SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH
Next Meeting
Tuesday 24th June 2025
7.30 p.m.
Chairman Robin McCall 027 4159478
Secretary Gary Beaumont 03 415 9169
Treasurer Sue Beaumont 03 415 9169
Newsletter Noeline Milne 0277262520 noeljoy@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain
Branch Email southotago@vcc.org.nz Vintage Car Club of NZ –South Otago Branch, Account number: 031734 0005630 00
June 2025
Glistening frost as I write the newsletter this morning. Hope the sunshine will come later.
12 Members attended the May meeting which began with a minutes silence in remembrance of Roger Tapp of Milton who passed away on 24 April. Roger enjoyed participating in Club runs with his little dog too. Paul McNabb spoke of taking his 1928 Model A for a Warrant and reminded us it is best to take along your I.D. Card, saving any troubles.
Daffodil Day fundraiser on 24 August was discussed, Chairman Robin will investigate some options.
Wednesday Run on the 4th was to the Clutha Valley area. This began at the Clubrooms venturing on towards Clydevale, Tuapeka Mouth and turning on to Reserve Road climbing to higher levels where a beautiful view should have been viewed – unfortunately it was very foggy so not today. Back to the Tavern for a welcome cuppa and delicious food, sharing much conversation too. 16 people this time.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 24TH June
we tend to shy away from these type of meetings but it is so important to have your support so please come along, we have a heat pump to keep us warm – supper and social time will follow the business.
From the Otago Daily Times 100 Years Ago Column recently –The Cow with the crumpled horn. – A motorist was proceeding along a country road near Oamaru when he collided with a cow that was lying on the thoroughfare. One of the horns of the cow penetrated the radiator of the car, and was broken off. The cow got up and shook herself, and appeared to be little the worse for her adventure. The car had to be taken to a garage to have the horn removed – (What an experience)
A brief history of the former Leckies Motors building on Milton’s Main Street. Newly painted by the present owner with some sign works added.
Jim Leckie born 1896 was a keen motorcyclist in his youth. He started with an apprenticeship in 1912 with Cooke Howlison in Dunedin who sold Buicks imported from the U.S.A. In 1920 he had the opportunity to form a partnership with Tom Stevens in Milton in the Duthies former building. They sold Buicks and Chevrolets to 1927 then the partnership ended. Austin Cars also sold. In 1922-23 kerbside pumps were added. 3 sons, Bryan, Colin & Douglas joined the business, and they dealt with Rootes Group covering an area from Taieri Plain, Lovells Flat to Coal Creek in Central Otago. They had the agency for Reid & Gray which expanded over the years. David Brown tractors, wheel and crawler type also Morrison mower garden products. The service station was built in 1962 being Caltex Garage which has had various owners. Jim passed away in 1981.
Wednesday Run 2nd July 1.30 p.m. Clubrooms or 1.45 p.m. Milton
Gaynor advises that the run this time will be to the Taieri area so you have the option of meeting at the Clubrooms or by Taylor Park in Milton
Coming Events:
June 24th Annual General Meeting 7.30 p.m.
July 2nd Wednesday Run 1.30 p.m. Clubrooms or 1.45 p.m. Milton
29th Monthly Meeting
August 6th Wednesday Run
26th Monthly meeting