Running sweetly
The Wairarapa Vintage Machinery Club recently hosted a visit from members of the Taranaki Club along with some Tauranga members. During the day the visitors toured Wairarapa viewing displays set up by Wairarapa club groups. Martinborough was the first port of call.
While there was some apprehension about the weather leading up to the weekend the weather gods smiled and the day dawned fine. The venue, Cotter and Steven’s yard, was ideal for the large display. On view were a dozen motor bikes, some dating from the beginning of last century, six elderly tractors, vintage cars, including Graham Clark’s beautifully restored Model T Ford, and numerous single cylinder stationary engines – all running impressively smoothly and quietly.
The stationary engines were of particular interest. One was attached to an electricity generator, the motor automatically starting up to supply power when a light or appliance on its circuit was switched on.
Another, a 1910 Hornsby turning out four horse power, had powered a five stand shearing shed for many years. This machine was restored by Jim Clark in 1982.
Bill Biber’s Russian Ural Motor cycle/sidecar was of particular interest. While a common sight around Martinborough there are very few in New Zealand and, due to their side car being on the right side, not road legal in Australia.
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