Figure 1 my first attempt at generating a image using AI
Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc. – Central Otago Branch
Editorial
A truncated mag this month as I am heading up North for my granddaughter’s 5th birthday. As we are doing a road trip we will be away for a couple of weeks.
Special thanks to John Gray who is putting the magazine together this month. In fact he has written most of it as for whatever reason I haven’t even got to the club events I really wanted to.
Anyway I hope everyone has a Merry Xmas and a Happy new year.
PS: Thanks Garry, for getting most of this month’s mag together. I’ve stretched my knowledge of Microsoft Word, with my editing of the insertions I have been responsible for collecting from the authors and “knitting” into this document. I don’t so much mind writing articles, but editing is not my forte’, so unfortunately, I am not your next mag editor.
John Gray
CLUBEVENTSCALENDAR
Please take care to read and copy to your diary!
Pretty full calendar. Thanks John. Note: subject to change but any changes to next month’s event will be e-mailed out
Date Event Organiser Detail
DECEMBER 2024
Club Night For December has been Cancelled
Sunday 8th December Christmas Lunch
John Gray
Committee/John Martin
Thursday 12th December
Thursday Muster
John Gray
JANUARY2025
Saturday
18th January Car Display
Sunday 19th January Central Otago VCC Swap meet
Thursday 30th January
Thursday Muster
FEBRUARY 2025
Wednesday 12th February
Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.00 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Sunday 16th February Weekend Run
Tuesday 25th February Special Club Night Clubrooms Open 7.30pm, Meeting starts 8.00pm
Southland Ford Falcon Club
Committee
John Gray
Due to unforeseen circumstances the proposed talk by Hayden Paddon has been postponed. See the Club Captains notes for details.
Club Christmas Lunch at clubrooms. Meat supplied, bring your own drinks and a Pot Luck salad or dessert for sharing. Presentation of membership Awards.
Visit to a local Cromwell Tractor collection and picnic lunch at Bannockburn Inlet. Meet at the clubrooms at 10.15am, to leave at 10.30am. Picnic lunch at 12 noon.
Alpha Street Reserve, Cromwell
Annual Swap Meet at Clubrooms.
Clyde Sheds and garden picnic.
John Gray Martin and Kaye Curtis, with an illustrated talk on their many tours to Bhutan in the Himalayian area of Asia.
John Gray
Queenstown visit to Michael Wyatt’s collection of European cars, picnic lunch and one other collection.
John Gray
The much-anticipated talk by Hayden Paddon on his incredible Rally career. (Members/Partners Only)
Thursday 27th February
MARCH
2025
Wednesday 12th March
Thursday Muster
John Gray
Visit to ‘Hook” at Albert Town. Catch your own salmon, have a picnic lunch or pizza and coffee at the café.
Friday 14thSunday 16th March
Saturday 22nd –
Monday 24th March
APRIL
2025
Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.00 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
COVCC Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally
COVCC Otago Anniversary Weekend Run
Wednesday 9th April Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.00 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Sunday 13th April No Weekend Run This Month owing to Easter
Saturday 19th –
Sunday 20th April Wheels at Wanaka Easter Weekend
Thursday 24th April
MAY 2025
Thursday Muster
John Gray
TBC
Wednesday 14th May Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.00 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Sunday 18th May Weekend Run
Thursday 29th May Thursday Muster
JUNE 2025
Wednesday 11th June
Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.30 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Ken Roberts, Neville Ridd, John Martin, John Gray
COVCC Motorcycle rally. Assistance of local members with the event, would be appreciated.
John Gray/Committee A three-day run to Invercargill, via the Catlins. Visit Invercargill museums, coastal towns, return home Monday via garden of significance.
John Gray TBC
Murray Pryde
Car and Machinery Show. Attend and display your vehicle or volunteer.
John Gray
John Gray
Run to Oturihua to visit the historic Gold mine and Poppit Head structure, with picnic lunch.
TBC
John Gray TBC
Sunday 15th June Annual General Meeting
Thursday 26th June
JULY 2025
Wednesday 9th July
Thursday Muster
Graham Taylor
AGM, to be preceded by a potluck lunch at 11.30 am.
John Gray TBC
Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.30 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Sunday 13th July Weekend Run
Thursday 31st July
AUGUST 2025
Wednesday 13th August
Thursday Muster
John Gray TBC
Club Night: Clubrooms open 7.30 pm, meeting starts 8.00 pm.
Sunday 17th August Weekend Run
Sunday 24th August Daffodil DayCancer Society fund-raiser
John Gray TBC
John Gray
Curling at Alexandra
John Gray TBC
Thursday 28th August
Thursday Muster
TBC
Show and Shine. Gates open 11.00 am. Display 12.00 – 2.00 pm. Barbeque and raffles. All proceeds to Cancer Society. Please bring your vehicle for display and support this event and this great cause.
TBC
Saturday 15th March 2025
A Central Otago Vintage Car Club Event
This is the first Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally to be organized by the Central Otago Vintage Car Club. If there are sufficient entries and support for the event it is hoped that it will become an annual event. Therefore, all motorcyclists with an eligible motorcycle are encouraged to enter. Eligible motorcycles are those manufactured before 1995.
Name of Entrant
Select Route ( Circle ) Total distance for day
Friday 14th
Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Program
The COVCC club rooms in Litany Street, Cromwell will be opened at 4.30pm. All entrants and supporting personal are welcome along to a “Meet and Greet” and finalize any entry details and receive their Rally Pack. A light meal will be provided at 6.30pm Please indicate numbers on entry form.
Saturday 15th
To make the rally suitable for all classes of motorcycle there are three route options. The three route options start at different location and finish at that route option start point.
All route options have the same lunch stop at the Oturehua Hall
Short Route 100km approx.
The short Route starts a 9.00am at the Chatto Creek Tavern car park and finishes at the same location
Note Vehicles that are going to be left at this start point should be left at the Doc Rail Trail car park about a kilometer to the east of the Chatto Creek Tavern on the left side of SH85
Rally Packs will be available at the start point to those entrants who have not already picked them up at the club rooms on Friday night.
The only Fuel available on this route is at Omakau on the way to the lunch stop although the return route does not go through Omakau, it goes within a couple of kilometers of the town.
The route is particularly suitable for Veteran and Vintage motorcycle and also small displacement motorcycles.
There are two large hills on the route that may be difficult for veteran motorcycle, particularly those with fixed drive.
In an endeavor to encourage Veteran motorcycle to the rally, a car trailer will be available to transport such motorcycles up these hills, if it’s required.
Medium Route 150kms approx.
The Medium Route starts at 9.00am at the Clyde Dam lookout near the north end of Sunderland Street and finishes at the same location.
Rally Packs will be available at the start point to those entrants who have not already picked them up at the club rooms on Friday night.
The only Fuel available on this route is at Alexandra and Omakau on the way to the lunch stop and although the return route does not go through Omakau, it goes within a couple of kilometers of the town.
Long Route 300kms approx.
The long Route starts a 9.00am at the Central Otago Vintage Car Club rooms in Litany Street, Cromwell and finishes at the same location.
Rally Packs will be available at the start point to those entrants who have not already picked them up at the club rooms on Friday night.
The only Fuel available on this route is at Alexandra, Omakau and Ranfurly on the way to the lunch stop and although the return route does not go through Omakau, it goes within a couple of kilometers of the town.
Lunch
Lunch for rally entrants will be provide by the local Oturehua Community Group at the Oturehua Hall
Additional lunches will be provided to the support personal if they have been preordered and pre-paid at time of rally entry.
Dinner and Prize Giving
The rally Dinner and Prize Giving will take place at the Central Otago Vintage Car Clubroom in Litany Street, Cromwell on Saturday evening
The clubrooms will be open at 4.30pm and a meal will be provided to those who have pre-paid at the time of their Rally entry.
Sunday 16th
Meet for tea or coffee at 9.30am at the COVCC club rooms
If you have time before you head home and are interested in visiting a magnificent Speedway Bike Museum. The collection is close to Cromwell
Other Matters
A back up trailer will follow the rally route.
The Rally is run under the umbrella of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc. and is open to financial members of that club and invited potential members as guests. Entrants must abide by the traffic regulations and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc. Also marshals directions
The organisers reserve the right to disqualify an entrant that is likely to bring discredit to the event.
All entrants must complete an entry form Trailers, Caravans and Motorhomes are welcome to stay in the COVCC yard over the weekend
Remember, it’s not a race and to have fun.
OTHEREVENTSandNATIONALS
VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details at editorCOVCC@gmail.com
For more information on these and other events in Beaded Wheels, check branch newsletters which may be found at http://vcc.org.nz/newsfrom-our-branches/
Date Event
Sunday 1st December Josephville Hillclimb at Lumsden
Saturday 18th January Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival
Easter 2025 Wheels at Wanaka.
Organizer Detail
Gore VCC Flyer included last month
Southland Falcon Club Classic Car Show, Alpha Street Park.
Celebrating 100 years of Caterpillar.
Chairman’sReport
Wendy and I enjoyed the National Commercial Rally in Oamaru even though it was very wet on Saturday. As a bonus we came home with the “ Most original commercial vehicle “ prize
Vice chairman Neil Webster is stepping in as New Member Liaison officer for Gary Fredrickson
Due to high cost, we have decided to put the Hoist on hold as not a viable option
Our Xmas dinner is fast approaching so do come along and enjoy each other’s company at this event. Bring your pride and joy as we will be awarding both the Tapper Trophy, John Loudon Trophy and Chairmans award. Mark Wilkinson South Island Club Captain will be awarding 25, 35 and 50th members badges Meet from 11.30am, Eating at 12.30pm Sunday 8th December
On January Sunday 19th is our Swap Meet. This is our fund raiser for the year so we will require a hand on the day anytime from 7.00am. Or even better if you could bring some items to sell.
On behalf of the Committee and myself we wish you all a very Merry Xmas and happy new year And I do hope Santa brings you that gift that you have always wanted
See you all at the Xmas party
Regards
John Martin
ClubCaptain’sReport
DECEMBER 2024
Well, just a few short weeks before the proverbial ‘Jolly Fellow’ visits, and the final two club events of the year, those being the ‘Christmas Lunch, on Sunday the 8th and an informal picnic on Thursday 12th December. Then we start the program of events anew, in the New Year. I have been in my new role of ‘Club Captain’ for nearly 6 months now, and trust that members have enjoyed some of the events that I have organised so far.
While we have only lived in Cromwell for 18 months, three of my four ‘Great Grand Fathers’ settled in Central Otago in the early 1860’s, two being early gold miners and the other a Master Stonemason, so my family association with the area goes back a while, and this led to many of my early family holidays being taken in ‘Central’. In addition, I have written several dozen extensive ‘Conservation Reports’ on heritage buildings within the Central Otago area over my working years, so while I am quite familiar with the area and its history, I still have a lot to learn.
However, I am always looking for new opportunities for ‘Club Night’, and visits, for both the ‘Weekend Runs’ and ‘Thursday Musters’, so if you, or someone you know have a story to tell, a collection that we could visit, or know of a location or business that would interest our members, please contact me and share your thoughts. I also invite feedback on the events I have organised. Do you want two trips each month as now? Or alternatively, should we have a Weekend trip one month, and a Thursday trip the next, thereby, only having one trip a month? Do you like picnics or going to Restaurants for lunch?
I am interested to hear your views, as it is difficult to plan what suits most people, if you don’t tell me; both positively or negatively.
Although I try to keep to the same times each month for the ‘Weekend Run’; which is the Sunday following the Club Night; and the ‘Thursday Muster’ is the last Thursday of the month; there will be times that these dates need to change. Sometimes, this is due to bad weather in the long-range forecast for a particular proposed date; unavailability of the host/speaker or venue on the proposed date; or sometimes my own unavailability; or that I have something else planned that clashes with the date.
If I am unavailable, and can get someone else to run the event as scheduled, I will; otherwise I will endeavour to run the event on an alternative date and notify you of such in my ‘Reminder Messages’. Please read these, as I will highlight any changes. As my wife Wendy points out, “This is just a Hobby”. I therefore apologise in advance, if I disrupt people’s schedules through changes. I’ll try to keep these changes to a minimum.
UP COMING EVENTS:
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO CLUB NIGHT IN DECEMBER
The following are the only two ‘Club’ events in December. Please see the ‘CLUB CALENDER OF EVENTS’ for upcoming January Events. I will send out Reminder Notices prior.
SUNDAY
8TH DECEMBER:
CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND MEMBERSHIP AWARDS
The annual ‘Christmas Club Lunch’ will be held on Sunday 8th December. The start will be at 11.30, with lunch served around 12.30pm. This is a ‘Pot Luck’ food event. The club will be providing the ‘Cooked Ham’ and ‘New Potatoes’ and members are asked to bring either a ‘salad’ (or similar dish), or a desert for sharing. It is also BYO, so please bring your own beer, wine or soft drinks, as required.
This event is also the ‘Restoration of the Year’ judging, so all new, or previously unjudged restorations within the branch, should be in attendance and be assessed for this award. Please advise Chairman John Martin, if you are entering a vehicle in this category. There is also an ‘Attendants Vehicle Choice Award’, on the day, and all ‘Club Eligible’ vehicles in attendance will be eligible, so get your pride and joy polished and bring it along.
Following lunch, ‘South Island Club Captain’, Mark Wilkinson, will present the Membership Awards, for 50, 35 and 25 years, continuous membership. The committee look forward to seeing you at this event. For catering purposes, please advise John Gray on jbgray@xtra.co.nz or 0274345621, with names and numbers thank you, by 4th December.
THURSDAY 12th DECEMBER: EARLY ‘THURSDAY MUSTER’ AND CHRISTMAS PICNIC LUNCH.
Meet at the Clubrooms at 10.15, to leave at 10.30am. We will arrive at Bannockburn Inlet around 11.45/12.00 noon.
Again, trying something new. A short informal run from the ‘Clubrooms’ to view an amazing ‘Collection’ near Bannockburn, and then on to the ‘Bannockburn’ inlet (where the toilets are) for a picnic lunch and chat. Following lunch, we can drive just around the inlet to where the picnic tables are, and walk the very pleasant 700m on the Bike Track to ‘Carrick’ vineyard where we will have coffee or a glass of wine in the garden, to finish off the afternoon out. For those unable to walk, you can drive to ‘Carrick’, and meet us there.
Have a ‘Great Christmas’.
Kind Regards
John Gray
COVCC Club Captain
Secretary’sRoundUp
DECEMBER 2024
We have had more new members this year than before (and that is in spite of the join up procedure re joint members being as clear as mud).
New members;
Colin and Lynley Cameron, Simon Manning, Brian Mitchell, Nic Norman, James Barclay, Roland Van der Wal, JoJo Hardy, Peter Jahnsen, Martin Withington, Murray Kennedy.
Christmas party and awards;
We have several members up for long service awards;
50 years; Bruce Jones and Mike Hanning.
35 years; Barry Walker, Murray George, Trevor Toshach, George Wallis.
25 years; John Gray, David Manson, Michael Wyatt.
Our South Island Club Captain, Mark Wilkinson will be making the presentations.
For those of you nominated above this is your formal invitation to our Christmas function and award presentation Sunday 8th of December 2024. Gather from 11am, Lunch at noon, presentations at 1:30 pm Further details in this “Puff n Stuff”
SUNDAY10thNOVEMBER2024
VISITTOGLENORCHYANDTHEROUTEBURN TRACK
EVENT REPORT: JOHN GRAY
A small but enthusiastic group of members met up at the Sunshine Bay boat launching area just west of Queenstown on the Glenorchy Road, at 10.30am on the Sunday morning, in bright sunshine and calm conditions, after the very heavy rain, that had hit the Southern Alps on Friday the 8th .
What surprised us, was the constant stream of tourist cars and campervans that were proceeding up the road towards Glenorchy, which we joined along with. While the trip up the lake is always very scenic and in my opinion one of New Zealand’s great tar seal road drives, one had to keep a constant eye on proceedings, due to the unpredictability of the tourist drivers. They seem to either be driving too slow and constantly braking; or too fast and trying to overtake everyone, in the most inappropriate and dangerous places. Such is progress!!!!!, I now just sit back and enjoy the drive, and we will all get there in due course, providing no one does anything too stupid.
Members enjoying a coffee at Glenorchy
What turned out to be our 11 strong contingent, met up at a lovely café in Glenorchy, down near the lake, where we partook of excellent coffee and refreshments, before proceeding around to the Glenorchy wharf and goods shed to view the historic photographs of the area inside. There were only two club eligible
vehicles in attendance, Ray Anderson from Cardrona in his 1962 Pontiac and Bert and Jenny Turnbull, from Wanaka, in their V8 Rover. The other three were moderns.
Ray Anderson and his very original 1962 right hand drive Pontiac
The lake was particularly high due to the major inflows to the lake from the Reece and Dart Rivers, in the proceeding days, but nowhere near as high as the photographs of the famous wharf shed, almost totally demolished, due to the extreme flooding of December 1999. We had heard late Saturday, that the road down to Kinlock had been washed away and had collapsed, and was closed due to the flooding, so that would not be part of our travels on this trip. As it turned out a tourist had tried to drive their 4WD through the washout, and the car had ended up floating down to the lake.
We proceeded over the very fast flowing Dart River bridge, and turned right towards Routeburn, with no difficulties on that road. The drive through the Beech Forest was delightful, though quite busy, and we had to pull over several times to allow tourists to pass on the narrow track. We travelled passed the new Routeburn shelter, to the roads end, where the group decision was to park on a raised grass bank, up against the bush, which was a good decision, out of the wind and facing the sun, with a good view down to the Routeburn River and the majestic mountains behind.
Lunch was then partaken, and its always great to see the delights some of our travellers had prepared for their picnic meal. Following our sustenance, Neville Bryant of Queenstown, presented a very informative talk on his families history in the area, both as the first European settlers at Kinlock and later about his uncle and cousins running the ‘Bryant’s Bus Services’ coaches from the Kinlock wharf to the Routeburn Track. Neville also still owns the 1941 Chevrolet open top bus, that was synonymous with the Bryant’s services to the track, until the Dart River bridge opened in 1974. We were intending to drive down to Kinlock in the afternoon, but the road closure prevented that.
We also drove in to the Lake Sylvan track, but that too was closed, because DOC had removed the bridge, possibly because of perceived safety concerns, so not a great day for additional activities. I did however have a short period of fly fishing at the Routeburn shelter, but the river was too cloudy and by then, the wind was getting up, so I didn’t persist too long.
The drive back was also very pleasant, but we witnessed some appalling driving from ‘younger folks’ in rentals, on the Glenorchy Road. I think many of these people are ‘Temporary Citizens’ in more than one sense of the word. The day was finished for us with some obligatory ‘retail therapy’ and grocery shopping at ‘5 Mile’ near Queenstown. A great day was had by all, and there have been very positive comments back to me from the participants, so we will do this again. Thank you all.
Neville Bryant talking to our group about early Kinlock/Routeburn history
WEDNESDAY13thNOVEMBER2024
SANTANAMINERALSBENDIGOGOLDMINE
EVENT REPORT: JOHN GRAY
Representatives from Santana Minerals, Vicki Blakeborough and Poly Clague, made a very interesting and informative presentation to approximately 29 members, regarding the technical details and proposals to mine gold from the ‘Rise and Shine’ pit and resource on the Thompsons Gorge Road, which traverses the mountains from Tarris to Matakanui.
Vicki explained that the company had undertaken extensive investigations on site over the past 18 months, including the drilling of dozens of test bore core sample holes, down to what they call the TZ4 schist levels. It is generally within the top 10 or 20m of this layer, where the majority of the gold will be found.
Santana Minerals Vicki Blakeborough and Poly Clague explain the Mining project
Tests have shown that the gold bearing ground will produce around 2.9g of gold per ton of processed material. This equates to around 1 oz of gold per 10 tons. This is considered a very promising and good return worldwide. The mine is projected to return about 150,000 oz of gold per annum for the first three years, from around 1,500,000 tons of ore processed per annum.
Overall estimates are for 1.15 million oz of gold from the ‘Rise and Shine’ pit and subsequent underground mining over the initial reserves period of 9.2 years. In answer to members questions, she said that these estimates were on the conservative side, and could well be better than the published figures. The mine will
employ around 250 workers, all of whom will live in Central Otago, and travel daily to the mine via company transport.
Information from Santana’s website provided further details. Around 40% of the shareholder funds are held by New Zealanders, and about 60% of the profits will remain in NZ as dividends and operational costings, but does not include wages to staff. Over the life of the mine, the NZ Government royalties will be around NZ$325 million and corporate taxes of NZ$800 million will be paid. (It will go a long way towards the new Dunedin Hospital)
These costs exclude payroll taxes and other indirect taxes such as GST and this project is expected to be a significant boost to the Central Otago regional and NZ economy.
I am therefore looking forward to our trip over Thompsons Track on the 28th November to look at the investigations and proposed mining area
Disclosure: I am not a shareholder nor have I any direct interests in this project.
THURSDAYMUSTER
28TH NOVEMBER2024
VISITTOSANTANAMINERALS
BENDIGO
HEADQUARTERSANDTHOMPSONSTRACK 4WDTRIP
EVENT ORGANISER/REPORT: JOHN GRAY
This event was both a follow up to the November ‘Club Night’ talk by Santana Minerals staff regarding their proposed new Gold Mine, and a new event for the ‘Club’, a 4WD trip off the beaten track, to explore some of the wonderful and beautiful Central Otago Hinterland, on our doorstep, which many club members had not explored before.
The day started before 9.00am where we were to meet at the clubrooms before starting our adventure. I was very pleasantly surprised, when we arrived at the club at 8.45 to find around 12 4WD vehicles already assembled. This number grew by a few more before we departed, which was a great turnout for a mid-week event. We proceeded up the East side of Lake Dunstan, turning into Bendigo Loop Road to visit the Santana Minerals site facilities.
We were met by Vicki Blakeborough and two company geologists, who explained the process of drilling the core samples, down to the ‘gold bearing’ quartz rock, to assess how much gold may be present. We were shown the sample boxes, which are being evaluated, which listed the locations and depths of each sample within. The sample bores are about 60mm in diameter, and some boxes showed depths of over 250meters.
Tim, a geologist also showed us a map of the proposed first mining pit, with each of the ‘bore holes’ represented by a coloured dot. He explained that the purple dots were the highest yielding gold, bore
samples, and there was certainly a predominance of this colour, so the proposed mining must be a worth while venture. However, he also explained there was a vast amount of overburden that must be removed before they get to ‘the good stuff’
Santana Geologist Tim, explaining how they analyse the core samples for gold
They also bought out ‘The Jewellery Box’ to show us. This is a sample box which contains some of the best gold bearing samples, that the company has found so far. The most impressive was a piece of grey quartz which they have assessed as producing 14,000 grams of gold per ton of this particular mined rock. Some of the members got out their calculators and worked out that it equates to $200,000 per ton of mined rock at today’s gold prices. There might be a morning tea shout when they finally get to that bit. There was certainly a lot of very glittery gold showing up on the surface of the core sample!!!!!
‘Da Boys’ Inspect the ‘Jewellery Box’ Ewan Duthie looks at the sample with 1,400g gold/ton of rock
As event organiser, I then explained to the group the program for the days 4WD trip and the safety rules/gate rules etc. We then set off in convoy, to tackle the nearby ‘Thompson’s Track’. While this track is a ‘Public Road’, it is really only suitable for 4WD capable vehicles, owing to the rough nature of the track, mud holes and one 60m long river crossing, where you actually drive down the flowing river bed.
Cars with higher ground clearance would get through, but I would certainly not recommend taking the family saloon over this road. A hole in the sump or a broken diff, is a very strong possibility. There are very clear signs at each end, warning that this is a ‘Back Country Track’ and that it is ‘Self Recovery Only’. I wouldn’t think that the ‘AA’ do house calls in there. Also, there is no cell phone coverage!!!!
Some of the members vehicles, even a ‘Club Eligible’ Series 1 Land Rover
First stop after a few km’s, was at the historic ‘Come in Time’ Stamper Battery. This is a restored 10 stamper relic of the 1870’s gold mining era, accessed via a somewhat steep and winding walking track into a side gully off the main road. Some of our members stopped near the top of the track to go inside an original Adit; a horizontal mine shaft; to have a look at how the original miners worked to win their gold. This adit is approximately 60m long. Other members made it down the track to view the restored structure, including member John Simons from Alexandra, who is around 90 years, and was responsible for the restoration of the stamper, around 25 years ago. A great effort John.
Restored ‘Come in Time’ Stamper battery
With everyone back to the vehicles, we continued our journey towards Matakanui, but by now the predicted very high winds had kicked in, and on one gate opening at altitude, my passenger and gate opener Michael Wyatt declared that opening his door was likely to result in severe damage, so I alighted from the drivers side in the lee of the wind to open the gate. That all went reasonably well, but getting back to the Landcruiser in what may have been 120 kph tail winds proved a challenge in the dust storm created by the convoy of vehicles from behind.
Once we were over the ridge the wind wasn’t quite so bad, but the amazing patterns created by the hillside golden tussocks as they were tussled in the sunlight, were a delight to see. A few km’s further on we dropped into a very picturesque valley with an old, but very complete stone cottage beside the stream, and as this area seemed to be reasonably well protected from the wind, the decision was made by the lead vehicles to stop here for lunch.
As the hut was off the main track, this required some back tracking by the first six vehicles, but soon everyone was happily parked around the historic cottage. This proved a popular location for lunch, as everyone sat around their vehicles, in small groups to enjoy their luncheon fare, washed down with coffee and tea. Unfortunately, after twenty minutes or so, the wind changed direction somewhat, to make us a little more exposed, but it didn’t seem to worry anyone too much.
Part of the group enjoyed lunch behind the stone hut
Once the food had been consumed, the decision was made to move on with our journey. Soon after leaving the lunch spot, the track reverted to the bed of the stream, with a 60m long section of stream to negotiate, with a few larger boulders to be avoided, to protect the vehicles undercarriages, though everyone made it through unscathed.
The latter part of the journey through the very spectacular Thompson’s Gorge, was traversed with the track very high up on the south side, with majestic views to the mountain sides towards the north. Considering we were very close to the Manukerihia Valley, the topography of the land in the gorge, was quite different to
that normally viewed from the Manukerihia Valley, looking back to the Dunstan Range, we had just passed through.
Once back down on the flat, our instructions took us south and around to Matakanui township, a very small settlement, nestled back against the Dunstan Mountains. There are still quite a few complete buildings remaining from the gold fields days, including the Pub, Donnely’s store, Naylor’s butcher shop, the school, and a few houses.
A look around Matakanui Township
This settlement has great significance to me personally, as this was where my Great Grandfather came to in 1863, from Sunderland UK, via Melbourne to seek his fortune on the goldfields. This gold field was known as ‘Tinkers Gully’ and was considered in Mines Department reports of 1866-7, to be some of the richest ground for its size in the Colony. Approximately 100,000 oz of gold was extracted from this field in just a few years. At todays’ gold prices, that equates to about $400 million.
From the township we made our way up into the gully workings, where I pointed out the large pillars of gravel, which have been left standing from the original sluicing’s, and which indicated the boundaries between the various gold claims. I was told as a child that the uppermost pillar was the south boundary of Great Grandfathers claim, of the Gray and Co, syndicate Then, as now, there were high development costs of the claim, and together with the high costs of getting water to the site, as the gold ran out, the usual bankruptcy of the syndicate occurred in 1884.
We concluded in our vehicle, that the early gold miners of the 1860’s were a very hardy bunch, with great fortitude for the challenges and hardships they endured, due to the climate, topography, and difficulty of obtaining basic supplies, in their efforts to gain their meagre winnings of gold. From the feedback received, it seemed most of the attendees enjoyed their day out, and we plan further such trips in the future. Thanks to Santana Minerals for explaining their proposed project and to the participants on the day for attending.
STORY: JOHN GRAY
THE ‘CLUB BAR-BE-QUE’
You may have noticed reference in ‘The Committee Meeting’ minutes in this addition, reference to the potential purchase of a new ‘Club Barbeque’, which I was tasked with investigating. This item was discussed at the following mornings ‘Boys in the Shed’ gathering and mention was made by Chairman John, that there was an old barbeque in the back shed. I suggested that there was no time like the present to investigate, uncover the ‘beast’ and drag it out. 10 minutes of moving various articles, boxes and boards had the afore mentioned appliance out in the sunshine, for what I was told was the first time in a few years.
A quick inspection and assessment come with a pleasant surprise, that it was actually a very fine cooking appliance with large flat cook top, but in need of a major clean and degrease. Following further discussion, I agreed to attend the next Wednesday, armed with my bucket of Barbeque cleaning apparatus and chemicals, to give the said appliance a ‘major overhaul’. As we needed to also make sure that it was in full working order, Charman John also suggested I needed to purchase ‘appropriate supplies’ for a ‘cook up’ for the Boys in the Shed, following their mornings work.
A hours’ work of spraying food safe degreaser, scrubbing and cleaning the next Wednesday, achieved an appliance looking totally different and close to its new state and one that anyone would be happy to eat from. The final act, was to attach the gas bottle and to start her up, which was achieved faultlessly, despite the quantity of cleansing water which had been recently applied. 10 minutes of heating dried everything out and the cook-up of pork sausages, meat patties and onions was commenced and completed just in time as the workers finished up and the food was enjoyed, wrapped in a slice of brown bread, seasoned with ‘Tui’ tomato sauce.
Positive comments all round from the assembled gathering, suggested that this should be a more regular occurrence. Chairman John, has asked member Barry Walker from Alex if he would make a suitable rain proof cover, so we can leave the Barbeque under the veranda for more regular use, to which Barry has agreed. So watch this space for planned future use, and who knows, if you turn up the occasional Wednesday morning, you may be lucky to score a sausage cooked on this resurrected ‘Club Treasure’.
The Crew enjoying a sausage
The ‘Restored’ Club Barbeque, resdy for future service
LongServiceawards
Long service awards to be presented by Club Captain Mark Wilkinson at our annual end of year function 8th December.
Awardees as follows;
50 years; Mike Hanning, Bruce Jones.
35 years; George Wallis, Murray George, Trevor Tosach, Barry Walker.
25 years; David Manson, John Gray, Michael Wyatt
NewMembers
Murray and Sue Kennedy, welcome aboard.
PassingLane
BRANCH OFFICERS 2024-2025
Role
Patron: John Loudon 448 7192
Chairman: John Martin
445 0598 021 109 1309 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
Vice Chairperson: Neil Webster 021999 049 neil.webster@xtra.co.nz
Immediate Past Chairman Vacant
Partner
Sheila
Wendy
Secretary: Graham Taylor 443 1416 gtml@xtra.co.nz Cheryl
Treasurer: Mel Wilson 021 233 0280 saddle.hill@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain: John Gray 0274345621 jbgray@xtra.co.nz
Wakatipu - Bill Crooks 021 915 188 bill@arrowauto.co.nz
Alexandra - Barry Walker 448 6508 TBC
Cromwell - John Martin 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
Wanaka - Graham Taylor 443 1416 gtml@xtra.co.nz
HSE: Gerry Spencer
Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival: Ewen Duthie
Lynne
Wendy
Glenda
Jill
Sharron
Wendy
Cheryl
027 838 8324 445 1973 duthie.e@xtra.co.nz Arlene
Bryan Anderson 0212049390. bryandjen@live.com
National Daffodil Day Coordinator: Beau Trevathan 4452864
Golden Times: Alan Sutton 027 434 6018 Alan.Sutton@bayleys.co.nz
Face book page TBC
Ann
MinutesofCOVCCCommitteeMeeting
Minutes of COVCC Committee Meeting Clubrooms
Tuesday 12th November 2024
Meeting began 7.30 pm.
Present
John Martin - Chair
Mel Wilson
Neil Webster
John Gray
Ewen Duthie
John Wilson
Apologies
Graham Taylor
Garry Grindley
Rose Grindley
Gary Frederickson
Previous Minutes
Moved as true and correct - Neil / seconded by John G
Matters Arising
CODC
A letter is being drafted to the CODC to confirm what we are legally entitled to do on our site and whether we can allow other groups to use our clubrooms. This letter will be high level and will be circulated to the committee prior to sending.
Rose Grindley has done a draft letter and has been circulated to committee.
Not sure where this is currently at
HOIST
Hoist has been put on hold as the building costs have become too expensive. Requests for Club Rooms
The Pétanque Club had a successful game and is looking at holding another function at the club rooms.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence received.
UP COMING EVENTS
BEADED WHEELS
John Gray raised the point that not we are events are not being listed in Beaded Wheels and suggested that we should be as we are an active club.
MOTORCYCLE RALLY
Entry forms now completed. Advertise in Beaded Wheels Organising Committee
Ken Roberts
Neville Ridd
John Martin
John Gray
OTAGO ANNIVERSAY RALLY being organised by John G Southern Tour on the 22nd to 24th March 2025
Slow response so far so unless there is more interest the rally will be cancelled.
QUIZ NIGHT
A new date needs to be set for the quiz night that John G organised early this year and was postponed due to low numbers, (All Blacks game)
ALPINE STREET MACHINE SHOW
On the 16th of November 2024 and a good turnout is wanted from members as they supported our Daffodil Day fund raiser. 12pm to 2pm.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Christmas Party is on the 8th of December at starting at 11am? Ham and Potatoes provided Bring a salad or dessert to share BYO Brinks
SWAP MEET 19th OF JANUARY 2025
Help is required from 7.30am onwards
CLUB
ROOM QUOTES REQUIRES
LIGHTING
A quote for the fitting of the new lights in the parts shed and outside lights is required. John G to talk to Murray George.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
A quote for a monitored alarm system is required. John G and Neil to ask Allied Alarms for a quote.
BARBAQUE
A price for a new barbeque is required. John G to get a price from Bunnings.
OUTDOOR TABLES
A price for suitable outdoor tables is required. John G to get a price from Bunnings.
RESIGNATIONS
Gary Grindley will step down as our editor at the next AGM, so we are looking for a new editor to take over this role. We thank Gary for his valuable contribution in his role.
Gary Fredrickson is standing down as the new members liaison contact and Neil Webster will take over this role effective immediately.
Next meeting: Tuesday 11th February 2025
BitsandPieces
Name badges
Graham is preparing an order for these. He gets them done in batches of 10 or so. If you need one, please talk to him.
Photos and some notes on events
I can’t get to every event, and I enjoy it when others help with contributions, like they did this month. This way, you will end up with a better mag that is well rounded, and better targeted to the wider membership interests. Thank you to those of you who contributed. The Editor.
LetterstoEditor/Secretary
Garry
I was reading How to Restore Your Collector Car, and it mentioned Evans Waterless Coolant, that are waterless automotive engine coolant. Not only do Evans Waterless Coolants not boil over, they do not freeze. Because Evans Waterless Coolants do not contain water electrolysis and corrosion are also eliminated. Every Evans Waterless Coolant requires the entire cooling system to be drained (radiator, engine block and heater core) and refilled 100% with Evans Waterless Coolants. No need to add anything – do not add water.
Sounds interesting. Does anyone have experience with using this?
(Of course the other way round this problem is air cooling like in older VW, Porsche and some motorbikes and the like.)
Central Otago Vintage Car Club (Including Queenstown & Wanaka)
BuySellWantedorExchange
1958 Sunbeam Rapier, Series 2 (Two Door)
1600cc engine, 4 speed box, upholstery in good condition. Colour – Cream body, Red Roof, Red side flash
Registered and warranted, $15,500. Ph Murray 027 258 1493, or Robert 021 126 8822
1948 Vauxhall 12 HIX
50,000 Original miles, been in several family ownerships, the current owner is the 5th Colour Dark Blue, good tyres and spare, brown leather upholstery, valve radio and sun roof. Registration on hold and can be reactivated anytime. Ph Murray 027 258 1493, or Robert 021 126 8822
WANTED:
The Wednesday, “Boys in the Shed” Spare Parts guys, could do with 2 lt Ice Cream containers or I lt Yoghurt plastic containers to store nuts, bolts and small parts. If you have any spare, drop these off at the clubrooms anytime, thank you.
WANTED: Bonnet side panels for a ‘K’ Series Bedford, to complete restoration. Ph Martin Withington. 021-1627051, martinwithington@gmail.com
Stickers for COVCC members
Let others know which branch you belong to at events away from home. These are produced locally and are made from high quality vinyl. They are external stickers and go on the outside of the windscreen, or on the body work. They are easily removed with a hairdryer. Cost $3.00 each. (A small profit goes to our club.)
