Extra

Aratoi is thinking all about faces

Inspired by our newest exhibition Eye to Eye – Portraits from the Collection, we are inviting viewers the take a close look at the wide range of portraits from our collection. Some well-known, some less familiar, some recently donated, we ask visitors to ponder whether they can know everything about a person just by looking at them?

You may be able to see their physical features, but what about their deeper qualities? If a portrait is more than just a record to how someone looks it should show us some of the hidden qualities too. The sitter’s power, their importance, beauty, wealth, taste, learning or other qualities.

During the school holidays we have three fun activities planned to help get you thinking and keep the whole family busy. All our activities are free with no need to book.

Sketch artist Antonette Sail will be in residence in the Main Gallery on Saturday, October 9, 11am-2pm, for Portrait Me! She will be creating fun quick sketches of visitors in our purpose-made portrait stage area. What kind of portrait would you like? Abstract? Cartoon? Serious? Funny? Use the props to show us something about you, your personality and your hobbies.

Mask Makeovers! Are happening in the foyer Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays, 11am-2pm. A fun drop-in activity for everyone. We all know masks are really important right now, but they do look really boring, jazz up your mask with fun materials, pompoms, sequins, string, all sorts!

New Art Discovery Cards are dotted throughout the exhibition. See if you can hunt out all 10 of them as you walk through Eye to Eye. Each Discovery Card off ers a diff erent challenge to look closer at the work on show and to see it in a new light.

• Eye to Eye is open from now until 21

November 21.

The family fun activities will

run on diff erent

days throughout the October school holidays, October 2-17. All activities are free, for more details check out our website www.aratoi.co.nz

Rob McLeod, Planet Ivon [2014], oil on wood panel. Collection of Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. Gift of the Artist. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

LETTERS

Misunderstandings corrected

I read Mark Pacey’s feature on the White Swan wreck with interest. I’m not sure how much of my book ‘The White Swan Incident’ [Wairarapa Archive, 2002] was used as source material but I recognise parts of it there. Given that association, and to avoid confusion, I’d like to correct some misunderstandings that have slipped into his version of events.

The White Swan was contracted to the government for a regular, subsidised, mail, passenger and freight service between the main New Zealand ports, not to “transport politicians” specifi cally.

The “eerily similar” fate to that of a “famous shipwreck” is, I assume, an oblique reference to the Titanic. That is Mark’s interpretation, not mine.

The Storm Bird’s destination was not a secret to be “revealed” in a conversation at Napier. Her timetable was printed in the newspapers.

The fact that the Swan “had struck a reef” was not a “rumour” circulating among the passengers. The steward told them as much when he roused them from their bunks.

After the initial impact the White Swan did not strike “rocks for the second time”. She was steered directly for the beach but, because she was down by the bow, embedded her forefoot in sand 400 yards short of high water mark.

The two survivors who walked to Moore’s homestead, the people who checked on the wreck next day, and the two men who were guided to Wellington by George Moore, were all passengers, not crew. For the Wellington expedition they were Robert Graham, an Auckland member of the House of Representatives, and RJ Duncan, a member of the Wellington Provincial Council and Secretary of the company that owned the rival Storm Bird. Graham used the publicity to advance his political career.

The White Swan was a nationally signifi cant wreck because of the people on board. “Several politicians” translates to 30 per cent of the House of Representatives, including most of the government ministers, in addition to their civil service heads of department.

Mike Warman Masterton

The White Swan, which was shipwrecked along the Wairarapa coast. PHOTO/FILE

A HOME FOR A PET

Hi, my name is Maisey. I am a mixed-breed girl, aproximately eight months old. I am a sweet girl who is looking for a special home. I would love to be with a family that has the time to spend with me and build my confidence. I am a little anxious so would love a home with a secure fenced area, and some human company for at least part of the day, especially while I settle in. If you have had some experience with dogs, and are willing to take me to training classes and on loads of adventures, please drop by and talk to the team at the Masterton SPCA during their opening hours, or call them on 0800 467 732.

Adjustable bed bases have become quite popular recently and although previously associated with hospitals, modern adjustable beds blend seamlessly in home decor and can be helpful for a wide range of people. Whether you’re considering an adjustable bed to assist in health care or as a lifestyle choice an adjustable sleeping position can make a positive difference to many areas of your health and comfort.

CONSIDERING AN ADJUSTABLE BED?

An adjustable bed can help with Circulation and Swelling, Back pain, Digestion, Arthritis, Sleep Apnoea and Snoring

Adjustable Base prices start as low as $1520 and we have a range of mattress options to suit. Sizes range from Long Single up to Super King. See our website for current sale prices and options

or call in to the Masterton Store.*T&C’s apply see in store for details.

36 Months Interest Free*

On instore purchases over $1000 & more

Offer ends 30 November 2021. Lending criteria fees. T&C’s apply.

EXPERIENCE AN ADJUSTABLE BED TODAY

On display at our Masterton Store: The new Mazon Motion Range - M5 | M10 | M30 | M90. We offer a full installation service and can provide optional extras such as safety rails.