Capital City Ford Dealer Principal Matt Carman, New Car Sales Manager Paul Bond and John Stokes from the VCC with the 1921 Model T Ford displayed in the dealership showroom in Lower Hutt. Capital City Ford is the major sponsor of our 2024 Daffodils event at Brewtown, and will also be providing the "Mayor's Choice" prize.
Enjoying Vintage Motoring 1958 - 2024
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)- Wellington Branch
Clubrooms: Halford Place (East end Jackson Street Petone)
Postal Address: PO Box 38-418, Petone Clubrooms Phone: 568-7463
Property Manager Paul Hooper paulhooper31@gmail.com 027-285-1713
Club Talks Coordinator Brian Christensen bestelectronics@outlook.co.nz 565-0664
Social Convenor Tasi Betteridge tasiandray@gmail.com 027-601-5399
Nat Executive Delegate Alan Thompson alan@thompsonfamily.nz 027-285-2048
Parts Mgr / Memorabilia Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514
Appointed Officers
Librarian Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220
Scribe to Beaded Wheels John Stokes tourist.times@xtra.co.nz 027-537-9491
Fire Engine Custodian John Jackson jackapp@xtra.co.nz 234-8702
Motorcycle Rep Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220
VIC Officers: Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514 David Gwynn gwynn.family@xtra.co.nz 527-7875
W/shop Custodian Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514
Rally Secretary
Archives John Sheppard john@johnsheppard.co.nz 027-312-1089
Web Master Trevor Barnes trevor.barnesnz@gmail.com 0211-588-033
NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE
Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of VCC Wgtn Branch
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT PhilKidd
We are now into a new Club year and this coming November will see our Branch celebrate the start of 67 years since its inception.
Many things have changed over the past 66 years – but the need to preserve our motoring history has not. It seems that the approximate age of your transport (vintage-wise) is predicated by your past associations and the “wanted to have it then and now I can” syndrome. I wonder how many of the “plastic fantastics” and EV’s etc available in today’s world will evoke a similar desire to become involved in a Club like ours in the future? What then will be the shape our Club in the future? If you read our President’s message in the Annual Report mailed to you in advance of the AGM to be held in August, it seems all is going well in the reorganisation of our Constitution. I personally am not convinced that full and robust discussion has taken place to properly establish whether there is a need to change things. If that need is established, then proceed – but not until all possibilities are properly taken into account and not rushed, as appears to be the case.
The Motion that our Branch had passed at the previous Executive meeting WAS NOT PROPERLY DISCUSSED, and in fact a further motion was put when the purport of our motion was in effect DISMISSED BY THE CHAIR of the meeting. My observation is that our Club has been misled as to the necessity for “change”, using the excuse of the passing of the Incorporated Societies’ Act to justify the present pathway. It appears to me that the proposed “structure” will add a further level of unnecessary bureaucracy (and probably increased cost) and not give the same voice to each Branch that they have now. Our (Wellington) Branch made it very clear that few
Chairman’s Report to the AGM continued from page 4: changes need to be made to have our current Constitution be compliant. Then the matter of any change to the Constitution can be addressed, and properly thought through and then discussed, without using a “bulldozer type” approach to ram these changes through.
The forthcoming Executive meeting and AGM in August will be attended by our Branch Delegate and myself as Observer taking with us the recommendations of the Constitution subCommittee.
We have been very fortunate this year to have such good speakers at our Club nights but Brian could do with some more ideas for the future. If you can help, please call him with some suggestions.
Daffodil Day is nearly upon us. DON’T FORGET TO PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY!24th August.
Mike Pattison and John Stokes are looking for help on the day as Marshalls. Please give either of them a call to advise you can help. At the same time, of course we expect now that your vehicles are fully maintained (over the winter) and are cleaned and polished ready for the start of the motoring season, you will be able to bring them to support the display at Brewtown in Upper Hutt.
Therefore, looking forward to seeing you at Brewtown from 9.30am on the 24th. On that note I will sign off and wish you happy and safe motoring in or on whatever means of transport you choose and look forward to catching up when you bring your vehicle to the event at Brewtown on the 24th . Phil Kidd
FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE NealeRyder
I shouldn’t need to remind you about Saturday August 24th, but I will. You need to support your club in this by turning up to Brewtown, preferably in your old car, bike, tractor, truck or whatever you want to and promote the Vintage Car Club and of course the Cancer society. You know where to go, when to be there, so just do it. See you all there for a fantastic day out. Regards, Neale {Editor’s Note: This report and article about the club run have apparently been proofread by both Jo and Mr Cat!! See photo.}
CLUB OUTING:
SUNDAY 28 JULY This run had us visiting three museums in the Wairarapa. First was the Featherston Heritage Museum, a place that a great many people have never heard of even though it is right beside the Fell Museum which is probably known worldwide. The first display is Featherston Fire Brigade’s Ford Model AA appliance, which served the town for many years. It did have a reputation of being very slow; old residents tell of children on bikes beating it to fires and I suspect our Dennis might have been the same. A very informative display telling the story of Lake Wairarapa and surrounding areas was in the same room. The influence of man on the lake and wetlands has been considerable and the view of the success of this would probably depend on whether you were a farmer or an eel.
THE FURRY PROOFREADER!
Captain’s Table: CLUB RUN, continued from page 6: The main focus of this museum is the First World War NZ Army training camp. This was a huge place set up on both sides of the Main road out of Featherston. Thousands of soldiers were trained here and many never returned from war. During the Second World War the camp was rebuilt as a Prisoner of War Camp holding Japanese prisoners. Amongst many items displayed are several lovely carved walking sticks and other items made by the imprisoned men. They show a great deal of skill and of course patience, especially when you realise that some of the walking sticks were carved from Jarrah railway sleepers using sharpened bits of number 8 fencing wire. They really have to be seen to do them justice.
Next door of course is the Fell Engine Museum focussed solely on the railway between Upper Hutt and Featherston prior to 1955. Here we find the only surviving Fell locomotive in the world. H199 was used on trains constructing the Remutaka incline from Summit to Cross Creek. This was the steepest section of main line in NZ with gradients between 1 in 13 and 1 in 15 requiring the use of the Fell centre rail system for traction and braking. The Hutt side was not quite as steep so could be worked by conventional locomotives. H199 also worked on the demolition trains in 1956, later being left exposed to the elements in the Featherston playground. Thousands of children must have been the “driver” while it was there, including me, although I do recall being rather sad seeing it rusting outside. All this changed in the early 1980s when a group of locals decided to save it, resulting in the locomotive being restored to display condition along with the only surviving brake van and many other unique items. Truly a world class museum.
Captain’s Table: CLUB RUN, continued from page 6: Heading along highway 2 towards Greytown we passed through the site of the camp to arrive at Cobblestones Museum, where we were greeted by Chris. She is a very well informed guide to the place having served on the trust for many years. The name Cobblestones comes from the cobblestoned yard of Hastwell’s Stables which forms the centre point and basis of the complex having been there originally. The cobblestones, stables and several other buildings are subject to Historic Places Trust protection requirements. A number of other buildings have been moved onto the site from other parts of the Wairarapa. We were also fortunate to be given a demonstration in the print shop by Tony the printer, he loves his “job”. The remainder of the afternoon was spend exploring the many buildings and displays. Future work her will include rebuilding part of one of the original Hastwell stable buildings and setting up the sawmill that came from Booths in Carterton. All in all an interesting and educational day out.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Angelica Edgley
Not much about cars this month, but some articles that might be of interest to some of you. We won’t be able to be at the Daffodil Day Display this year so hopefully some people will think to take photos to send me, and maybe someone will volunteer to write about it??? I live in hope, and grateful thanks to those who do write regularly.
DAFFODIL DAY UPDATE John Stokes
As you can see from the cover photo and the photo on this page, Capital City Ford and Repco Upper Hutt are major sponsors for our 2024 Rallying Around for Cancer event, on Saturday, 24 August at Brewtown, Upper Hutt.
As well as making donations to the Wellington branch of the Cancer Society, they have provided excellent prizes for participants. The "People's Choice" prize will be selected from entries submitted by exhibitors and by the public. Repco have supplied a dashcam valued at $260 for "People's Choice" and a lucky draw will be made out of the entry box for a pass to Cars Inc (the new Upper Hutt car museum) valued at $44.
In addition, Capital City Ford will be making the presentation of the "Mayor's Choice" prize, along with mayor Wayne Guppy!
Both Capital City Ford and Repco will have major displays on site too! On the Repco display, make sure you check out their 1924 Dodge pick-up!
Repco Upper Hutt manager Carey
Alexander presents our branch with the prize for "People's Choice" at our Daffodils event at Brewtown on Saturday 24 August. The prize is a dash cam, valued at $260! Repco is also making a donation to the Wellington branch of the Cancer Society.
Daffodil Day Update, continued from page 8:
And over at Capital City Ford you'll be amongst the first to see the very latest MUSTANG! They've not been announced yet - nor has one even reached our shores yet! So that is pretty exciting stuff for this event!
We are expecting a great turnout to this event. Going by our Event Page on Facebook, as of midday Sunday (28 July) 814 people have indicated they're interested in coming along on the day. There is more advertising and promotion yet to be placed so this is likely to be a major event! We will need manpower (and womanpower) assistance on the day - this will be discussed on Club Night (Tuesday 20 August). If you can't be at Club Night but would like a role on the day, please contact Mike Pattison on (04) 5270271 or (027) 4425799.
27 Blenheim Street, Maidstone, Upper Hutt. Check the Brewtown website for other attractions on site.
JULY CLUB NIGHT TALK - CANCER RESEARCH
Rachel Perret and Gail Marshall from the Malaghan Institute (MI) in Wellington visited the club in June. Rachel gave a presentation and an explanation of the research in which her team is involved and which is now going to the second stage clinical trial. The particular cancers in their research are blood cancers only, not tumors in tissues or organs, although they hope the current hopeful results will eventually be able to be used for those as well.
Apparently the research institute was started by Tip Top founders, Len Malaghan and his wife Ann to work particularly on infectious diseases, allergy and inflammation and cancer. The name was changed to Malaghan in 1986. Rachel and her team work on a type of white blood cells called T-cells. They use CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) therapy which trains the immune system to recognise cancerous cells and kill them, minimising effects on non-cancerous cells.
The T-cell Timeline:
-1981 Genetic modification of T-cells in Israel.
-2010 CAR T-cell treatment started use in USA.
-2019 First clinical trial in NZ;
-2020 First US patients considered cured (10 years later).
-2024 Second clinical trial in NZ starting.
The results of the first trial in NZ were as good as, if not slightly better than, US results. The first trial made T-cells specific to each person one at a time. The second trial will make person-specific cells via an automated process using “Lonza Cocoons” which will allow more people to be in the trial: 60 patients for two years, but they will come in regularly as outpatients. A new company called Bio Ora is funding the production of the cocoons, working with the institute.
Cancer Research, continued from page 12:
This is how the process works:
1) Blood is drawn from the patient, white blood cells are extracted and the rest is returned to the body. 2) T-cells are purified from the white blood cells. 3) The T-cells are reprogrammed by introducing a new genetic sequence to the cells so they produce new surface receptors called CARs. 4) CAR T-cells can now attach to specific proteins on cancer cells to start their destruction.
5) Millions of copies of these T-cells are then created.
6) The patient receives low dose chemotherapy in preparation.
7) CAR T-cells are infused back into the patient to destroy cancer cells. 8) Patients are monitored so any side-effects can be treated.
FROM BLOOD ACTIVATED
DESTRUCTION
In the first clinical trails, 53% of patients had a full response to the treatment, so hopefully the second trials will be equally successful. The hope is that in the future the process can be modified in some way to be applied to other types of cancers as well. The team hope eventually to register this therapy with MedSafe as a standard cancer therapy.
The institute is a registered charity and gets very little direct funding, so relies on fundraising, bequests and philanthropic donations. This was a fascinating talk on a subject that touches everyone!
Angelica Edgley
JULY CLUB RUN in Wairarapa: Visits to Three Museums.
Above: Outside the Fell Engine and Heritage Museums in Featherston - Neale’s Vauxhall Velox Vagabond and Darryl’s Riley Kestrel. For story, see page 6.
Left: Chris, who has been involved with Cobblestones Museum for a few decades, gave an introductory talk in their large new building.
Left: At Cobblestones, Tony gave a great talk about printing through the ages and demos showing how various machines worked. Below: A box of stamp-printing blocks.
Below: A 1913 Sunbeam 16/20 for sale. See page 20.
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S DRIVE
Another Fundraising Opportunity: Wellington Branch has been asked to mention the upcoming “Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive” which will be run world-wide on Sunday 29 September. This is a new event to fundraise for Men’s Health and Movember. It will be run in similar fashion to the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride - a motorcycle event run for many years. This years ride held locally in May attracted 250 motorcyclists and raised $27,000. If you are interested, check the website and register: www.gentlemansdrive.com Then via a website page, entrants try to get sponsors to fund them. Please note the rules only permit origInal cars, all cars must be older than 40 years and everyone must dress up (suit, tie, vest or smart dress for women). The drive will start and finish in Upper Hutt, go via Kapiti and finish with refreshments and prize-giving.
Left: Who is this dapper chap? A Wellington Branch motorcyclist amongst the throng (see photo from Wellington waterfront on page 17) on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride held in Wellington in May this year.
Captain John Brown - The Wahine Disaster, Part 2
Guest Speaker - VCC Club Night, 18 June 2024 By John Stokes
Our very interesting guest speaker compared how the Wahine investigation was conducted (and how the Court of Report was tabled) with Justice Mahon’s enquiry into the Erebus tragedy. For example, for the Wahine enquiry, it was almost voluntary to give evidence if you wished. And there was no cross-questioning! John Brown asserted that almost everyone involved in the Wahine tragedy had something to lose by testifying, except the passengers.
The ship’s designer (William Walters) was not called to the enquiry – yet he lived in Wellington! John Brown described him as a brilliant designer, but believes there were serious design flaws in the Wahine. The design aspects are important because, for instance, the goose-neck ventilation pipes from the ballast tanks in the hull and engine deck drained to the enclosed vehicle deck. Whilst the vehicle deck had one-way valves for drainage, it is questionable whether they were working.
varying times.
Our speaker was of the strong view those vents should have terminated higher, and into the open, so the water could drain into the sea.
The Wellington Harbourmaster, who is the official in charge of the harbour, did not attend the enquiry. There were clear flaws in the availability of vessels and equipment that day, including
John Brown shows his plot of Wahine’s position at
Wahine Disaster continued from page 18: communications devices and on-ship radar, which was very new technology back in 1968. Have you ever wondered how radar works? John Brown gave the simplest description I’ve ever heard. On each sweep, it takes a photo. On the next sweep (maybe a second later),
speaker, none of the captain, the first mate or the second mate really knew how to use it! He asks, perhaps the official enquiry might have focused on this aspect a little more? Was there insistence on radar training for the crew? Or was it a matter of: we’ve done this route so many times before, and she’ll be right (The “grandfather clause”).
John Brown then introduced a whole new idea (to this writer at least). As it came into the harbour, the ship’s master decided to reduce the Wahine’s speed. There are two schools of thought as to the reason for that. The first is that, Captain Robertson was proud of his on-time performance – the ETA was 7am, and not 10 minutes before or 10 minutes after. Wahine’s entry into Wellington harbour that day was considerably early. Did he slow the ship so as to preserve his on-time reputation? The second theory is that the
The Bridge of the Wahine: pretty empty by modern standards.
Wahine Disaster, Part 2, continued from page 19: speed was reduced to stop the ship from its rolling in the rough conditions. According to John Brown, a man of considerable experience, most seamen would agree not to do that! The reason is simple. In the same way that aircraft control surfaces rely on air current flowing over them to set the direction of the aeroplane, a ship or boat requires the same flow. Did the slowing of the ship cause the loss of effect from the rudder? When it turned towards Barrett Reef, in hurricane force winds, is it because this ship was now so slow that there was no response from the rudder?
The book is called “The Team that Hit the Rocks – The Inside Story of the Wahine Disaster”.
BUY & SELL
Advertisements are free to Wgtn VCC members and will be repeated four times. Also see page 26.
FOR SALE: 1938 Dodge 6 Sedan
Complete car dismantled 30 years ago; Rego on hold; Needs full restoration or makes a good parts car. Contact Don Hawkes Ph 232 8514
FOR SALE: 1913 Sunbeam 16/20 Convertible
From the Estate of David Kennedy McIvoris this rare collectible which has been meticulously maintained. 4.0L 4-cylinder engine; Vehicle is based in Invercargill. See also page 15. Asking: $35,000 ONO. amy.jansen@pgtrust.co.nz or phone: 03 955 3779 or 027 463 4906
MOTORCYCLE SECTION REPORT
Trevor Barnes
Meeting Monday 24 June: Eleven people attended, apologies from Peter Simpson.
Past Events: None.
Coming Events:
Branch Daffodil Day 24 August: Turn out to support the VCC Cancer Society fundraiser. See the Motoring Spirit for details.
Taranaki Rubber Duckie 21 September: This has been confirmed. Accommodation: Peter will use his camper, Ashley Blair, Paul Switzer and Trevor Barnes will use a cabin. To check
Adrian Macnee, Hal O’Rorke. Trevor will book a cabin.
Manawatu Motorcycle Rally 12 October: Entries close 30 September. Peter is not going – will be in Australia. Dave Gwynn, Ashley Blair, Paul Switzer and Trevor Barnes are going. Paul and Trevor are doing a day trip on Saturday, Dave and Ashley will make their own arrangements.
Wairarapa Gold Medal Trial: No date yet, usually late Nov.
National Classic M/C Club Rally 29 Nov-1 Dec 2024: Christmas Ride Friday 13 December: 9:30am start from Brown Owl; the focus will be visiting Stonehenge; inviting car members.
National Motorcycle Rally, Manawatu 25-27 January 2025: All bikes must have a current VIC (Note, there is a backlog at the National Office). Entry forms have been circulated. Entries close 31 October with NO late entries. See the National Office item in Beaded Wheels for VIC renewal information.
North Island Tour 15-23 March 2025: See July Motoring Spirit for details. Aaron has had to pay full or partial deposits for a number of the accommodation places. Therefore, those wishing to go are to: A) Confirm you will go; B) By the August Motorcycle Meeting night (26th) pay Aaron a deposit of $250 to help cover the advance accommodation payments.
Other Business: None.
Next Meeting: Monday 26 August at the Empire (Butcher and Brewer), 7:30pm. (Following meeting on Monday 23 September).
COMING EVENTS
If no details are provided, check the VCC website or contact Wgtn Branch Secretary for details/entry forms.
DAFFODIL DAY
Saturday 24th August 10 - 2
Car Display at Brewtown in Upper Hutt (off Blenheim Street at the Old Dunlop site).
BRING YOUR CARS!!
$20 entry per car (a donation to Wgtn Branch of the Cancer Society); Public entry free but bring your wallets for a good cause!
KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN: - WEDNESDAY 28th AUGUST
VISIT TO CARS INC. TRENTHAM, UPPER HUTT
Kevin Buck has organised a run to the recently-opened classic car museum, Cars Inc., located in George Daniels Drive, Trentham. The Site for the Museum is adjacent to the old GM Car Plant in Trentham, which, along with Ford, manufactured a large number of the cars on New Zealand roads in the 1950's, 60’s and 70's. The vehicles on display are changed on a six-monthly basis.
The museum has an excellent cafe where we will have lunch before exploring the museum. Aim to arrive around 11:30am to ensure that meals are ordered before the lunch-time rush. The cafe needs to know how many tables to reserve for our group, so please let Phil Pearce know by Sunday 25th August if you are coming.
Philip Pearce Email: nzpearce87@gmail.com Mob: 027 274 4084
OTHER RALLIES and RUNS
31 August Rotorua: Sulphur Lake Rally
20 - 23 September Wellington Branch Manawatu Meander
Based in Dannevirke. See July issue, page 11 for details.
18 - 19 October Marlborough/Nelson Biennial Rally : Info to come later.
25 - 28 October 7th
National Commercial Rally: Held in Oamaru. Entries close 27 Sept.
2 November - Wellington Branch Annual Rally and Dinner.
3 November Wellington Heritage Festival 26 October - 17
November: Wellington Branch will be involved on Sunday 3
November (part of the Annual Rally Weekend) with a display of vehicles at the Wellington Waterfront.
VCC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Visit the VCC Website: VCC.org.nz and click on “Membership Benefits” for details on various benefits and instructions on how to apply for them.
THE INTERISLANDER - Code WH5465
FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS
See details on page 26 of this magazine.
VERO INSURANCE
If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. In 2021 the amount was approximately $4,159!! Well done everyone!
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