. 10
AUTOSPECTACULAR SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER As in previous years the Otago Branch encourages all the Restoration Achievement Entrants for 2017 to make their vehicles available for display within the Otago Branch entry. One of our members will be in touch with you shortly – in the meantime please read the following information and ensure that you are able to comply with these conditions. ‘In line with overseas practice the organisers have introduced a new condition that all cars be equipped with a fire extinguisher. It is to be placed behind and touching the left front wheel. This position ensures it is not visually intrusive but everyone knows exactly where it will be. The rationale for this requirement is that although most classic cars carry a fire extinguisher, a bystander would not know where it is in an emergency such as an electrical or fuel system fire. During Friday night, a security guard is constantly patrolling but cannot be expected to carry the Edgar Centre’s heavy extinguisher with him. Clearly, a fire extinguisher in a known position by every car gives us the best chance of avoiding a catastrophe. This requirement does not apply to motorcycles. A second condition of entry is that all cars must be left unlocked, for the obvious reason of quick access to fight an interior fire. These two requirements are in all entrants’ best interests and will be strictly enforced. If you do not agree with them, do not enter.’ The branch will also be putting a ‘Spare Parts’ trailer in – in order to sell parts. If anyone would like to support this sales table by manning it for an hour or so please get in touch with George Martin, or any of the Spare Parts crew. …………………………………………………..
NB: Taieri Tour - Graeme Duthie is looking for help with the Taieri Tour especially with field-tests. Please let him know as soon as possible if you are able to assist with this. 11
BRANCH HISTORY This is a final request for any earlier photos and records relating to Branch events. Some years ago the Committee committed to publishing the 50 year history of the branch. That was almost 13 years ago. It has been confirmed that we have an offer from a person to edit the material we already have. The view is to try and update the information to include the last 10-12 years – this will be made more interesting if we can include some older material and photographs. Please contact your branch secretary as soon as possible if you can help with some of this.
VIC APPLICATIONS Please ensure that you have all the information on the forms correct and completed, and that the photos that are required are correct in size and content, as this will make the process so much easier once the paperwork in in the hands of our branch registrar.
Neighbouring Branch Events If you would like to attend other branch events and would like an entry form please contact you branch secretary in the first instance as I get these emailed to me.
Otago Branch 50 Year Awards The Committee would like to confirm that Bill Veitch and Bruce Murray will be presented with their 50 Year Awards at the Taieri Tour Prizegiving Dinner on Saturday the 4th of November. You are invited to come along to this event even if you do not intend to participate in the Taieri Tour. Entry forms will be published in the October Newsletter, but emailed out earlier. 12
Next Visit: “Sketched in Stone” (Free !) Place: Otago Settlers Museum Time: 10.30 am Date: Wednesday 13th September I think it is time for a bit of culture! This month we will be going to the Otago Settlers Museum to see a special exhibition, called “Sketched in Stone” – and remember it is free. Shown will be examples of the art of lithography (a method of printing an image from a flat surface, usually stone). Many of the exhibits on display will be from our local artists of the Victorian and Edwardian era. Don’t miss this opportunity. After this experience we shall adjourn to the Wharf Hotel for our usual social lunch to finish the day’s outing. **************** You have had your bit of culture – now it is time for some light relief: A blonde uni student drove her ratty, raggety old car into the garage, needing some repair advice for her jalopy. The looked at it for a few minutes and said, “What you really need is the radiator cap solution.” “Oh,” said the student, trying not to sound too confused. “Do you mean the radiator cap isn’t holding enough pressure?” “That’s part of the problem,” the mechanic said. “You need to lift the radiator cap and drive another car under it, then you can replace the radiator cap and it should solve your problem.” ******************* Do you know the answer? If you are driving at the speed of light and you turn your headlights on, what happens? Why is it that if you transport something by car it is called shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it is called cargo? If con is the opposite of pro, is congress the opposite of progress? 13
Mid Week Run - 27th July
These photos were taken on the last Mid week run. A good group of 17 members motored to Palmerston and enjoyed afternoon tea at the Station CafÊ. The Cafe knew we were coming so it was great that they had arranged the back room for us to use. This room could probably hold a max of 20 – 25 people seated. We travelled over the old main road around Mount Cargill and through Karitane. It was nice to be able to get out of the City and enjoy the views of the countryside. Especially after all the rain we had just had.
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PARTS DEPARTMENT NEWS FOR SALE – OR FREE TYRES – TYRES – TYRES – TYRES – TYRES – TYRES!!! The parts team are looking at clearing out the tyres that are taking up space in the Parts shed. The parts shed is open at the advertised times on Wednesday’s and Friday evenings – so please come and check out the stock that is still there. The Parts team have indicated that as of the end of September they will no longer be accepting TYRES. If My Body Were a Car! This is just so funny - scary how true it is!!! (and..... if it's not true yet, rest assured it will be) If my body was a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull… But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently. But here's the worst of it. Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter, Either My Radiator Leaks or My Exhaust Backfires! 15
Going back in time Recently I have had the need to revisit our minute books and Guff Sheets (The name of the branch newsletter when the Branch was in its prime) looking for evidence of when members joined the club back in the 60’s and 70’s. It seems that the editor would write an article about a fellow member each month. I found this record included in the March 69 Guff Sheet:
“NOW THIS Graham is a big chap, 6 foot something of bone muscle and a fair bit of fat. One of the very early members of the Branch he first started off with the discovery of the Star car that recently went to Invercargill, disposing of that he started collecting parts of Veteran Renault but never had enough to do much with. Then the hard core but hit him and he amassed a garage and a half of Henderson parts but I don’t know whether it was the 1,200 odd cc’s that frightened him or not but a trade was done and he has now become the leading agent for A.J.S. Models of all years now fill the garage from 1920 to 1930, a little 250cc light-weight to a 7hp twin with 330cc and 500cc most prevalent. At present Graham holds the position of House convener and if you happen to wander into the Clubrooms you will see him doing a sterling service behind the counter”. Graham was presented with his 60-year certificate in August 2015 at the National AGM here in Dunedin. He donated the G. Dalton Trophy for Motorcycle Restorations and has always felt it a privilege to be able to present this trophy to the winners of the Award each year that a Motorcycle has been put forward for the award. Entertainment Books It’s a good time to think about purchasing one of these books, as it offers so many discounts to restaurants, cafes, and services. Also some good offers for entertainment for when the grandchildren are visiting. They are $60 a book, $12 of which goes to the Otago Branch of VCC. 16
OVERNIGHT RUN: 19th August A pleasant Winter morning greeted Winter's, Wilson's, Pledger's and McConachie's when we departed from the club rooms on Saturday 19th August and headed north via the Old Coast Road to Palmerston. Here we stopped for morning tea. Then with two VCC eligible vehicles and two modern vehicles we travelled through to Ranfurly lovely scenery with the sun shining on the snow of the distant mountains and blue sky. After lunch in Ranfurly we headed through to Naseby, checked in at our accommodation and then headed to the Curling Rink where we spent a couple of hours of lessons and games. With another couple from Auckland our group managed to put together two teams of four people and by the time the session finished they were mastering the skill of sweeping and curling really well. They all came off the ice with a smile on their face - which is a good sign. A pleasant evening was spent at the hotel, with a lovely meal and lots of conversation. What a great way to get to know everyone better. A wet morning saw us visit a garage and a museum where the guide gave us an insight into the work he does in his engine reconditioning shop and then the local museum. His own knowledge was amazing and it is inspiring to know that there are still individuals in this town who are really passionate at preserving its community spirit and history. Thanks Colin for organising those visits. Marion
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November 1945 Post War Motorcyclists will welcome the removal of surface air-raid shelters which is going on in the London streets. They form most dangerous obstructions. About 2000 men are employed on the work of demolishing these shelters. A scribe, in a round-about way recently condemned crash helmets for normal civilian headgear. He says, "they do not constitute very good propaganda". I take it he means if we all wore them, the general public would get a wrong impression regarding the danger of motorcycling. I venture to suggest that if all motorcyclists in the past had worn helmets, it would have saved scores of lives and hundreds of head injuries. Asked if any surplus Army Excelsior "Welbike" would be put on the market, Mr. John Wilmot (Minister of Supply) said that all surpluses of these machines had been disposed of to an export firm for resale in the US. This transaction was particularly welcome in view of the urgent need for dollars. PS: The Welbike was developed after the war to become the Corgi our seniors may remember Knights Cycles and Prams in St Andrew St, they were the local agents for these road- legal two speed fold- up 98 cc models. Bill V.
Private Collection of Vintage Clothing
Men and Women 1920’s - 1970’s era Accessories, hats, furs and much more
Larger fittings are a speciality Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team
Phone: Sue – (Dunedin) 03 488 4033/021 146 4987
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Email: otcl@es.co.nz Postal: 406 Hillside Road, Dunedin Phone 455 5029
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