It’s great to see such a good turnout for the opening runs of this season. Bruce and Pauline Price organised the P60 Run for last month and although the weather wasn’t on our side we still had a great afternoon, with a revised destination and some road diversions due to flooding.
Coming up next will be the Ladies Run. So, come along and support it. I’m sure that Nancy’s got an enjoyable run set up.
Remember, we will be holding the annual Auction directly after our next meeting. So, a 7.30pm meeting start with the Auction directly after. Bring something to sell, along with some money to buy goodies with. Denis, our auctioneer, asked that we bring along items that we would like for ourselves. In other words, if you wouldn’t buy it yourself, then you probably shouldn’t bring it along.
Anyway, come along, it’s a lot of fun and you might even find that elusive something that you’ve been looking for, for such a long time.
Keith Nunn and the Wednesday regulars have been working away behind the scenes, looking after our Clubrooms and grounds.Athank you should go out to the guys because the lawns don’t mow themselves, weeds don’t leap out of the ground, carpets don’t vacuum themselves and general maintenance doesn’t just happen. Because of the guys that donate their time we don’t have many big working bees.
So, “Thank you”, guys.
Murray Proctor
Gerry’s Jokes
I have a chicken-proof lawn, it’s impeccable.
I’m reading a book about school truancy by Marcus Absent. Old age is like underwear, it creeps up on you.
Tickets - www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/dec/a-celtic-christmas Information - www.atasteofirelandshow.com/events/gore-nz
Club Captain’s Report
This month has been an "eye opener” for me with what has been achieved.
First of all was the interesting September branch meeting with Dean Beale and partner. Dean is a former student of mine, who gave one of the best presentation speeches I have listened to. It was about Papua New Guinea where he has been working as an aircraft mechanic.
During a pause in part of the speech I turned around and noticed everybody "glued" to Dean's words. The theme of the speech was the living conditions in Papua New Guinea, especially the roads and crime. The comment "that hit a nerve" with me was when Dean said "that Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world where the residents run to a fight with guns, where in other countries people run away from the problem area, from being shot”.
Secondly, I must congratulate Murray Proctor for achieving 50 years of service to the club. It’s a fantastic effort and if you put it in context, to most of us, 50 years is a complete working life - leave school at 15, retire at 65.
Murrayhasbeenafantastichelptomeinthisnewjob.Heisalwaysavailable to answer my questions, and also help with all the teething problems that arise.
Thank you, Murray. It is a pleasure to work with you.
Alan Ritchie
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 and place to suit you both Phone 03 208 6790
September Tuesday Ramble (Taster!)
Report to come, next month – I hope! The Editor
From the Editor’s Keyboard
Abit light onreading material this month,but abig “Thank you” to all this month’s contributors. Margaret Martyn has provided a report on the Opening Run and Paul Katon sent one on the P60 Run. In my absence, Alan Ritchie kindly took some P60 Run photos and I’ve also included those he took of the “newer” cars on the Southern Crawl. Finally, and just in the nick of time, Denis & Marie Knight sent in their Daffodil Day Rally report.
What would otherwise be blank (or absent) pages have been filled with details and entry forms for events coming up over the next few months. If you participate in any of these please take some photos and/or write some words to send to me!
For any art or history fans reading this, Te Hikoi’s annual Art Challenge exhibition continues until 3 November and Dave Frew, a local historian, is giving a talk about some of the artefacts that inspired the artworks at 4pm on Tuesday 28 October (Tuesday Ramble day). There is a $4 charge for the talk and you will be able to view the exhibition. Why not join me there?
Happy reading (and writing)!
David North
BRAINTEASER
Q: Katie's mother had four children. She named the first one Monday, the second Tuesday, and the third Wednesday. What is the name of the fourth child?
Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser
Q: In what month do people get the least amount of sleep?
A: February. Remember, the month contains fewer nights than the rest.
Taken from the funeral service booklet. The Editor
Ladies Run
Sunday 9th November
1.00pm: meet at Clubrooms
1.15pm: first car away
(The Run will be approx. 70kms to the destination, all on tar seal)
Bring a chair and afternoon tea
Nancy Stronach, 02 731 09105
Auction Night
Tuesday 11th November
7.30pm start
As everyone knows this is just a bit of fun to help raise a few funds to top up the Branch funds
A great opportunity to fill up the pantry or get some home-baking,preserves or whatever to fill your tins
Car parts or memorabilia are very welcome along with general home or garage items, but please NO JUNK! A good indication ofjunk is if you yourself would not want to buy it, probably no-one elsewould either
So, remember to bring quality items: baking, preserves, sauces, plants,home-kill products, whitebait, cuttings etc. Check out the shed or top shelffor good items and bring them along.
Items can be left at the club roomson Wednesday Oct 29 and Nov 5th between 12.00 and 2.30 pm
DON’T FORGET TO BRING LOTS OF CASH!
Denis Knight
Tuesday Ramble 25th November
10.30 am: meet at Clubrooms
10.45 am: depart for Winton
12.00 noon: lunch at the Top Pub, Winton
1.30 pm: depart for visit to Chris Halder, just south of Winton
(Chris has a collection of 80 – 100 tractors, 160 petrol pumps and 20-odd cars, some Veteran)
For catering contact Gerry Kennedy with numbers BEFORE 19th November on 027 233 4634
Josephville Hill Climb
Sunday 30th November
We welcome Club members and friends to come along and watch some beautiful old classic cars, and their owners, put to the test against the clock
It’s a great day out, ideal for a nice picnic lunch & Sunday drive, hopefully in the sun
As Evan Henderson (the Organiser) will not be at our November meeting he has asked me to take names of anyone who may be able to help out on the day We will need about 6 volunteers so please let me know at the next meeting or ring me on 027 351 3190
More of Gerry’s Jokes
Just sold my homing pigeons on Trademe for the 22nd time.
How do you cure a sick pig?
Use some oinkment.
If it rains cats and dogs, be careful you don’t step on a poodle.
Gore Branch Events for the 2025-26 Season
Event Date Organiser(s)
Ladies Run
Auction Night
Josephville Hill Climb
Christmas Run
Picnic Run
Festival Rally
March Run
Swap Meet
Frank Robson
Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers
Night Trial
End of Season Run
Tuesday Ramble
Sunday 9th November Nancy Stronach
Tuesday 11th November (Meeting Night 7.30pm start)
Auctioneer Denis Knight
Sunday 30th November Evan Henderson
Sunday 7th December
Bruce Price
Sunday 18th January
Keith Nunn
Saturday 28th February Katy Parish
Sunday 8th March
Alan Ritchie
Sunday 15th March Katherine Welsh
Sunday 5th April
Sunday 10th May
Greg Elder
Keith Nunn
Sunday 14th June Murray Proctor
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!)
Other Events
1st November 53rd Taeri Tour, Otago Branch
8th November
15th November
15th November
16th November
South Otago Branch,Annual Clutha Rally
MMXXV RallyeAutomobileAncienne Monte Carlo, Banks Peninsula Branch https://www.bpvcc.org.nz/
North Otago Branch, Swap Meet Enquiries to: swapmeetnovcc@gmail.com or phone
Derek Brehaut on 021 390 518
Southland Branch, Swap-meet & Open Day
22nd November Arrowtown Rally
6th December
North Otago Branch Windsor Rally. Entry forms from Wes on 03 347 2260 or email windsorrally@gmail.com
2026
31st January – 1st February Edendale Crank Up, Featuring: Ferguson, Massey Ferguson and Toyota (pre-2006) https://www.edendalevmc.co.nz/crankup.php
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, Nelson. https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/
9th May Nelson Branch Swap Meet
11.30 am: meet at Gore Town & Country Club
12.00 noon: Christmas Lunch
($30-$35 per head, ham plus another meat & doings, pav & fruit salad for dessert)
Numbers to Gerry: 027 233 4634
BEFORE 27th November
Daffodil Day Rally
A big thanks to all those who were involved with helping out with the big turnout of entrants on the day. We had 35 Gore VCC members’vehicles and the same amount of non-club members turn up on the day.
We raised over $1,800 to a very good cause close to a lot of our hearts for many reasons. Planning is already in my mind for next year’s event so watch this space. I will be aiming for 90 to 100 vehicles hopefully.
I have had some very positive feedback from non-members who really enjoyed having the novelty of a run sheet to follow and one couple asking about joining the club, so another positive outcome.
Thanks, Denis & Marie Knight
In New Zealand History This Month
1 November 1898
Old-age Pensions Act becomes law
The Old-age Pensions Act gave a small means-tested pension to elderly men and women with few assets who were ‘of good moral character’ and had been leading a ‘sober and reputable life’ for at least the previous five years.
In the early 1880s Colonial Treasurer Harry Atkinson had proposed a needs-based insurance scheme funded by levies on workers topped up by income from Crown leases. This would have allowed the payment of modest orphans’, widows’, sickness and old-age benefits. It was an idea ahead of its time and Atkinson’s parliamentary colleagues gave it a cool reception.
In 1889 Germany introduced an old-age pension to which employers, workers and the state made contributions. New Zealand’s 1898 legislation created the first such scheme that was fully funded from general taxation. It was one of the major achievements of Richard Seddon’s Liberal government.
The Liberals’ social and economic reforms attracted international interest and were seen as symbolising New Zealand’s egalitarian ethos. The groundbreaking legislation of 1898 was based on the principle that the state had some responsibility for respectable elderly citizens who were no longer able to provide for themselves.
The amount on offer was small. Applicants had to meet strict criteria to qualify for a pension of at most £18 per year (equivalent to about $4100 in 2023). Only those with an annual income of £34 ($7700) or less and property valued at no more than £50 ($11,300) received the full amount.
Proof was required that the applicant was aged at least 65, although magistrates were allowed some latitude in assessing the age of Māori claimants whose births had not been registered. Applicants had to have lived in New Zealand for the previous 25 years. ‘Chinese or other Asiatics’ were specifically denied the pension, even if they had been naturalised and so were legally British citizens.
On Sunday 14th September, the Branch held the opening run for the season. It was a beautiful spring day. There was a good turnout of approximately 14 cars. Organised by Murray and Marilyn Proctor, everyone was ready for the first run of the season.
As we left the Clubrooms Murray had two road rule questions for us, that most people should have known, though we only got one right! Our tour took us out to Knapdale, back into East Gore then around the periphery of the town and through some of the main streets before we arrived back at the clubrooms.
One of the signs
Afternoon tea
On the way we had to look out for eight signs on the lefthand side of the road. These had photos mainly of animals and a number to fill in on the instruction sheet.
We finished the day with a chat and afternoon tea.
Murray Proctor marking the sheets Lynley & Paul Katon (with prize!)
The winner of the day was Paul Katon, with Athol Martyn and Noel Kelly tied in second place.
David North presented Ryder Cook with Junior Reporter of the Year certificate.
Agreat way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Margaret Martyn
(“Sign” photo courtesy of Murray Proctor, others from the Editor)
In Welsh History This Month
7th November
The Welsh connection to Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
On 7th November 1908, Robert Leroy Parker and Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, better known as the notorious train and bank robbers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, were killed, following a shootout in Bolivia.
After pursuing a career in crime for several years in the United States, the pressures of being pursued forced them to flee with Longabaugh's girlfriend, Etta Place, to Welshspeaking Patagonia in Argentina. They purchased a ranch on the east bank of the Rio Blanco near Cholila, Chubut province, and lived there amongst Welsh settlers, breeding horses.
However, they had not abandoned their lawbreaking lifestyle, as it is reported that they tried to rob a general store owned by Mihangel ap Iwan and Llwyd ap Iwan (sons of Michael D Jones, founder of the Welsh settlement in Patagonia) in Esquel, Patagonia. The story goes that Llwyd was armed and refused to give up the takings, so that night, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid returned and set light to the curtains of Llwyd's home, who badly burned his hands putting out the fire. The next day they returned to the store, shot Llwyd dead (as he was unable to reach for his gun because of his burns) and ran off with the takings.
By 1905, they had outstayed their welcome and sold the Cholila ranch. They were however aided in their escape to Bolivia by Sheriff Edward Humphreys, a Welsh settler who was friendly with Cassidy and enamoured of Etta Place.
Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoryOfWales/
Sent in by Donna North
P60 Run Report
Sunday the 5th of October arrived wet and cold and I hummed and harred whether to attend the Branch’s P60 Run, “organised by Bruce Price”. 12.00 came and I thought, “Bugger it, the car is not exactly clean and if I hang around home I might end up with a job!” So I informed Lynley that we were going and to put her navigation boots on.
We arrived at the clubrooms at about 1.00pm and soon I counted about 15 or 16 cars ready for the event, great stuff considering. Whilst chatting with fellow members and checking in, was when Bruce Price’s lovely wife collared me to do a write up (thanks).
With our instructions and questionnaire in hand we were off. Lynley was rattling of the questions as well as giving me the directions (multitasking, she has come a long way with her navigation skills) and I was answering as best I could.
We cruised back into town, left onto the heavy traffic bypass then left onto the bridge then left at McNab and a leisurely cruise towards Tapanui, the weather had improved a tad, all be a little windy. We arrive at Waikoikoi and there’s a detour sign to go left - as per our instructions, and I mentioned to Lynley, man Bruce must know some people high up to have the road closed for us! On that road something caught my eye in the rearview mirror, there was a ‘46 V8 coupe following us. (People that know me will attest that an early V8 coupe will always take my attention.) Here’s me wondering who in the club owns that beauty? But alas she turned right to go over Seddon Hill whereas we carried on to Crossans Corner.
Heading towards Kelso just past the esses they had the gate closed because of flooding so back-tracked we went and then over Seddon Hill to Tapanui then on to the museum. Most had a cup of tea but I wandered round the museum, personally I've always wanted to have a look in there as every time in the past they have been closed.
I really enjoyed the very early tractors with their different designs, basically abig stationary engineplonkedona chassis, beforeHenry Fordstandardised tractors with the Fordson. I also spent some time looking at the early stationary engines as they are part of my hobby as well. I can't recall how long we were there but it didn't seem long and Lynley started making noises that it was time to go.Sothankyouto the museum staff foropening the doors for us.
I don't know what became of the quiz but I think we were all winners in the end. So thank you Bruce for organising the Run even with the flooding and changing of the route we had a very enjoyable afternoon.
Paul Katon
Photos byAlan Ritchie
More
photos from the Southern Crawl
Ferrari California
Ford Mustang
Mazda MX-5
Chevrolet Corvette C8
Alan Ritchie
REMINDERS
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
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
Online Bonuses
West Otago Vintage Museum: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~nzlwo/museum.html
New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (newsletter page): https://fomc.nz/newsletters/
The October issue of Puff ‘n’ Stuff, the Central Otago Branch bulletin, contains a report on this year’s Blossom Festival Rally. From this, I see that Michael & Diana Rickerby won the Vintage Section in their Model A. The report, and photos (in a couple of which their car is visible), are on pages 13-15. The Editor
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. Contact Nancy: Tel. 027 310 9105 or email nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz
Four new old stock 600x16 inch crossply tyres with tubes. Only done about 100 miles. $450 the set. Phone Hartley Hay 027 814 2051 3/3
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 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
