December 2018
Vol 55
Venture Waikato Branch
Newsletter of the Veteran & Vintage Car Club (Waikato) Inc.
REAA 2008
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For ALL your tyre needs Phone 07 827 3875 www.tyretraderscambridge.co.nz
Editor’s Snippet Hi Everyone Well Xmas is almost upon us . The Xmas Festivities mean different things to different people. Maybe it is Family time spent together, maybe it is presents or maybe it is just time to kick back and enjoy or reflect. At this time we are reminded of those members that are incapacitated or poorly. We recently had our Swap Meet at Karapiro. The sun shone on us, the swappers came and so did the public. Great to see all hands on deck to make this a great success. It looks like we will have raised a similar amount to last year. Howard was again kept busy as he opened the Parts Shed at the end of the Swap Meet. He had very good sales here again. We have several events coming up : Firstly our Xmas run on Dec 9th—put a ring around this date. Blue Smoke & Pedals is on 13th Jan for more info please call Peter Spiller or Terry Pidduck Then the Gymkhana on Jan 20th—a good start to the New Year. With all the activity in the new year it has been decided not to have a Club Run in Feb. It is the time of year to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your Families. Take care , enjoy and look after one another. All the Best.
CONTENTS
Keep to the left and enjoy your motoring Bozy
Chairman Report Secretary’s Report Club Captain Motor Cycle
pg 4 pg 5 pg 6 pg 7
December Club night Club history Sale & Wanted adverts
The Veteran Rally
pg 10-11
Merry Xmas
Front Cover:
Katherine Mansfield pg 13-16 Home and away pg 12&17 3
pg 12 pg 19-23 pg 24/25
C h a ir m a n ’s C h a tter Hi Folks Well Xmas is just around the corner and it feels as though we have only just got over the last one. Went to the opening if the Mansfield Garden on the 12th and what a magnificent it is, from the concrete Piano which is Hard to tell from the real thing until you get up close to the Fibreglass Banquet setting in the permanent Marquee. The Model T proved to be a hit with the guests with many having their photos taken in it. Reece and crew can be justifiably proud of their efforts. I am writing this just after the Swap Meet and I don’t know if I am right but there seemed to be a lot more people around than in recent years. Another successful event thanks to Jeremy and crew including the tractor club. Next Event is the Xmas fun run and pot luck dinner on the 9th Dec. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Xmas hamper, lots of goodies in there. It should be a great day with lots of fun, see you there. Jan20th is our Gymkhana challenge and Picnic with the Hamilton Vintage and classic car club so come along and support your club. Take care out there. Merry Xmas and a very happy New Year
A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER Chris Munn of Te Awamutu who has an XK120 Jaguar & Merc 380 who has joined to our branch recently We hope that you will enjoy the club and it’s many activities If you have any queries either big or small please do not hesitate to contact any member of the committee and they will be more than willing to assist you in any way possible. Once again, welcome to the club. We hope to see you at the club night on the second Wednesday of the Month 4
S e c r e ta r y SECRETARY’S REPORT: THIS IS THE LAST REPORT FROM ME THIS YEAR SO I HAVE A FEW REMINDERS FOR YOU ALL, ENTRY FORMS FOR OTHER BRANCH EVENTS ARE ON THE NOTICE BOARD IN THE CLUBROOMS OR ON OUR WEB SITE OR ON THE VCC WEBSITE. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRITIONS TO CHCH PLEASE REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR ID OR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AS A REFERENCE. IF YOU HAVE SOLD YOUR CLUB CAR/S PLEASE SEND YOUR VIC CARD/S ALONG WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP DETAILS TO CHCH. PLEASE TAKE NOTE WHERE THE DEFIBRILLATOR IS LOCATED IN THE CLUBROOMS (ON THE LEFT IN THE HALLWAY AS YOU WALK INTO THE CLUBHOUSE) YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU HAVE TO USE IT, THERE IS GOING TO BE A DEMONSTRATION ON ITS USE IN APRIL 2019, CHRISTMAS RUN 9TH OF DEC. COME AND ENJOY AN ICE CREAM. WEDNESDAY WANDER 19TH DECEMBER, TAKE RESIDENTS AT RESTHAVEN FOR A DRIVE GAYE AND I WILL BE AWAY FOR THE NEXT MEETING SO THAT’S IT FOR ME, HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, IF YOUR DRIVING OUT AND ABOUT DRIVE SAFE. DEREK. CLUB BADGES FOR SALE These are available from the Badge & Trophy Guardian Graham Pate; Lapel or Cap Badges - enamelled Car Bumper Badges - cast in brass Windscreen Transfers Windscreen Vinyl Stickers Club Emblem Jacket Patches Number Plate Surrounds Rally Number Holders 5
$10.00 each $35.00 each $2.00 each $2.00 each $5.00 each $5.00 pair $10.00 each
C lu b C a p t a in The motoring side of our Club’s activities is going so well - 37 folk on our Wednesday Wander to the computerised milking shed near Morrinsville, and 21 cars turned out for our annual Veteran Rally. It was so pleasing to hear folk came out to see the Veterans before the start – all so good for keeping our Club’s profile high in the general public’s mind. Not a lot of interest in our last Club Run, but this can always happen occasionally. My survey has got a bit complicated. I thought by rating all the motoring activities, the committee could decide which to drop, which to have less frequently, or which to have more of. This can still happen, but some returns did not have a rate, but came up with what to drop or have less frequently so I will record those thoughts separately. A number of members have said to me that our club nights are too ‘meeting orientated’ and should be more social. So I put that thought out as well as answering some added extra thoughts. I will bring these up with the committee or at a Club night. The criticism is always appreciated because it is always possible to do better. The request for a Yes or No to a project shed with equipment for members’ use has become muddled, with members wanting to know (before answering): - How will it be managed? - Will Council allow the building? - and the ‘It can’t be done because the requirements to comply with the Health & Safety Act are too expensive and complex.’ Without having any desire to ‘teach my grandmother to suck eggs’ or to want to influence what the committee will decide, it could work like this: The committee would appoint a gang of 4 (G.O.F.) – this would be done annually. The first GOF will prepare the plans: 1) Management 2) Safety The Management plan will include arrangements for projects, times, equipment, bookings etc, procedures and the approval of persons in charge (P.I.C.). The building would only be open and equipment available for use, if a PIC was on site. The plan would be much more detailed. The Safety plan could include personal responsibility to use all safety gear provided and read the Plant’s Operating Manuals. If there were any safety concerns, or you were unsure of any operation, talk with the PIC. Any mishaps or concerns would need to be reported to the PIC and recorded. A notice would be at the door advising visitors to check with the PIC, There is no requirement for the Club to comply with the Health & Safety Act. If anyone feels otherwise, I have a printed copy of the Act and could sit down over coffee and go through it with them. As mentioned, Andy and Paul are the drivers behind this good idea/concept and I am sure they will be part of GOF. I will write a Management and Safety Plan for them to expand on and discuss with interested members. Terry 6
Motorcycle Last month I advised that we are having Xmas Social run on Sunday 16th December. The club room will be opened at 10.30 and we will leave at 11.00 for a ride on back roads with a lunch stop at Whatawhata. There is the Café and Pub there and those from the Hamilton area who cannot get over to Cambridge, can meet us there at about 12.00. After lunch it is a short run to view a collection of old Railway Memorabilia, which I am told is really worth seeing. I will follow up with an email nearer the time with any changes. The Auckland Rally this year is based at Orewa and one of the points of interest on the rally is a visit to the Site Office for the new road that is being built bypassing Puhoi. When we go to see our friends in Whangarei we only see glimpses of this road, so it will be good to find out more about it. After speaking to a friend about Murray’s plane we saw last month, he gave me a book on Planes in which there was an article about the German Fieseler Fi 156 Storch.A remarkable aircraft, the Storch (Stock) which was fitted with a powerful high lift devices that permitted it to take off in only 65m, land in 18m and virtually hover in a 40m/h head wind without any loss of control. The result of a 1935 requirement for an army co-operation, casually evacuation and liaison aircraft, production started and it first flew in the spring of 1937 and entered service of that year, production totaled about 2900 in various models. Along with its role as an air ambulance and sub-variants rolls, it was also used in the daring rescue by the German Commandos of the Italian dictator, Mussolini from a tiny plateau on the Gran Sasso in 1943. We are all looking forward see Murray’s plane flying next year. That is about all for now, hope those that are going to the Classic Motor Cycle have a great time as these are really good events, see you all on the 16th December. Safe riding. Peter
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A Miserable Day for Veterans
by Mark Smith
On the day before Armistice Day you would have expected that the Veteran Rally would have replicated the conditions that Veterans were used to. The Veterans were expecting mud, driving rain or sleet, intense cold and miserable damp, opposing fire, terrible dry rations and weak billy tea. The weather forecasts for the day predicted the right sort of conditions but the organisers, Claire and Gordon White had planned for and provided a calm and warm sunny day, no mud despite having to park on two fields and only one section of unpaved road. They also had the temerity to provide shelter (the VCC gazebo and chairs) at the start and again at the finish, and the Pirongia School Hall at lunchtime. They provided hot tea and coffee at each stop together with classy biscuits and freshly buttered loaf. They also sent us all home with a fancy bottle of fresh raw milk direct from the cooler. The morning and afternoon runs were of a perfect length through the lovely green Waikato with plenty to look for, some clear questions to answer and playing cards to collect to attempt the magic value of 21. Veterans from Canada (the Private T Fords), USA (Corporal Maxwell, Major Overland and the General Cadillacs), France (Lieutenant Darraq and Captain De Dion Bouton), Italy (Sergeant Fiat) and the United Kingdom (General Calthorpe and Private Triumph). Drivers and navigators were the locals from Waikato, some from north Waikato (over the Bombays) and from East Waikato (over the Kaimais). Many turned up wearing era costumes (but no khaki) which added colour to the day. The day’s running finished at Mike and Christine Richmond’s Hump Bridge Milk. Mike gave us an interesting talk about their raw milk production process and after Gordon announced Les and Lesley Webster as the Rally winners we were sent home with a monogrammed bottle of fresh raw milk (as you would have drunk in the veteran era.. The veterans and their drivers and passengers gained plenty of attention and public photos at the start point at Mitre 10 Te Awamutu and again at Pirongia School and in the Pirongia township. One veteran had a small rupture of a blood vessel which was whisked away and soldered up by the tail end surgeon and the veteran was able to finish the rally. Gordon and Claire gave us a great days outing, well assisted by Roy Roe, Andy Hammond and Celine Kearney and Russell and Rosie Hutchison as enemy spies (aka Marshalls) and David10 Nordell as tail end surgeon.
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Events Ahead
Home
December January February
Sun
9
Xmas Run
Wed
19
Wednesday Wander
Mon
24
Clean Chimney Santa is coming
Sun
13
Blue Smoke & Pedals
Wed
16
Wednesday Wander
Sun
20
Gymkhana
Wed
13
Club Night
Wed
20
Wednesday Wander
Club Night 12th December We will be updated on the Hamilton Bypass Project by the people from the Infrastructure Alliance in charge of this very important addition to Waikato roading due to be opened in 2020. So come along and get the real oil on this piece of Infrastructure Construction spanning many gullies, wetlands and challenging parts in between.
Meeting starts at 8.00pm with parts shed open from 7.00pm. 12
K M Ford Project Background to the project. In 2017 the Friends of Hamilton Gardens Inc. (F of G) approached the Branch with a request that the Waikato Branch of the VCC Inc. manage the procurement/ manufacture etc. of a fit for purpose Edwardian car to be used as a static “sculpture“ in the Katherine Mansfield theme garden, which is based on Katherine Mansfield’s short story “The Garden Party “ The Branch researched various car options and subsequently a shortlist of three was put before the F of G and the Director of the Themed Gardens Development, Dr Peter Sergel, for consideration. The option selected was a replica circa. 1911 torpedo body Model T Ford. The Branch prepared an estimate of the cost to manufacture the car based on hot dipped galvanised steelwork where practical, new imported guards from the USA and the like. The estimate met with F of G acceptance and the Branch Executive resolved to assist the F of G as requested but not to contribute to the funding of the car. The date for the opening of the garden (at that time ) was Sept 2018 and at the 2017 AGM the Branch conditionally agreed to play ” banker” for a short period of time, thus effectively loaning the F of G , on paper at least, some “seed “ money so that those components on the project’s critical path could be ordered without delay. The project became known as the “K M Ford” (Katherine Mansfield Ford) and the name has “stuck “even to the extent of the number plates. 13
The Project With the proactive help of Branch members Neil Dobson, Graham McKenzie and numerous other Model T Ford owners in the Branch and throughout NZ, the key parts to manufacture a replica were identified and either donated and/or purchased on favourable terms. With the dedicated assistance of the K M Ford team, numerous Branch members and the Waikato business community the components needed were manufactured, trial assembled, galvanised and painted, prior to final assembly. Key features of the replica are its hot dipped galvanised steel body and running gear; the fibre glass seat and “top” and pin stripped industrial paintwork. The tyres, petrol tank and tool box are infilled with foam, no glass, no motor and replica headlights. The steering wheel and crank handle rotate for the benefit of ”kids” of all ages. The project was completed in Sept 2018 well within budget and craned into place under Bozy’s supervision in October. It was subsequently mounted on four steel posts concreted into the ground. The car perfectly compliments the Edwardian house and garden setting. The Katherine Mansfield Garden was officially opened 12th Nov 2018. The K M Ford project was very much a community project and the Club’s lead role in all phases has been recognised and/or commented on favourably by most people. Thank you to all who made this project possible.
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The Appearance of the Car
There have been many different Companies supporting a single garden build. Foster Construction sponsored the house façade in conjunction with fourteen of their suppliers and subcontractors.
The Opening— the Sun Shines on a Star The construction of the KM Ford has been well documented, discussed and in some cases dismissed. However; the finished vehicle is something we as a branch of the VCC can be well proud of. Monday 12th November saw the official opening of the Katherine Mansfield Garden. The day started quite wet and so Gaynor and I decided to trailer the Cadillac to the Gardens to Join Theo De Leuw’s Model T and the Overland of Daggy Sperry driven by Murray and Anne Ashby as a display of early vehicles at the entrance to the Hamilton Gardens just outside of the information centre. We met up with Reece and Sue, Murray and Anne and Alan and Barbara Julian all suitably attired in Edwardian costume. Thankfully the rain stopped and the sun came out to create a very pleasant afternoon. Right on time we were allowed into the garden, for most the first look at this magnificent attraction. Every vista provided a wow moment from the lawn set with tables and umbrellas, the two storied house façade, the pond and fountain, the period garden in full bloom, the tennis court with small orchestral ensemble and the marque with cakes, sandwiches and tea cups all made of artificial materials, but looking so real. The speeches and ribbon cutting over, the festivities began with music and high 15
tea delicately served on tennis rackets by waiters and waitresses dressed as tennis players of the era. Without any prejudice the KM ford was the star attraction, complete with sound effects as Reece Burnett was invited to turn the crank handle. One of the guest speakers described the gardens as one of the best if not the best in NZ and it’s on our doorstep. This truly is a must see attraction and make sure you take a look at the plaque on the inside of the firewall on the KM Ford, yes we can be really proud of the fact that we, the Waikato Branch of the VCC made this possible. Once the official opening was over, the public were allowed in and a good number took the chance to be part of this special occasion. There were many photo opportunities and the VCC members in costume were in high demand to pose and smile. The public reaction and interest from the cars on display was huge and certainly added to the ambience of the opening of the Katherine Mansfield Garden. More than 30 individuals and Waikato companies were involved in providing time, expertise, materials and funding for the K M Ford construction. Congratulations must go to Reece and his team for the magnificent vehicle that is the KM Ford.
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Events Ahead
Away
December January February
Mon
24
Remember to leave Santa some cake
Sun
20
Rotorua Lakeside Car Show
Fri-Sat
15 -17
Sat
16
Napier Art Deco Rally Auckland Veteran Rally
Wednesday Wander December 19th. Clubrooms 10am. leaving at 10.30am sharp for Resthaven, Vogel St. Cambridge. Here we take the residents for a ride around the block. 10.45-11.45am. Then off to the 5 Stags in Leamington (behind the BP station) for xmas lunch at 12 noon. January 16th 2019. Our usual start to the new year is a picnic at Horahora Domain, halfway along Lake Karapiro by the low bridge, under the shade of the trees at 12 noon. February 20th 2019 A Mystery Tour Andy Hammond
(07) 8235712
atepushrods@gmail.com 17
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Continued from last month Venture page 23. This is the last of the publication.
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This publication has been copied and reprinted as a a history the first 40 years of the Veteran & Vintage Car Club Waikato inc. This story was researched and written by Ray Hirst VCC member of Cambridge in 1996. Any omission's or fabrications are merely his version of what occurred and are not intentional. Editor
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PARTS SHED Need a new WOF? Need new Wiper Blades, need new light Bulbs, Generators or Alternators—We have lots of new “Armatures” and parts to keep your car rolling. See the Parts guys– Howard, Reece, Don and Wilbur.
As summer approaches it is a good time to check everything is working well on your car . If not the parts could be as close as the Parts Shed. Our Parts department has recently been donated many parts . Some have come from Andy Watson, who is a club member from Rotorua. Hopefully arriving soon will be Velocette . Contact Howard Porteous for more information. For Sale Early Vanguard engine. Was fully reconditioned with generator welder . All on an older type Trailer. $250.00
Ph 07 829820 or 021 0427193
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For Sale 1917 Grant six Tourer This car is possibly one of two in New Zealand and one of 20 world wide. Built up from two bodies and up to eight other chassis. A few updates such as12volts and S U fuel pump. 4 years full time work including professional panel work, painting, upholstery and hood on a non folding frame. Generator also needs connecting. Two brake rear wheels could need attention to bring up to present braking rules. This car motors well at 40 miles per hour and is reasonably economical and offers welcome . .Ph Lyn Grant 07 8465698
Inspections
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FOR SALE 1960 Triumph Herald. Rare first model with original 948cc engine. WOF & REG. Easy to drive, cheap to run. Comes with a boot load of spares. Books and manuals included. $5000 ono. 07 8235712 atepushrods@gmail.com 3
FOR SALE 1924 CADILLAC TOURER, V8, model V63 Restored in 1996 with very little mileage since, a very good example of this model Registration on hold. Side curtains and spare parts included. Very interesting history back to 1927. $70,000. Phone or email Anita 0273030477 grant.anita@xtra.co.nz
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For Sale & Wanted Adverts If you place an advert in the For Sale or Wanted department we will run the advert for two months and then automatically remove it. If you want it Repeated, please drop me a line.. Please note!! Adverts need to be submitted by the 15th of the Month.
Notice We are getting non members ask about putting an advert in the For Sale or Wanted section of the Venture. After a discussion with the committee it has been decided that an advert from a non Waikato VCC member will incur a $15.00 charge. This will cover a three (3) month insertion. After the three (3) months it will be automatically withdrawn. The information in this newsletter and on the club’s web site, is supplied as a service to club members. Articles and other copy of interest are always welcome and encouraged. The opinions expressed in this newsletter and on the club’s website are those of the author alone. Neither the club nor any of its officers accepts responsibility for the accuracy of any statements or opinions.
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Veteran & Vintage Car Club (Waikato) Inc. Branch Officers 2018/2019 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN
Tony Brierley Dave Nordell
* 07 856 3509 *
021 0246830 021 502390
SECRETARY
Derek Dixon
*
0211473509
TREASURER CLUB CAPTAIN EDITOR SOCIAL CONVENOR PUBLICITY OFFICER
Gaye Dixon Terry Pidduck Graham Boswell Bronya McInally Jeremey Brooke CUSTODIAN/BOOKINGS Andy Hammond
* * * * * *
LIBRARIAN
* 07 824 0184
Robyn Doughty
COMMITTEE
07 8552486 07 846 4400 07 8235108 07 8241641 07 8235712
0211473509 027 2726319 021 2900985
021 2320802
Paul Johnson * 021 688211 Graham Pate * 07 8880009 021 2801586 Peter Taylor * 07 855 5128 027 5557881 Ian Patton * 07 8556899 027 4934969 PARTS COMMITTEE Howard Porteous * 07 888 7596 0274 035 009 Reece Burnett 07 855 8974 Don Wise 07 870 4115 Wilbur Brown 07 889 1243 027 3004995 VIC Co-Ordinator Dave Nordell 021 502390 david@nordellrestorations.com VALUATIONS Howard Porteous 07 888 7596 0274 035009 ARCHIVIST Kathryn Parsons 07 855 6774 022 0246820 WEB Co-Ordinator No appointment MEMBERSHIP SEC Peter Taylor 07 855 5128 0274 934969 BADGES/TROPHIES Graham Pate 07 888 0009 021 2801586 BILLETS Co-Ordinator No appointment SOLICITOR (HON) Paul Clark 07 856 ADDRESS 2737 POSTAL ADDRESS CLUB ROOMS * CommitteeMacLean Positions St, PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 Cambridge Club Night 2nd Wednesday of month at 8pm Library and Parts Shed Hours 2nd Wednesday of month from 6.30pm over Summer, 7.00pm over Winter. Website: www.wvvcc.co.nz Email addresses: Chairman; Secretary: waikato@vcc.org.nz CLOSING DATE FOR VENTURE COPY: 15th of each month Contributions should be emailed to Editor - waikatovcceditor@gmail.com or posted to — 41 Greenfield Drive. Hamilton 26
F.B. HALL & Co. Ltd EST 1923
Conveyancing, Commercial Wills, Estates, Trusts Immigration and Family 7a Princes Street, Hamilton Phone 07 838-3385 Fax 07 838-3381
4 Wickham St Frankton Hamilton
For New Work and Repairs Domestic and Commercial 50 Greenwood St, Frankton, Hamilton
07-847 4780
4 Wickham St Frankton Hamilton 3204
WBS Waikato Bonding Services 6 Belfast Place Hamilton For all your brake & clutch re-lining services. Specialising in re-bonding of all veteran, vintage and classic brake shoes, pads and drive lines. Steven Hunter - Manager Phone: 0800-BOND-007 0800-2663-007
Open 7 days a week - 9am-4pm We are
11 Railside Place, Frankton Ph: 07 957 2230
lark and Brown P R O P E R T L AW E R S For all your le al Requirements
SPE IALISI
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Octa on House, Seddon Rd Hamilton PH 07 8 9-
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Automotive, Trailer & Tractor Spares, Accessories & Tools 3 EMPIRE ST. HAMILTON PH 07 847 8908
Shock absorbers. Suspension components. CV joints Aerials. Hand Tools. Trailer Components. Disc pads Water Pumps. Timing /Fan/Micro Belts. Gauges. Speedo Cables. Speedo Repairs