Austin car show

Last year, we attended a car show in Maryborough that featured Citroens. This year, the brand of choice was Austin. Unfortunately, it was rainy for the Citroens, but it was a glorious winter's day for the Austins and there was quite a crowd. The temperature was about 21 C or 70 F, typical for our area.

Austins were a British car and very popular from the 20's to the 70's. Consequently, there were two rows of cars approximately 100 metres long.

Models from the 20's.

Look how simple the controls were back then. I remembered our recent experience in New Zealand with the Chery rental car where the number of controls and adjustments was huge and confusing.

Bright colours must have been popular back then. In our area, most cars are white because  of the strong sun, or boring grey.

Small engine.

Marianne would have looked good in this. 

It would be 'pedal to the metal' if she drove this car. Maybe not. Oddly enough, she really enjoyed driving our Mini Countryman back in the US because it had zip and handled well.

The weirdest car at the show.

Very spiffy.

Sensible cars for sensible people. 

Outrageous cars for outrageous people. Choice of car is a very personal decision. I tend towards the very practical or the relatively sporty.

These small Austin A30s were cheap and popular. They suited the narrow English lanes, but were not really suited to Aussie conditions.

A couple of Austin 1800's. It was essentially a huge Mini with a transverse engine and an enormous amount of room inside. However, it never became really popular. This video about the car is interesting.

A Wolseley, not strictly an Austin, but part of the same company. If you watch old British films, the Police usually turn up in one of these.

Up-market interior.

I doubt this steering wheel was the original.

An Austin Kimberly, a car that was based on the 1800 and only made in Australia. It was a good car but did not sell well and this is a rare example.

The front end.

The back. Look at that flooring.

From the era of huge comfortable interiors.

Box for the luggage.

A perky red.

A friendly Airedale appeared. We spent some time talking to the owner who was pleased to meet two people who had enjoyed their time with Airedales. Our dogs would enjoy living with us at our current location overlooking the beach. They would really enjoy barking at the other dogs and children walking past. We really miss having a dog, but we are too old now. And we would be expelled from the complex because of our bark-a-phones.

As we entered the show, we passed by this old London Taxi in the parking lot.

I spoke to the owner and mentioned that I had always wanted to sit in a London Taxi but had never done so. He invited me to get in and here I am. It was very roomy.

But this was my favourite car, even though it was not on display.

Waitangi

 My favourite days of this trip were the train trip and our visit to the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty was signed in 1840 between the British and the Maori leaders.

The Treaty was signed on top of a hill just north of Paihia overlooking the Bay of Islands.

Please take the time to watch the videos in this link. It will help you to understand the importance and the respect shown to the Maori descendents in New Zealand.

Entrance to the complex. The fee for foreigners is $75, but I thought that it was worthwhile.

We first visited a museum where I watched the videos. It also contains replicas of the treaty which was badly damaged over time.

Our guide led us along a lovely path to the treaty area.

As you can see by the blue reflection, it was a superb day.

The shed houses two Maori canoes.

The largest is 123 feet long and can hold 80 paddlers and 55 passengers. More about the vessel here.

Our guide.

Inside the boat. Three people can sit across with the outside two paddling and the person in the middle ready to take over.

The stump of the Kauri Pine from which the canoe was carved.

Looking out at the Bay of Islands.

The Treaty was signed close to the flag pole.

At the end of the path is James Busby's house. James Busby was the 'British Resident' from 1833 to 1840 and was involved in the drafting and signing of the treaty.

In Australia, he is known as the 'Father of the Wine Industry' since he brought the first grape cuttings from France and Spain to Australia.

I sat on a bench at the front of Busby's house and enjoyed this wonderful view. The Treaty was signed just to the left of the flagpole.

Inside Busby's house. Over time, it fell into disrepair but has now been restored.

Part of the tour also included a carved Maori Meeting House where we were welcomed. Several dancers performed traditional dances which were similar to other Polynesian dances.

It was a wonderful tour. The Maories are a very strong and fierce people, and the New Zealand rugby team always performs a warlike Haka before each match. Here is a good example.

We were so glad that we went on the tour.

Lamb chops for dinner. The food in New Zealand was excellent. Like Australia, New Zealand is ultra strict about allowing food products into the country. Consequently, virtually everything you eat is grown or produced locally. 

We were really pleased with our trip, even despite the hills and curves. I reckon it's easier driving in the South Island because except for the Alps, most of the South Island is relatively flat so if you make the trip to NZ, prioritize the South Island.