Daffodil Day Co-ordinator 2026 Denis Knight 027 351 3190
Daffodil Day Assistant Not yet filled
Vehicle Identity Card
Signatories
Evan Henderson
John Tremaine
John Parish
(03) 208 6479
027 432 0197 (03) 208 5505
Chairman’s Report
Another AGM done and dusted. I would like to thank all those who have put their names forward forthevariouspositionsthatareneededto allowour Branch to operate.
This year we have a new Club Captain with Alan Ritchie stepping forward and taking on this position. Thanks Alan. We look forward to another year’s motoring around our Southern roads. One position that we did not fill is the Beaded Wheels scribe. If anyone feels that this could suit them, please let us know. If no one comes forward we will not have any notes in the branch news section of the Beaded Wheels.
It has been brought up that perhaps we could run the 2027 National Easter Rally. We decided to hold off and allow members to think about it. Everyone needs to realize that to hold this event a lot of planning needs to happen, and to do it justice a committee of four or five would have to be formed by members who are dedicated to see it to fruition. Everyone needs to give it some serious thought and we could discuss it at our July meeting.
While our branch meetings are quite informal, and it’s something we are fairly proud of, I have noticed that recently there seems to be a few members that talk through the meetings. I find this to be distracting, so, if I do then I’m sure others do as well. If you do have something to say, then by all means say it to the meeting.
Murray Proctor
Jokes from Gerry Kennedy
If you want a good investment, invest in tennis balls, they have a good return.
Where did Noah put the bees? In the Ark Hives.
Cost Savings for The Wiper 2024-2025
Tuesday Ramblers collected or hand-delivered 590 copies (versus 613 the previous year), representing a saving of $1,033.60 which, because of increased postage costs, was just over $50 more than last year.
Members opting forelectronic copies instead of printed ones saved 451 copies being printed, thus saving about $380 for printing & paper and about $790 in postage, a total of about $1,170.
All up, that makes a grand total of just over $2,200 in savings to the Branch for the year.
The Branch and I would like to thank everybody who helped to handdeliver copies, picked them up at Rambles or from the Clubrooms, or who opted for electronic rather than printed copies.We very much hope that you will continue to do so next year.
If you don’t already receive an electronic copy instead of a printed one, please consider changing over now!
The Editor
From the Editor’s Keyboard
Thank you to all this month’s contributors, they have contributed to another packed issue. Pauline Price kicks things off with her report on the May Tuesday Ramble, followed by Barry Newland reminiscing about the Nissen hut that was the branch’s first clubrooms. Next, Paul Herrontells us about his and Lynne’s experiences on the Southern BackroadAdventureandLinda&KeithNunnhave their account of the National Model A Rally. Sticking with national events, Marilyn & Murray Proctorgivetheirtakeon theNational South Island Easter Rally.
The branch AGM Minutes are included in this month’s issue, if you are one of the many members who put your name forward for a position to help with the running of the branch, please check your details on the inside front cover. If anything is wrong, please let me know before the next meeting so that I can correct any mistakes!
Lastly, don’t forget thebranchAnnual Dinner& Prize-givingonthe5th July and the national Daffodil Rally for Cancer on the 24th ofAugust.
Happy reading!
David North
Q: What runs all round a backyard, but never moves? Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser
Q: What number is most frequently used between the numbers 1 and 1,000?
A: The number 1.
Speaking Rights at the NationalAGM - Correction
The Chairman, Murray Proctor, has asked me to include a correction to his statement at the BranchAGM:
VCC members DO have speaking rights at theAGM.
(Members can also attend Executive Committee meetings, but only as observers, i.e. without speaking rights.)
The
Editor
VCC National Constitution & By-laws
All members should have received a copy of the proposed National Constitution and By-laws with the latest issue of Beaded Wheels.
Please take time to read through the document as Voting Papers on the motion to adopt thenewconstitutionandby-laws will besent out soon.
David North, Branch Delegate
Email version of The Wiper
The Wiper is also available by email, either as a link to an online version or as a pdf file. The pictures are in colour, it arrives earlier, (most of) the hyperlinks work – and it saves the Branch money!
Please contact the Editor
Taken from the Grey Power Facebook page by Donna North
Sent in by Bill Sheddan and Donna North
Tuesday Ramble – 27 May 2025
Ten cars gathered at the club rooms at 10:30 a.m. on a foggy morning. Sunshine began to peek through as we departed at 11:00 a.m. We travelled along Hedgehope Road, turning off at Hedgehope Corner onto the Lorneville-Dacre Road. It was a pleasant drive with minimal traffic. Three more cars joined us at our lunch stop.
Some of the cars at lunch
This was a return visit to the Wallacetown Tavern, where we enjoyed a drink and a natter before indulging in a delicious meal of two salads and fish & chips. What a meal!Afew doggie bags were spotted heading home.
After lunch we departed for the Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club, where we were warmly welcomed by Fraser Pearce and given an overview of the Club’s history, which dates back to 1956.
An informative video outlined the district's history. We then explored various exhibits featuring relics of bygone eras. It was a bit of a shock coming across a few items from our childhood.
Jack McKenzie had salvaged a 25 HP Avery tractor from a farmer’s paddock inAthol, and it wasn’t long before others from the district joined
in to help restore it. Soon others were scouring the area for other forgotten vintage vehicles and relics.
The two Garrett steam engines
The site now includes a total of seven sheds filled with tractors, beautifully restored farm implements, threshing mills, and two Garrett steam engines, one of which was originally used by contractors in Dipton.
For such a symbolic moment, the events of 14 July offered little drama –the first member of New Zealand’s inaugural Parliament, Hugh Carleton, was elected unopposed at Russell in the Bay of Islands. Few of the district’s 142 registered electors were present when Carleton was nominated and, in the absence of an opponent, declared duly elected.
Due to the difficulties of travel and the small number of electoral officials, early elections were staggered over weeks or months. In 1853, it took 2½ months to elect the 37 members of the House of Representatives, the superintendents of the colony’s six provinces and the 87 members of the provincial councils.
The level of popular interest and participation varied widely around the colony. In a number of electorates, like the Bay of Islands, the elections aroused little excitement. Other contests, especially in the capital, Auckland, were fiercely fought and tainted by allegations of corruption and drunkenness.
The Members of Parliament elected in 1853 would assemble for the first time in Auckland the following year.
Tuesday 8th July (July meeting night) Star McDougall
Sunday 24th August Denis Knight
Last Tuesday of the month (except December)
Co-ordinated by Gerry Kennedy
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!)
Car photos for the Clubrooms
Any members wanting to update the picture(s) of their car(s) or who have a new car and want to display it in the clubroom photo gallery, contact Alan Ritchie for a time
Other Events
9th August VCCAGM,Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
24th August Daffodil Rally for Cancer – national event
27th September Alexandra Blossom Festival Rally Central Otago Branch
3rd – 5th October Otago Branch, 53rd Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally
10th –12th October Canterbury Branch Swap Meet & Display
25th – 27th October South Canterbury Branch, Mt. Cook Rally
15th November
16th November
MMXXV RallyeAutomobileAncienne Monte Carlo, Banks Peninsula Branch https://www.bpvcc.org.nz/
Southland Branch, Swap-meet & Open Day
22nd November Arrowtown Rally 2026
31st January – 1st February Edendale Crank Up
5th – 7th February
15th – 21st March
South Canterbury Branch celebrates 120 years of the first car to Mount Cook
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, Nelson
9th May Nelson Branch Swap Meet
An oldie, but a goody…
You only need 2 tools in life, WD-40 & duct tape. If it doesn’t move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn’t, use duct tape. Sent in by Stewart Quertier
Tuesday Ramble
29th July
10.30 am: meet at Clubrooms
11.00 am: depart for Clydevale
12.30pm: lunch at the Greenfield Tavern (Order off the mini-menu)
May have a speaker but, if not, sit around for a natter
Numbers before 24th July for catering Contact Gerry 027 233 4634
From Kaaren Smylie, VCC Daffodil Day Rally 2025 - National Coordinator:
Ford New Zealand is proudly supporting this year’s Rally alongside the Cancer Society and the Vintage Car Club of NZ (VCC). With these three great names working together, we have a unique opportunity to raise the profile of this event and raise vital funds and awareness for the Cancer Society. Preliminary
9th July
In Welsh History This Month
Mettoy introduced Corgi Toys model cars on 9th July 1956.
The manufacturing base was at Fforestfach in South Wales.
Mettoy's first factory was in Northampton which, within six years, had 600 employees. Such was the success of the company that by 1956 a new production plant was constructed at Fforestfach in Swansea in order to meet the manufacturing demand for the new range of Corgi Toys.
'Corgi Toys' was named after the iconic Welsh Corgi dogs by designer Philip Ullmann to recognise the company's new home. The name, which is short and memorable, together with the appealing 'Corgi dog' emblem, was intended to rival that of a similar company, Dinky Toys. Corgi Toys were the only ones at this time to feature plastic glazing, which gave the models more authenticity and aesthetic appeal, and which gave rise to the advertising slogan 'the ones with windows'.
Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoryOfWales/
Sent in by Donna North
The Nissen Hut (the first Gore VCC Clubrooms)
In 1966 after several meetings in Bruce Grierson’s house and travelling to Invercargill to attend VCC meetings, we decided to start a club in Gore after a public meeting was held to see if there was enough interest.
Knowing that we could purchase the old Mataura Rugby clubrooms at a very reasonable price, the Gore Borough Council was approached and we were told we could lease ground in Woolwich Street. We spent the next several weekends cutting trees and clearing the site in Woolwich Street before we could put the piles in ready for the Nissen Hut.
In the early hours one cold Saturday morning we set off to Mataura - Bruce Grierson and the twins (Allan and Graham), Gordon Hellier, Neil McVicar, Gordon Boult, Gerry Pethick, Graeme Rae, Frank Robson, Ralph Parker, Trevor Burling,Ted Campbell,Alex McLennan, Robbie Grant, Ray Barron and myself, Barry Newland. We had help from Rusty Greaves with his crane, and Colin Cunningham (Cunningham Transport) with his big transporter.
After arriving in Mataura, the Grierson twins crawled underneath the building to cut all the wires from the piles first. We then had to dig out big trenches underneath the building so we could place big beams from the
Painting of the Nissen Hut by Ernie McManus (hanging in the clubrooms)
freezing works under the building, so chains could be attached so the crane could lift the building onto the truck.
Several hours later the hut was secured and on the truck ready to go. It was over-width by about 2 or 3 inches and Trevor Burling (a member and local cop at the time) wasn’t going to let us go, but ColinCunningham said “stuff it I’m going”, and off he went. Led by Trevor Burling in the police car he headed towards Gore on the Main South Highway.
When the truck was on its way we shot home, had lunch and by that time the truck was just getting over the flood bank into Woolwich Street. A couple of hours later it was secured on the piles, we had a few beers and went home.
Next big build was the long drop and a while later a kitchen was added. But every time there was a flood we would all have to go over and lift items to save them from flood damage. So then we decided it was time to relocate to the present premises.
Many years of good fun was had in the old Nissen hut.
Barry Newland
Southern
I decided to enter our Model A roadster for Nevin Gough’s Back Road Adventure after discussing with my Dad in Mosgiel being something he wished to do. It certainly sounded like an interesting and scenic tour and proved so. The tour was for vintage and veteran cars with 26 entered starting from the Black Sheep Café in Mosgiel. After meeting the other entrants weheadedoffwith ourfirst stop attheSaltLakeReserve at Sutton. Some made the long walk in to the lake however it was almost dry. We carried on to Middlemarch to enjoy our lunching fuel up.
At the Sutton Salt Lake Reserve
The roads now started to become more gravel with corrugations and pot holed as we headed through the Nenthorne valley to Macraes.
Cars parked at Macraes’Stanley Pub
There happened to be an open day at the gold mine but unfortunately we were too late for the free bus tour into the mine. We then proceeded on to Ranfurly and it was at this stage I had the misfortune of severely burning my wrist and forearm when I stopped to check the water and was unaware the car was boiling. Continuing on to Ranfurly the arm was becoming more uncomfortable and painful and ended up at the hospital for treatment. The group all met at the Ranfurly hotel for the organized evening meal.
Day 2:
After breakfast we all met for the briefing at the hotel. Rain had set in as we left for Naseby. We were in for a very scenic day but the low cloud obscured it a little. We travelled down Hartfield Road which is a backroad from Naseby to Middlemarch.Thedrivewas reminiscent ofourSafarirally weekends our branch used to do many years ago but a bit challenging drive with steep climbs and inclines and severe corrugations. The rain had killed the dust but had made it quite muddy and slippery.
Lunchtime at Middlemarch
Back to Middlemarch for our lunch and as it happened the local A and P show was on while we were there. I was lucky enough to catch up with my niece who works on a farm station near Middlemarch. We carried on to Pukerangi and then through a private farm called Barewood Station with a very steep descent to Deep Stream and on to Black Rock settlement with more low gear descents. Then through the Lake Mahinerangi settlement and over the large single lane bridge and then driving through the Wapori Gorge which is extremely narrow and winding. I really enjoyed this area
for the driving and views. Then along the Maungatua road which led us into Outram and on to Mosgiel. Our final meal was back at the Black Sheep Café. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour along with John and Mary Tremaine and look forward to Nevin’s next year's tour. The car performed well with only an overheating issue on the Saturday due to the heavy climbing on a hot day although needs a detailed water blasting and clean now.
Paul Herron
More Jokes from Gerry Kennedy
Did you hear about the little girl who screamed and screamed at her parents for three days saying she wanted a pony? How did she get on?
Oh, she got a little hoarse.
Did you hear about the chap that wanted to grow his own food but he couldn’t find bacon seed?
National ModelARally, Wairarapa
In February we flew to Tauranga to drive a ModelARoadster belonging to friends, David & Val Stafford, down to Masterton for a week's rallying.
Ready to leave Masterton (L-R Linda & Keith Nunn, David & Val Stafford) The old cars were feeling the heat climbing the many hills to Napier via Rotorua and Taupō where we stopped the first night. The Rally was based at the Solway Hotel and showgrounds, where there was a public display day and concours the next day.The local WairarapaVCC ran the field tests.
Model As in our group
As there were 135 cars, we were divided into four groups for the next four days - with two long and two short routes. Our first day was to Castle Point Lighthouse, a journey of 133 miles. It was a windy day and the route took us through farmland north of Masterton and up onto an airstrip which had spectacular views of the coastline. Lunch was at the Castle Point Hotel where there was a group of like-minded people in AC Cobras.
Day 2 as we were heading to Ocean Beach on the south coast, we stopped at the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston. It was an interesting place telling the story of the steam trains getting over the Remutakas and back. After being at the beach on Cook Strait, we returned to the Cobblestones Museum at Greytown where we had another lovely lunch.
Cape Palliser lighthouse
Day 3 was via Lake Ferry around the south coast to Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Some climbed the 253 steps to the top. Lunch was back in Martinborough at the Luna Winery.
On our last day it was a 58-mile drive to the Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre on the main road north of Masterton. It included a kiwi house, tuataras, eels and lots of birds.The return trip was through Mauriceville to Le Grá Winery for lunch. After that there was a visit to a Greek Orthodox Church and The Pointon Collection museum.
The week ended with a Gala Dinner and Award night. Paul McNabb from South Otago VCC won the Authentic Restoration Class with his 1928 Fordor Leatherback.
Agreat week looking around the back roads of Waiarapa and being able to visit places we hadn't been to before.
to those Tuesday Ramblers who supported the Eastern Southland Cake Decorating Guild raffle I was selling recently for a portable car battery jump starter with air compressor. Unfortunately, no VCC member was successful. The winner was Steve Gillies of Edendale.
Thank you for your support. Jill Youngson
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, Two days which should be kept free of fear and apprehension.
One of these days is YESTERDAY, With its mistakes and cares, Its faults and blunders, Its aches and pains.
YESTERDAY has passed forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world cannot bring back YESTERDAY. We cannot undo a single act we performed; We cannot erase a single word we said.
YESTERDAY is gone.
The other day we should not worry about is TOMORROW With its possible adversities, its burdens, its larger promise. TOMORROW is also beyond our immediate control.
TOMORROW, the sun will rise, Either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, But it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in TOMORROW For it is as yet unborn.
This leaves only one day – TODAY. Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities – YESTERDAY and TOMORROW –That we break down.
It is not the experience of TODAY that drives men mad. It is remorse or bitterness for something which happened YESTERDAY And the dread of what TOMORROW may bring.
Let us, therefore, live but ONE day at a time.
Sent in by Star
McDougall
National South Island Easter Rally 2025
Thursday
Woke early and decided to get breakfast on the way. Stopped in MiltonCAFÉ CLOSED; carry on to Waihola - CAFE CLOSED; on to Mosgielwhere we found a café open for coffee and scones.An uneventful drive to Timaru where we were to stay the night. Booked into the Top Ten and then went for a short drive around. Had a lovely evening meal at the Town and Country Club.
Away early again and stopped inAshburton for coffee and a bite to eat then on to Christchurch where we caught up with Murray’s sister Jan and husband Brian. Spent a couple of hours with them then went to book into our hotel for the night. Filled in the rest of the day doing not a lot then tea and an early night.
Friday
Good Friday, nothing open so just messed around till it was time to go out to Cutler Park for registration. Picked up rally pack and caught up with a few friends, then back to hotel for tea. Unfortunately, we hadn’t booked in for a meal and ended up slumming it at Burger King across the road.
Saturday
(Rally Day)
Early start and out to Cutler Park for Rally Briefing. There were three routes, long, medium and short, no timedsectionbut silent checks along the routes.These consisted of plastic plates on a stick with a number and a picture of an animal which we had to identify and note down.
Leaving Cutler Park, we meandered through the streets of Christchurch to New Brighton then on to Sumner before negotiating the hills and cyclists over to Lyttelton. We passed Saturday markets in both New Brighton and Lyttelton, but were unable to stop, parking was at a premium, (the beauty of no timed section was we could stop at any time and admire the views).
On through Governors Bay and over Gebbies Pass ending the morning’s run at Lincoln Events Centre where we stopped for lunch and a catch up. Our silent check sheets were collected at the gate so we couldn’t cheat.
Lunch at Lincoln
After lunch we motored back to Christchurch, driving around the back streets continuing to look for more silent checks, the day ended with handing our check sheets, a catchup, comparing notes, and a sausage sizzle before heading back to our hotel and tea.
Sunday
Everyone gathered at the Papanui Club. From there we moved off traveling around the streets and looking again for the silent checks. With there being no timed sections, we were able to drive around a retirement village where the arm and horns got a bit of a workout. The run ended at Cutler Park where we handed in our silent check sheets, again, no chance of comparing with others. We competed in the field tests. They consisted of: driving forward five revolutions of the wheel; throwing bean bags into a hole on a sloping panel; towing a half-full bottle (which was placed on a tray) over a given distance and, finally, counting the number of rabbit cutouts hidden on the left side of the car. The morning run was now completed with a cuppa and a look through the parts shed. The afternoon was free, so we went and spent a couple of hours with my sister.
Evening, and we headed to the Hornby Club for the evening meal and prize giving. Unfortunately, we did not secure any prizes, nor were wesuccessful intheraffledraws.Wehadagreatweekend,metupwithpeopleandfriends, travelled roads that we would not have been on except for the Rally. We did not get lost or have any mechanical issues, what more could we have asked for?!
Marilyn & Murray Proctor
During the National Easter Rally (Picture “stolen“ from the VCC Facebook page by Murray Proctor)
Online Bonuses
A4-minute “Kea Kids News” video taken at the Hokonui Pioneer Village: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/these-gore-kids-are-going-oldschool/7WS3OIEIMN5ZD5EKURNSVVFP4I/
South Island Classic Racing 1961-75 (sent in by Stewart Quertier): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOO6ji9Yuzo&list=TLPQMTIwNjI wMjWNEbBFVSSkvw&index=5&ab_channel=JoshuaDickson
The Edelbrock Special is up for sale on Trademe: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/specialist-cars/competitioncars/listing/5373373900?bof=Lf2Lyxho
FOR SALE & WANTED ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE to Club members. Advertisements will 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 Chairman (cellphone 027 649 1377).
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/
Both Bluebridge and Interislander 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
FOR SALE
1978 Triumph 2.5 S
Please ring Keith on 021 146 2036 1/3
FOR SALE
Manual with overdrive
180,000 Km (increasing slowly as being used occasionally)
3 owners
10 years’use for VCC runs
Current Rego and WOF on sale
Very tidy condition
$8,500
16-inch diameter Plymouth rims & matching hubcaps
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. $40,000 ono.
SPOTTED
In the May/June 2025 issue of NZ Classic Driver magazine, Stewart Quertier and the Stuart Special are pictured and mentioned on page 67, in an article about this year’s Skope Classic, and on pages 69 & 70, in an article about the Nelson beach racing.
Greg Elder features prominently in an article about Jack Ondrack’s TVR Tuscan V8 racecar on pages 32-36 of the July/August 2025 issue of NZ Classic Car magazine.
The Editor
Tailpiece
Sent in by Bill Sheddan
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 send all contributions to David North before the 3rd Wednesday of 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!
e-mail: northd14@gmail.com
physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822
telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281
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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
