VCC Gore Wiper August 2026

THE WIPER

The monthly bulletin from the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Gore Branch Incorporated.

August 2026

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore, starting at 8pm (unless notified otherwise)

Next meeting: 11th August

2026-2027 Controlling* and Non-controlling Officers

Branch Patrons

Gerry Kennedy, Greg Elder

*Chairman Lindsay Crooks 027 220 9766

Vice Chairman Paul Katon 027 244 8428

*Secretary Katherine Welsh 021 261 6986

*Treasurer

Club Captain

Assistant Club Captains

Branch Recorder/Editor

Assistant Branch Recorder

House Convenor

House Convenor Committee

Lynne Herron 027 210 4046

Alan Ritchie (03) 208 6790

Murray Proctor 027 649 1377

Position vacant

Position vacant

David North 021 172 3281

Position not filled at present

Position vacant

Roy Buchanan, Paul Katon, David McDowell

Beaded Wheels Scribe Paul Katon 027 244 8428

Festival Rally Organiser

Assistant Rally Organiser

Syd Tremaine 027 232 6542

Alan Ritchie (03) 208 6790

Bar Manager Chris Scoles 027 226 5967

Assistant Bar Manager Paul Herron 027 210 4131

Maintenance Supervisor Ken Youngson 027 667 4102

MaintenanceAssistants

Roy Buchanan, Keith Dodds, Bruce Price Swap

Swap MeetAssistants

Gerry Kennedy, Denis Knight, Starr McDougall

Parts Evan Henderson 027 650 8056

Parts Assistants Position not yet filled

Hill Climb Evan Henderson 027 650 8056

Hill ClimbAssistant Terry Inder (03) 208 7017

Sheriff Denis Knight 027 351 3190

Librarian Stewart Quertier (03) 208 7932

Raffles Starr McDougall (03) 208 6501

Privacy Officer Katherine Welsh 021 261 6986

Health & Safety Officer

Museum & Hokonui Park

Ken Youngson 027 667 4102

David McDowell (03) 208 6791

Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Gerry Kennedy 027 233 4634

Daffodil Day Co-ordinator (2027) Denis Knight 027 351 3190

Branch VIC Signatories

Evan Henderson

John Tremaine 027 650 8056 027 432 0197

Front cover photo: The Boult’s Alldays & Onions car on display at the Croydon Lodge Hotel during the Branch’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations (photo by Alan Ritchie)

Chairman’s Chat

Well, the first meeting for me came and went and nothing out of the ordinary happened. There seemed to be a number of apologies but I guess it is midwinter.

Thanks must go to Paul Herron and his able crew who put together a very pleasant 60th Anniversary event. We got to view Gil Kay’s extensive classic collection at Riversdale on our Saturday afternoon run. I hadn’t realised it was there even though it is only a few hundred metres from our home! Thank you, Gil. There was mention at our meeting of reinstating shed raids within the branch where we visit other members’ sheds and collections since some of us have very little knowledge of such endeavours and collections of associated members. Maybe this can be discussed at some point.

I found the disclosure of the history and beginnings of the Gore Vintage Car Club as related by some senior members at the anniversary dinner to be particularly interesting. It was heartening to be enlightened of the generous donations by volunteers of time, goods and machinery that enabled the club to take light some 60 years ago. Strong clubs are built on the activities of volunteers across the board in regards to clubrooms and grounds maintenance, activities inside and outside and the organisation of events throughout the year for members’ enjoyment. I’d like to personally acknowledge all those volunteers past and present who quietly work behind the scenes year after year to make this club the strong entity that it is with second-to-none facilities that are a credit to your efforts and foresight.

Here’s hoping everyone is wintering warm and well. Will catch up with you all next month.

Lindsay Crooks

I bought the newlyweds an elephant for their room. They said, “Thank you.” I said, “Don’t mention it.”

From the “Readers’ Digest, sent in by Donna North

Club Captain’s Report

The 60th Anniversary Celebrations have been completed and enjoyed by all. It was a pleasure to organise and to have the VCC President, George Kear, present the trophies to all the branch winners for the 2025 – 2026 season. I congratulate all the winners but also thank all the members that participated in the organised branch rallies. Looking at my records, I note that the average attendance was 18 cars with the Daffodil Rally having the top attendance of members.

The End of Season Run was incorporated in the Anniversary celebrations. The route was a run up through Knapdale, over to Chatton Corner passing Otama, crossing the Mataura River at the Waipounamu bridge, then back down to Riversdale. The final destination was Gil Kay’s amazing car collection.Alittle rain was present but this did not prevent a great turnout of 39 members’and visitors’ cars. Syd Tremaine was the winner of the Run and will be presented with the Allan Jones Trophy and certificate at our next meeting.

The Anniversary Project – restoration of Neil McVicar’s Shell petrol pump has been completed and is now proudly on display at the clubrooms, at the library corner. Neil would be extremely happy with the final presentation. It stands beside a Caltex pump for members and visitors to admire.

Lastly, the run programme for this year has been organised and sent to the Beaded Wheels and The Wiper. At the Annual General Meeting the Club Captain Committee only received two nominations – Murray Proctor and myself.Abig thank you goes to Matt Cook and Keith Dodds for stepping up and volunteering to organise a run each. We still need help with the Picnic RunandEndofSeasonRun.Ifyoucanhelp please“tapmeontheshoulder”.

Alan Ritchie

Wanted on 19th September

The Gore Camera Club would like about six VCC cars at Mandeville Aerodrome for their members to photograph. ContactAlan Ritchie on (03) 208 6790

WANTED – HOUSE CONVENOR

From the Editor’s Keyboard

This month’s issue is big on photos and short on words, due to a distinct lack of contributions. That being thecase, Iam very grateful indeedto Pauline & Bruce Price for their report and photos of the June Tuesday Ramble and to Jean Smale for her entertaining story about acquiring another Morris Minor. Thanks, also, to Des Brewster for his photos of the Matariki lights in Gore and to Alan Ritchie for his from the 60th Celebrations.

To avoid a similarly-depleted issue next month, please get your writing hats on and send me some stories and reports about something – anything!

Until next month, happy reading!

David North

BRAINTEASER

Q. Where does today come before yesterday? Answer next month

Answer to last month’s Brainteaser

Q. If you are running a race and you pass the person in second place, what place are you in?

A. Second place.

St James Theatre $5 Film Screening

At the December meeting, the overwhelming preference was for a weekday evening screening. Paul McPhail, manager of the St James Theatre, has said it will be a Monday at 6pm and he will be in touch with a day and date sometime in the New Year. Full details will be published in The Wiper. David North

The Riversdale Hotel, with Barry Lawrence’s Mustang parked in front There was a good turnout of members at our June Tuesday Ramble, with 12 members meeting at the Club Rooms. We travelled through dense fog to the Riversdale Hotel for lunch, where a couple more members joined us. After a leisurely meal, we visited Gil Kay’s garages.

Brian Horrell joined us at the Hotel, with his Dennis truck (Photos on this page by the Editor)

Gil's wife, Caroline, kindly gave Murray Proctor the key to the sheds so we could view Gil's extensive collection of Ford vehicles. The collection included an impressive number of Ford Utes and Chrysler Valiants. One of the highlights being a pink 1971 Falcon Ute. This was an original 4x4 Ford Ute, which had been imported into New Zealand from Melbourne, as well as a Mainline Ford Ute.

A second garage housed another remarkable collection, including several 1930s Ford and Chevrolet coupes. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to see such a unique and well-preserved collection.

Pauline Price (words)

Bruce Price (photos)

Another view of Brian Horrell’s Dennis (photo by the Editor)

Jokes from Gerry Kennedy

Cars these days have so many gadgets. I tried to reverse and it played a video of someone getting run over by a car!

I’ve been diagnosed with O.C.C.G.B.D.

Obsessive Compulsive Cursing Grumpy Bugger Disorder. There is no cure.

Kāhui

Whetū, Gore Gardens

JanetandIwenttothelightsintheGoreGardensonthe9th Julyandalthough it was very cold it was a magnificent display and free to enter. I can't do muchofastorybutifyoumissedityoumissedagem.Herearesome photos:

[Editor’s note: If you’re only seeing this in black & white, you’re really missing out!]

In New Zealand History This Month

First woman Master of Arts in British Empire graduates 15 August 1881

Helen Connon’s Master of Arts degree was just one step in a long academic career. Her education began in Dunedin, where she was tutored by future Premier Robert Stout. When her family moved to Hokitika, Connon’s mother (also Helen) convinced the principal of the local boys’high school to enrol her. Connon was soon teaching at the school. When the family moved to Christchurch, Connon’s mother convinced Professor John Macmillan Brown to enrol her in Canterbury University College – the first woman to be admitted.

Connon became the second woman arts graduate in the British Empire when she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in 1880. The following year she became the first woman in the British Empire to gain a Master’s degree when she achieved first-class honours in English and Latin. During her studies, Connon was appointed one of five teachers at the newly-established Christchurch Girls' High School. The year after she gained her MA, she was appointed principal while continuing to teach English, Latin and mathematics. As principal she ensured that the physical side of her students’ education was looked after, with classes in gymnastics, swimming and tennis.

Connon was typical of many of the first women university students – she was Pākehā and her background was neither rich nor poor. Girls from wealthy, socially prominent backgrounds were expected to marry to the advantage of their families, while those from poorer families could not afford the fees. Young New Zealand women were quick to take up university studies. When Victoria University College opened in Wellington in 1899, women made up one-third of the student intake. But the story of women in higher education has not always been one of progress. The proportion of female university students declined during the first half of the 20th century, and those women who undertook tertiary study focused overwhelmingly on the arts. There were few career opportunities outside of teaching for female university graduates.

Adapted from: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/first-woman-master-arts-britishempire-graduates.

Spotted!

Stewart QuertierispicturedsittinginhisStuartSpecialonpage 29oftheJuly/August2026issueofClassicDrivermagazine.The car was chosen as the winner in the “Race Cars” category at the Ayrburn Classic earlier this year:

The Editor

Tuesday Ramble 25th August

10.30 am: meet at Gore VCC clubrooms

11.00 am: depart for mystery destination

I’m having trouble with winter hours for hotels as many are not opening on Mondays & Tuesdays but I will find somewhere to go for a meal!

Numbers for catering to Gerry Kennedy: 027 233 4634 BEFORE 20th August

Opening Run

Sunday 13th September

Meet at the clubrooms at 1.30pm for a 1.45pm start

The run will be finishing at the Clubrooms for a shared afternoon tea

Gore Branch Events for the 2026-27 Season

Event Date Organiser(s)

2026

Daffodil Day Rally

Opening Run

P60 Run

Ladies run

Josephville Hillclimb

Christmas Run

Picnic Run

Festival Rally

March Run

Gore Swap Meet

Frank Robson Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers

Sunday 23rd August Denis Knight

Sunday 13th September Murray Proctor

Sunday 4th October Matt Cook

Sunday 8th November Jean Smale

Sunday 29th November Evan Henderson

Sunday 6th December Nancy Stronach

2027

Sunday 17th January TBC

Saturday 27th February Syd Tremaine

Sunday 7th March Alan Ritchie

Sunday 14th March Ken Youngson

Sunday 4th April Keith Dodds

Evening Trial Sunday 9th May Murray Proctor

End of Season Run Sunday 13th June TBC

Tuesday Ramble

Usually the last Tuesday of the month (except December) Co-ordinated by Gerry Kennedy

Club Captain’s Committee Phone numbers

Murray Proctor 027 649 1377

Alan Ritchie (03) 208 6790

Editor's note to event organisers

If you want to see a report in The Wiper, please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This works best if you ask them before the event!)

Other Events 2026

15th August VCCAGM, Manawatu Branch 19th September Autospectacular, Edgar Centre, Dunedin 26th September Annual Swap Meet, Manawatu Branch 27th September Blossom Festival Rally, Central Otago Branch

2nd – 3rd October VCC 80th Anniversary Event, Central Otago Branch 2nd – 4th October Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally, Otago Branch 9th – 11th October Garage Sale, Swap Meet & Display, Canterbury Branch 13th – 15th November MG Classic Race Meeting, Manfeild

30th – 31st January Edendale Crank Up 10th – 14th February Burt Munro Challenge, Invercargill & Bluff 12 – 14th February 30th National Motorcycle Rally, Timaru 14th February Classic Cover Ellerslie Car Show

19th – 21st February Ascot Park Hotel Classic Speedfest, Teretonga Park

19th – 21st February Ayrburn Classic https://ayrburnclassic.com/

19th – 21st March George Begg Festival, Teretonga Park https://www.georgebeggfestival.nz/

26th – 29th March National South Island Easter Rally, Dunedin

VCC 80thAnniversary Rally

Central Otago Branch

2nd – 3rd October

Dear VCC Branch Secretaries,

The Committee of the Central Otago Branch, have organised a two-day event to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Day one is a cruise across Lake Wakatapu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, to partake of a gourmet BBQ lunch. Day two is a non-competitive rally style event starting in Cromwell and motoring through to Cambrians to view the Blue Bell and Daffodil Dell, before moving on to the historic Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans for lunch. We cordially invite members of other branches to participate in these events.

The entry form sets out the program and format for the two days. At present we are only able to reserve 61 places on the TSS EarnslawfortheFriday lunchtimesailing,thereforebookingsare on a first come, first paid and reserved basis. Payments must be made to our BranchAccount as instructed on the Entry Form, not directly to Real Journeys. Please book and pay early, to secure your place. The committee looks forward to your members participation. All participants will receive a NZVCC 80th AnniversaryRadiatortypePlaque.Thankyouforyourassistance, to contribute towards the success of this weekend.

Kind regards,

John Gray Club Captain COVCC

Email jbgray@xtra.co.nz or telephone 027 434 5621

The (6-page) full details and entry form can be obtained on request from John Gray, the Gore Branch Secretary (Katherine Welsh) or the Editor.

Gore Branch 60th Anniversary Celebrations

Unfortunately, I had to miss most of the celebrations, apart from participating in Saturday’s End of Season Run, so am unable to provide much in the way of information or photographs.

The Club Captain, Alan Ritchie, has kindly provided me with the list of trophy winners and also some photographs he took during the course of the weekend but he was otherwise engaged during the trophy presentations.

I hope that one or more of you will be able to come to the rescue and provide words and/or pictures to fill in the gaps for the next issue, otherwise The Wiper will have very little coverage of this important milestone in the Gore Vintage Car Club’s history.

The Editor

At the Clubrooms on the Saturday

What’s in My Shed?

The Story of a 1934 Morris Minor

by Jean Smale

Going back two years, I saw an advert in the Beaded Wheels magazine for a 1934 Morris Minor. I had never seen one but I had books and had read about them. However, as there was no price for it, I wondered how much they wanted. In the meantime, I went off on a river cruise through Europe.

After my return, the Beaded Wheels arrived again and the car was still for sale, this time with a price of $1,500. I rang to enquire if it was sold in the meantime, it had not so I said give me your bank number and I’ll put the money in it. That done, I spent the next week going over options to get it home and there was only one option that worked. Go up with a trailer and get it from Gisborne.

So having nothing better to do on a Monday afternoon, I hitched up the trailer,droppedthecatoffatthecatteryandheadedforPicton.Arrivingthere at 2 am Tuesday morning, off the boat at 11.30 am and in Gisborne at 7pm. I had the car loaded by lunchtime Wednesday and started the return journey, arriving at the Bluebridge office about midnight and back in Gore at 3 am on the Friday morning.

Now fast forward to late 2025 and an advert in the Beaded Wheels for a live chassis and lots of parts for a 1934 Morris Minor. I tried to buy the chassis but the man didn’t want to sell just the chassis. He wanted to build a little sports car similar to anAustin Seven sports. He had already cut the rear body off it so I left it, I wanted to stay with the car as it came from the factory originally.

Now fast forward another couple of months and I received a phone call from a young man who informed me his father had passed away and they had found my phone number on his phone about the parts and was I still interested? I said, “Yes, I was interested in the live chassis”, as my car had not been registered since 1966, sitting in a shed for most of that time. The young man informed me he was in England and would be home on the 8th June and had two spare days free on 11th & 12th, could I be there by then? No problem.

So not having anything better to do on a fine sunny Tuesday in Southland, I hitch up the trailer again and headed for Picton. I arrived in the Bluebridge office at 2 am and crossed on the 6.45 am ferry, left Wellington at 12.30pm and arrived in Napier around 5pm. The young man showed me to a motor lodge for the night and met me at 9 am to load the trailer.

My load this time consisted of a complete chassis with number plates on hold till December and engine & gearbox. It also had five new wheels. Extra bits included a spare engine & gear box, six older wheels, two radiators and one bonnet. On top of this I also have all the plans and drawings to build a little sports car. Along with this is all the timber for the framework for the little sports car as they have wooden framework.

I arrived home at 7pm Friday.And so now being Saturday, I am busy trying to stay awake every time I sit down and waste another cup of tea and be fit enough for my line dancing on Monday morning.

Jean Smale

In Welsh History This Month

2nd August 2012

The life and work of Betsi Cadwaladr were commemorated on this day 2012. There was an official service at Abney Park Cemetery, London, where Betsi is buried in a pauper's grave. The service included the unveiling of a memorial stone and a memorial bench.

Betsi was born Elizabeth Cadwaladr in Llanycil, near Bala in 1789 as one of 16 children. She moved to Liverpool age 14 and then travelled widely before settling in London.

Learning of the conditions suffered by the British soldiers wounded in the Crimean War (1853-1856), Betsi joined the military nursing service. Her first post was in a hospital run by Florence Nightingale, but after working there for many weeks, Betsi ran out of patience with Nightingale's incessant bureaucracy and red tape and made her way nearer to the frontline at Balaclava.

Working in Balaclava, Betsi became the unsung heroine of the Crimean War, saving countless lives as she worked tirelessly to improve the unhygienic conditions. Eventually she even gained the respect of Florence Nightingale. In 1855, one year before the war ended, Betsi contracted cholera and dysentery and was forced to return home. She died five years later in 1860 and was buried in a pauper's grave.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the largest health organisation in Wales. It provides health services for the six counties of North Wales, parts of Mid-Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire and is named in her honour.

Sent in by Donna North

Plus a couple of jokes from the “Readers’ Digest”: Why do you never see pigs hiding in trees? Because they’re pretty good at it.

The only thing flat-earthers have to fear ... … is sphere itself.

Online Bonuses

Kāhui Whetū, Gore: https://www.goredc.govt.nz/our-community/our-events/kahui-whetu

Alldays & Onions cars:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alldays_%26_Onions

1928-1934 Morris Minor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Minor_(1928)

New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (newsletter page): https://fomc.nz/newsletters/

Southland Branch website: https://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar

The Editor

REMINDERS

NOTICES and FOR SALE & WANTED ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE to CLUB MEMBERS.Advertisements will usually be published in three consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor.

The Branch receives commission if you insure your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quote the Branch number (300135).

https://vcc.org.nz/vero-vcc-insurance-scheme/

Gore Branch VCC name badges: are available to order by contacting the Branch House Convenor, Paul Herron, (phone 027 210 4131). N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined!

You are very welcome to come on Branch runs in your modern.

Join the VCC online at https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/

Bluebridge Ferries offer discounts to VCC members: https://vcc.org.nz/membership-benefits/

To Let: the Gore Branch Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost.

Newsletters from other Branches are posted on the VCC Website each month. Go to: https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/

They are also sent to each Branch by email and can be obtained on request from the Secretary or the Editor.

GORE BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER

The Branch bank account number is 03-0915-0246885-00

Please put your name and the reason for the payment in the details boxes. Thank you. The Treasurer Thank you. The Treasurer

Brake pedal assembly and master cylinder for a 1960s Morris Minor. Ideally if someone has a wreck where I could cut the mounting box out of the floor. Greg Elder: 027 431 8058 or 03 202 5710; email elderlea@xtra.co.nz

6-cylinder, 4-litre, manual gearbox, 4-door sedan. Current WOF & Rego. 125,000 miles.

Interior: walnut dashboard & leather seating original. Restored in ex condition through 1996. Good history kept over the years of service.

Many spare parts available. Located in Gore, Southland.

Offers to Nancy: Tel. 027 310 9105 email nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz

Tailpiece

Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome.

The Wiper is usually distributed on or around the last Tuesday of each month

Please note - advertisements & urgent notices must be received before the Sunday following meeting night each month for inclusion in the next issue of The Wiper

If you don't have a computer, I can get a hand-written article typed up or put your notes or 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!

Please send all contributions to David North Preferably by e-mail: northd14@gmail.com

physical and mailing address: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822

telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281

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