Otautau & Aparima Valley

The Health of the Primary Health Sector

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:10:00 +0000

Primary health care

From the Ministry of Health's primary health care website, primary health care means 'health and preventative services, including health education, counseling, disease prevention and screening'. Primary health care is coordinated by 81 PHOs across the country - to raise the level of health and well-being of all New Zealanders.

Can this ideal - that we should all have the same access to health care services and encouragement to lead healthier lifestyles - survive the latest political moves to reduce administrative costs at the PHO and DHB level? Or will some of us (rural people and ethnic minorities) be left out in the cold again?

John Hicks' recent article in the Southland Times on the demise of Southland's PHOs and its effect on rural people is worth a read. You can even comment on his article directly on the Southland Times website - just click on the comment link. Will a big, broad Southland (or Otago?) PHO be sensitive to the fact that towns like Otautau need help in retaining good doctors and nurses? If change is in the air, then have your say on how you would like to see primary health care administered in our local community.

Wish Bear

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +0000

The St Andrews Scout Group have made a Wish Bear to raise funds for Tessa Cowie, the 2-year old Otautau girl battling leukemia. Wishes are $2 each and can be given now at the Salvation Army store on Main Street. Let's be as generous with our wishes as we can to help her and her family make it through this difficult time.

Kia kaha, Tessa.

Call for Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:39:00 +0000

October has already been jam-packed with events for our community. If you have photos about an event you attended, e.g. the duathlon and others, send them to me to be included in a future post.

Still looking for more writers for this blog. Do you have an inner blogger, aching to get out?? Contact me.

New Displays at the Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:07:00 +0000

Those tireless folks at the Otautau Museum have put up two new displays for the community.

The first is a Student Artwork display from the talented young people at Otautau School. The students had visited the Southland Museum in the recent past and were asked to set their imaginations to paper. The result is a very colourful display of paintings, sketches and photographs as in this Fiordland Crested Penguin by Jake DeClifford, age 12.

And their second display features images of the transport firms who helped make the district a success. Local Transport: from horses gigs to big rigs features images of local trucking firms, garages and a glimpse into the fact that driving was not just for men. Pictured is Laing's Bakery delivery wagon. Many think we could use a bakery in this town again!

Both displays are on until 31 Dec 2009. The museum is open Wed and Sun, 2pm-4pm, and by request.

You can always keep up with the museum by going to their blog and their website.

Last Day for Bayswater and Gladfield Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Sunday will be the last day for the Bayswater and Gladfield display at the museum. This display has been on for 3 months and has attracted many people from those areas.

The next display will be split in two - the first subject will feature local transport through the years (cars, trucks and garages); and the second one will feature projects from the students of Otautau School.

Toward the end of the year the museum is planning a display of the history of the Fairfax area. If you have photos or objects to loan, please bring them by the museum. It's open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm.

What's happening at the arboretum?

noreply@blogger.com (JDH) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:16:00 +0000

The Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum Charitable Trust

After many teething problems the Trust is making progress towards its vision of restoring the arboretum to its former glory and enhancing it for all to enjoy. This is a long term project but over the last year we have seen:

The removal of most of the large, suckering poplars which have been delaying progress. This area will require further spraying this spring with a view to mass-planting it in autumn.
The erection of a kiosk at the carpark with a map and information panel (see picture).
Planting of a variety of deciduous trees in a memorial grove last October. These trees were kindly donated by members of the public and the plaques for them (detailing name of donor/message and species of tree) will be installed soon.

The trust is extremely grateful for the hours of work put in by Vic Keen (retiring as a trustee this year), and other publicly-minded locals such as Ian Watson and Fred Dalley.

There are many tasks ahead of us if we are to achieve our aims - such as restoring the capping railings on the fence along the frontage, laying of gravel paths, and thinning and felling unwanted trees in the area of the original plantings so that the more valuable and interesting specimens will not be overgrown. We have plans to establish a heritage orchard and to set aside an area of flax plants suitable for weaving. We will tackle all of these as our budget, the weather, and the availability of skilled labour and machinery permits.
It is disappointing to report that the toilets have been repeatedly subjected to petty vandalism and theft. Recently a picnic table was stolen. If you see any sign of suspicious activity we would grateful if you would report it to the police.

Forthcoming events.
We welcome any input from members of the community. There are many ways you may like to be involved:

A working bee is planned for Wednesday, 19th August. Start 9.00am. This will be weather dependent. (Contact our secretary: Sandra McKenzie 225 8086)
Our AGM is on 26th August (7.30 pm at the SDC building) . Like most voluntary organisations, we are looking for keen trustees and willing/skilled helpers. If you don't like the idea of being on a commitee, we would welcome you as a willing "friend of the arboretum".
We will be adding more trees to the memorial grove this spring. If you would like to donate a tree on behalf of your family, in memory of a loved one or annonymously, please contact our secretary.

More details will follow in a later blog...

Maori Language Week

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 09:56:00 +0000

Check out these interactive Maori language readers made by the folks at Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. With these little applets you and your child can create characters and a short story in te reo Maori that can be printed for your kids' reading pleasure. A great way to bring new words into our vocabulary.

7.8 Rocks Lower South

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Last night a 7.8 earthquake, centred in Dusky Sound, rippled across Southland. Two big aftershocks followed during the night. Some power lines were down in Invercargill and some structural damage has occurred. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.

For more information, check out the GeoNet website: http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/3124785g-maps.html

After the Frost

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:38:00 +0000

After the bad frost we had the other day (-4??), a web thaws in droplets.

Otautau Standards Online

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:53:00 +0000

The Otautau Standard, our historical newspaper, is now on Papers Past, an online database of NZ newspapers. The issues covered include 1905-1932. This is a great tool for family researchers. Many thanks to the folks at the National Library for all their hard work in helping to make this paper more accessible.

Later issues of the newspaper (1933-1946) can be accessed directly via microfilm at the Otautau office of the Southland District Council.

Don't Throw Grandma's Sampler Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:53:00 +0000

There is a project called the New Zealand Sampler, and its aims are to create a database of samplers in New Zealand and to tell their unique stories.

What's a sampler?? Well, it's embroidery that highlights one's skill with the needle. Many of the old samplers are of the alphabet or feature special edging patterns, but some also depict homes or special events. So they can carry historical significance along with sentimental value.

If you've got a sampler, either made in New Zealand or brought here, and would like to share your story, get in touch with Vivien Caughley of NZ Sampler. Her research may well result in a book.

You can find out more on the New Zealand Sampler website

If you'd like to see what samplers are all about, here is a link to Te Papa's collection of samplers

A Dumping of Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Main Street looking north toward Otautau.

The Courthouse

The Central Garage and Beyond

The Otautau Stream

Rider in the Storm...

Western Floral Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 02 May 2009 09:19:00 +0000

The Western Floral Art Club has created a beautiful harvest display in the Otautau Union Church.
Of course, harvest festivals have a long history in rural churches. Eighty to a hundred years ago, people had much bigger gardens and sharing the abundance through a Thanksgiving service was a natural end to the growing season.

The Western Floral Art Club has members from all around including Fairfax, Tuatapere, Riverton and Scotts Gap. Though their membership is dwindling, they still manage to put together some wonderful arrangements.

Among the cast of players are: harakeke (leaves and korari), chrysanthemums, roses, wheat, carrots, onions, apples, rhubarb, Japanese maple, Queen Anne's lace, juniper, and many, many others.

The Church's Thanksgiving service starts at 11am, Sunday 3 May, and will remain open until 4pm for those wishing to see it. There is a gold coin donation.

Otautau Poem

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:38:00 +0000

Well, this is the last day of poetry month and by chance I found this poem posted on the wall at the Otautau Museum. I'm still trying to ascertain the author.

Otautau

Otautau looks so trim and neat
Beneath the slopes so tidy.
It's here the western folk all meet
Their market day is Friday.

On Labour Day they have their sport
Whether it's wet or dry is their decision.
The Pipers march with good deport
It's all done with precision.

Holt Park far famed for beauty rare
Is dressed up for the people.
The Grand Stand hill and Rhodies there
Are blooming bright and purple.

Private gardens catch the eyes
Of all the folk admiring
And one and all they give the prize
To Mrs. Billy Irwin.

The War on Bugs

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:24:00 +0000

Influenza. It comes into our lives this time every year. Lately, our North Island counterparts have had a freakish scare with the Swine flu. But before we get too excited, just consider that, given the right strain and conditions, any flu is potentially life-threatening.

In 1918, the world was in the grip of the Spanish flu epidemic. It killed 50 million people worldwide. Here in Western Southland, our numbers were small but no less significant. In Nightcaps and Wairio 33 died. While in Otautau, the flu claimed 21 lives; and in Riverton 16*.

How can you protect yourself against the flu? Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Stay away from sick people. Try not to touch your nose, eyes and mouth. If you do feel sick, stay home. Sneeze or cough into a handkerchief or sleeve. Contact the Otautau Medical Centre for further advice.

*Source: NZHistory website's South Island's Influenza death rates

Books for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:36:00 +0000

If you like to browse shelves, looking for a good read, there is something new in Otautau for you. The Otautau Museum Trust and the Otautau Heritage Trust are now holding an ongoing booksale at The Courthouse. There is a variety of books and magazines on offer including biography, novels, and children's books. This won't replace their annual booksale which always seems to be successful but is in addition to it. Proceeds are split between the two organisations. The Museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays, 2pm-4pm. No dealers, please.

Poetry Month

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:21:00 +0000

This month is Poetry Month, so I thought I'd reprint (with Anna Davin's permission) a poem by her mother, Winifred Davin (nee Gonley), who was born in Otautau in 1909, the daughter of Irish immigrants. After her university education, Winifred went to live in Oxford, England and married Dan Davin, the son of Irish immigrants in Invercargill. But on a trip back to New Zealand in 1949, she wrote this poem. Clearly her roots were still in Otautau -- or at least the Southern Hemisphere!

Homing Charm

The Milky Way
The Coal Sack
The Southern Cross.

In my mother's room the fire glows,
In the dark we prime the pump,
My father sings a sailor's song.

The Milky Way
The Coal Sack
The Southern Cross

Enclose the world.
The sky becomes itself again
In love and fear and faith again.

The Milky Way
The Coal Sack
The Southern Cross

Roof my lost world.

The Plough to which I set my hand
Is far away and long ago.

L'Envoi
Venus and Pleiades guide me,
Guide me from my lost world,
Homing to the stern pole star.

--- W. K. Davin

Source: Flight to the Centre by Anna Davin.

Winifred, herself, became an immigrant to Great Britain. Her poem reflects that where we are born imprints itself on us in very deep ways. Being an immigrant myself, I love the line 'the plough to which I set my hand is far away and long ago.'

Thanks to Anna Davin for permission to reprint this treasure of a poem.

Otautau on Google Maps

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:19:00 +0000

Here is a Quick Guide to Otautau via Google Maps. Use the Zoom-in tool by clicking on the 'plus' (+) symbol on the left to see the map more clearly. There are placemarks denoting picnic and recreational areas as well as some historic landmarks and businesses. I was surprised to find out that Otautau is on 'Streetview' which means that someone, somehow has taken photos of houses and businesses all along Main Street and put them on Google Maps. Unfortunately many of these photos don't match the actual buildings, for example, when I type in an address, I get a picture of a building on the other side of the street. I don't know how to delete these streetview pictures. If anyone knows, drop me a line.

100 years ago this month

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:37:00 +0000

Delving into the Otautau Standards for March 1909, 100 years ago this month, wheat crops were as high as horses backs, the Otautau Tennis Club played Winton and lost, and played Nightcaps and won, and various shows were happening at the Town Hall including this one, a fundraiser for the Methodist Church.

Otautau Methodist Concert

A company of very talented amateur performers gave an enjoyable concert in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening in aid of the funds of the Methodist Church. The programme [began] with a pianoforte selection by Mrs Brokenshire; this lady acted as accompaniste throughout the evening. A chorus by the party, "The ol black 'oss," reminded one of "The Idlers." Mr Brokenshire, who is one of the best tenor singers visiting Otautau, sang delightfully "Mona," and later "Whisper and I shall hear"; also in company with Mrs Brokenshire, the duet "Nocturne," which was persistently encored. The comic element was supplied by Mr F. Mulligan, who kept the audience in a state of mirth. Mr E. A. Wall played a very fine flute solo, and in the second part of the programme played a duet with Mr C. E. Griffiths, the latter on the flute, and Mr Walls on a bike pump, from which he appeared to bring a good amount of first-class music. Mr C. E. Griffiths, who has a very deep bass voice, sang "The deep cold sea" and "The deathless army," and also gave a comic reading, "Mrs Doogan's discovery." Two very acceptable acceptable items were banjo duets by Mrs Hastie and Mr Wall. The concert was brought to a close by the hearty singing of "God save the King."

And earlier in the month, 4 March 1909, Nadine the White Mahatma was headlining at the Otautau Town Hall.

Another interesting item in the 2 March 1909 edition was a sale for grand pianos.

"The London Piano Company are having a great sale of pianos in McNeil's new buildings over the bridge; the sale, which will only last for a fortnight, is a genuine opportunity of securing a first-class piano at exceptionally low rate, and a visit to the show should not be delayed by all those who want to acquire one of these comfortable homemakers."

I wonder how many folks back then actually bought one of these 'homemakers', and are they collecting dust in someone's shed now.

Earth Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:05:00 +0000

This Saturday there is an opportunity to be part of a global initiative - to stop using so much electricity by turning off lights for one hour. It's called Earth Hour, and it started in Sydney two years ago. So on Saturday, 28 March, all around the world, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, people will be voting with their switches and halting the drain on electrical resources.

It will be dark in Otautau at that time of night so what do you plan to do? How will you spend Earth Hour?

Addendum: Check out The Big Picture's coverage of Earth Hour. Except for the first picture, click on each picture and watch the lights dim on some of the world's most iconic buildings.

A Brief Almanac - March

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:27:00 +0000

1817 - March 11 - Dr. Samuel Hodgkinson born on this day in Nottinghamshire, England. He was educated as a surgeon in England, and first visited New Zealand in 1842, later immigrating in 1851. His interest in land ownership eventually led him from Canterbury to the Otautau/Fairfax district. His property consisted of 200 acres and was named Mount Fairfax. His family moved in in January 1862, and were among the very first European residents of the area. A township was surveyed around the Yellow Bluff area (north of the Otautau Stream, along the Aparima River) and was called Hodgkinson but the residents of Otautau preferred to stay where they were. Dr Hodgkinson became involved in political matters and later retired to Invercargill in 1885. He continued to be active in writing and other matters and passed away in 1914. You can find out more about Dr Hodgkinson in the DNZB

End of summer of 1875 - Measels outbreaks in New Zealand probably killed hundreds if not thousands especially among the Maori population. One story recalls that some Maori shearers from Colac Bay were working at Annandale (Johnston's run) at Wreys Bush at the time of the virus spread. Many in Wreys Bush and Colac Bay had contracted the virus. When the Maori workers returned home, they found many of their whanau dead. -- Source: Sheila Natusch, On the Edge of the Bush, 1976, p.66

1905 - March 5 - St Joseph's Catholic Church, Otautau, opened. This beautiful wooden church was designed by Mackenzie and Wilson (Invercargill), and built by Joseph Swap (Otautau) at a cost of nearly 700 pounds. The high mass was 'densely packed' with worshippers from near and far.

"The music of the Mass was rendered in very efficient style by the Invercargill choir, who were fortunate enough to also secure the valued services of Mrs Murphy of the Bluff. The 'Kyrie', 'Credo' and 'Sanctus' were from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, and the 'Angus Dei' from Weber's Mass in G. Mrs Murphy sang in exquisite style, as an offertory piece, Zelmann's 'Tantum Ergo'." -- Source: NZ Tablet on PapersPast

Service in the evening included more oratory and music.

1913 - March 28 - 'The Big Flood' of 1913. The Otautau Standard's headline of 1 April read: "Residents unanimous that the Old Man Floods of '78 and '88 have been Eclipsed."

1925 - March - After waiting many, many years, electricity finally came to Otautau. Plans had been made several times to get on the grid sooner but were always abandoned due to excessive cost. Lighting fixtures and then heating appliances were among the first electrical conveniences to come along.

1987 - March 10 - The last major flood in the Otautau district. It was not on the scale of 1984 but still, 700 people were evacuated in preparation for the worst. Ironically, after this flood, following so closely on the heels of the Southland-wide floods three years earlier, official channels 'opened' and flood protection was again on the cards.

1995 - March 26 - Winifred Davin (nee Gonley) died in England on this date. Winifred Gonley was born of Irish immigrants in Otautau in 1909. Her parents had a barbershop, stationery shop and billiard rooms on Main Street. Winifred had a love of literature which she pursued at University in Dunedin. Her Masters thesis was called New Zealand life in contemporary literature (1932). After losing both her parents, her brother Mick, and two close friends, she finally went to Europe to be with Dan Davin, also a writer, whom she married in 1939. Marriage and motherhood were demanding roles especially during WWII in England. It has been said that she was equally as gifted a writer as her husband but lacked the opportunities that he was able to garner. You can find out more about Winifred in the DNZB or in Flight to the Centre by her daughter Anna Davin.

Re-opening of Thomson Park

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 07:59:00 +0000

St Andrews Scout Group celebrated the re-opening of Thomson Park, their scout camp on Knutsford Road today. A fire in 1996 left the building in bad shape. It has been rebuilt with a large bunk room with interconnected double-bunks, a large kitchen and meeting room, and an outdoor covered deck area. The property has also been levelled in places to create areas suitable for tents.

The facilities include a new barbecue area away from the building, and a beautiful section of native forest with a creek running through it. I heard or saw tui, bellbirds and kereru during my short visit. It is an ideal spot and I heard many times that people would like to build their house there. The views overlooking Otautau are spectcular.

This is not only a tremendous asset to the scout group but to any group that would like to hire it for meetings or workshops.

Here are a few moments during the celebration.

Ray, Chairman of the Scout committee, welcoming everyone.

Stewart Bull, Kaiwhakahaere (Chairman) of Oraka Aparima Runaka, was on hand to congratulate everyone on their efforts to rebuild the whare and to bless the facilities.

Scout leaders and members of the committee.

Ernest on the left and Pete McClelland on the right, but I didn't catch the name of the leader in the middle.

Members of the troop and community waiting for a delicious afternoon tea that included a wicked banana cake and other wonderful goodies.

Flower Show 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:19:00 +0000

Here are a few highlights from the Otautau Garden Club's annual flower show held last Friday at the Town Hall. It had the wow factor as usual - from the kids' 'Junk Drawer Art' to the most radiant colours, designs and scents known to mankind.

The beauty of flowers is sustenance for the soul.

25th Anniversary of Flood

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:49:00 +0000

No one in this town needs me to tell them that January 27th marks the 25th anniversary of Otautau's last major flood. But there are so many new people moving into our area that it's possible this bit of history has escaped them. The Southland Times covered the story in an article called 'A town devastated'.

Otautau has a long history of flooding thanks to the town's proximity to the Otautau Stream. But unlike New Orleans, USA, for example, where the engineer, Bienville, made the wrong decision on where to put the settlement - in a bowl below sea level - our settlement, Hodgkinson, was originally supposed be away from the lowland of the stream, on high ground above the Aparima River. We can't blame any engineers - it was just a preference of those early residents to stay put right next to the stream.

Some of the floods of the last century have been captured in photographs and are on display at the Otautau Museum. These include floods from 1913, 1935, 1948 and of course 1984.

What is missing though are some first-hand accounts of what those floods were like. Some people think their own stories of 'how it used to be' are inconsequential but nothing could be further from the truth. If you would like to have your stories recorded for posterity, the Museum may be able to help. They have the technology, all they need are volunteers. Contact me if you'd like to be interviewed on flooding or any other aspect of our district's history.

Garden Wildlife II

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:53:00 +0000

In the last garden wildlife post, colourful damsel flies were featured. This time, it's spiders. A kind reader has offered these brilliant photos and accompanying information on a large species of spider living in his garden.

The first image is of a female guarding her nest during a shower of rain. She is probably of the Dolomedes aquaticus species. She will protect her nest until her spiderlings eat their way out.

This spider is the same species but sitting on a water lily leaf. They are quite large spiders and they walk on water. They don't construct webs to catch insects, but use the water surface as a web, feeling for vibrations of insects struggling on the surface and then running across the surface to seize their prey. Apparently they can inflict a painful bite, but it is not dangerous.

If you have spiders in your garden that you would like to identify, check out Te Papa's What Spider is That? page.