Sunday 21 August 2011
Saturday 20 August 2011
Monday 15 August 2011
Chilly start to whitebait season
Sub-zero temperatures could not deter hardy whitebaiters setting up their nets near Blenheim on the opening day of the season this morning.
About 14 caravans and buses were already parked on the banks of the Wairau Diversion before 7am.
The temperature fell to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius overnight, and campers woke to a hard frost and rare snowy views.
Blenheim man Jim Mears, who has been whitebaiting for more than 30 years, said it was the first time he had seen snow on the White Bluffs.
"It has to be one of the coldest mornings for whitebaiting ever, but it won't stop me. I love it. Bloody cold, though.
"We [Mr Mears and his wife] were amazed to see the snow cover on the Bluffs. I mean, you often see some on the Blairich [Range], but never this far over.
"It is quite amazing, really. What a sight."
For Mr Mears, the challenge of whitebaiting and "the trusty bus heater" keep him coming back every year.
Some years, he has been lucky to haul in just over a pound (half a kilogram), but in other seasons, he has feasted on a good haul of seven pounds (just over 3kg).
Mr Mears also enjoys getting to know his "neighbouring jokers" throughout the season and cooking up a whitebait fritter or two.
The camaraderie at the Diversion was great, he said.
"We all know each other along this bank, to be honest, but there is a joker next to me here who I don't know.
"Naturally, I'll go and share a cuppa with him this morning and get to know him. There's no hiding out here."
Renwick man Phil Footies is the new kid on the block. He usually travels over to the West Coast for the whitebaiting season, but this year he decided to try the Marlborough scene.
"It's the first time for me, actually, fishing down in this spot – but man, look at it," he said.
"Apart from it being bloody ridiculously freezing, it's a great atmosphere and very peaceful."
He struggled to get his truck doors open this morning, and his nets were frozen.
"Mate, I started out in the Wairarapa bush, but it has never been this cold for as long as I can remember in 20 years of whitebaiting. It's unreal.
"Not being able to open my truck doors, yeah, as I said, she was a cold one all right."
The whitebait fishing season runs from August 15 to November 30 in most parts of the country. On the West Coast, the season runs from September 1 to November 14.
Restrictions on fishing include one net per person, and whitebaiters must remain within 10 metres of their net at all times.
- The Marlborough Express
SAM MORTON
Last updated 13:00 15/08/2011
Jim Mears was out at the crack of dawn setting up his whitebaiting nets in a hard frost at the Wairau Diversion. He is hoping for a steady run of catches this season.
SCOTT HAMMOND
NETS AWAY: Jim Mears was out at the crack of dawn setting up his whitebaiting nets in a hard frost at the Wairau Diversion. He is hoping for a steady run of catches this season.
About 14 caravans and buses were already parked on the banks of the Wairau Diversion before 7am.
The temperature fell to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius overnight, and campers woke to a hard frost and rare snowy views.
Blenheim man Jim Mears, who has been whitebaiting for more than 30 years, said it was the first time he had seen snow on the White Bluffs.
"It has to be one of the coldest mornings for whitebaiting ever, but it won't stop me. I love it. Bloody cold, though.
"We [Mr Mears and his wife] were amazed to see the snow cover on the Bluffs. I mean, you often see some on the Blairich [Range], but never this far over.
"It is quite amazing, really. What a sight."
For Mr Mears, the challenge of whitebaiting and "the trusty bus heater" keep him coming back every year.
Some years, he has been lucky to haul in just over a pound (half a kilogram), but in other seasons, he has feasted on a good haul of seven pounds (just over 3kg).
Mr Mears also enjoys getting to know his "neighbouring jokers" throughout the season and cooking up a whitebait fritter or two.
The camaraderie at the Diversion was great, he said.
"We all know each other along this bank, to be honest, but there is a joker next to me here who I don't know.
"Naturally, I'll go and share a cuppa with him this morning and get to know him. There's no hiding out here."
Renwick man Phil Footies is the new kid on the block. He usually travels over to the West Coast for the whitebaiting season, but this year he decided to try the Marlborough scene.
"It's the first time for me, actually, fishing down in this spot – but man, look at it," he said.
"Apart from it being bloody ridiculously freezing, it's a great atmosphere and very peaceful."
He struggled to get his truck doors open this morning, and his nets were frozen.
"Mate, I started out in the Wairarapa bush, but it has never been this cold for as long as I can remember in 20 years of whitebaiting. It's unreal.
"Not being able to open my truck doors, yeah, as I said, she was a cold one all right."
The whitebait fishing season runs from August 15 to November 30 in most parts of the country. On the West Coast, the season runs from September 1 to November 14.
Restrictions on fishing include one net per person, and whitebaiters must remain within 10 metres of their net at all times.
- The Marlborough Express
SAM MORTON
Last updated 13:00 15/08/2011
Jim Mears was out at the crack of dawn setting up his whitebaiting nets in a hard frost at the Wairau Diversion. He is hoping for a steady run of catches this season.
SCOTT HAMMOND
NETS AWAY: Jim Mears was out at the crack of dawn setting up his whitebaiting nets in a hard frost at the Wairau Diversion. He is hoping for a steady run of catches this season.
Saturday 13 August 2011
NZSG CANTERBURY BRANCH
RESEARCH DAY SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2011 10:00AM TO 4:00PM
ST NINIAN'S CHURCH HALL 9 PURIRI STREET, RICCARTON
A chance to search some of our library resources that are in storage:
Parish registers, cemetery transcripts, School indexes, the CDs, NZ BDM
microfiche and NZ cemetery microfiche.
Experienced Researchers in Australian, European, and British Genealogy;
how to use School Records; and Computer networks, will be available.
Bring your lunch. Tea and coffee available
Jan Slater
Librarian
NZSG Canterbury Branch
canterburynz@genealogy.org.nz
Waikumete cemetery looking for relatives of 20 serviceman world war one and two to repair graves at no cost to families
COWLEY Ralph Tugi d.27 Jul 1915
SOLOMONA Peter d.3 Apr 1917
MEADE Charles William 9 Nov 1918
MERCER Percy Albert d. 4 Nov 1919
EDWARDS Herbert Cecil Arthur d. 1 Jul 1947
BAIN George d.22 Aug 1914
BONELLA Frederick d. 11 Jun 1919
GROVES Richard d.10 Sep 1917
MINOGUE d. 10 Nov 1916
RYAN Edward Thomas d.10 Dec 1918
BURKITT George Percival d. 4 Nov 1919
STOWELL Hector Arthur d.23 Nov 1918
MITCHELL Leslie d. 27 Nov 1943
RICKMAN James George d. 14 Nov 1918
HARROP Charles d. 2 Aug 1917
SMITH Albert Harrison d. 21 Nov 1918
VERCOE Norman Edmond d. 5 Jun 1919
BARTON Charles Frederick d. 28 Aug 1917
FITZPATRICK Frederick Daniel d. 30 Oct 1918
SPEIR Allan John d. 16 Aug 1920
contact Margaret Marks (04) 496 6343
COWLEY Ralph Tugi d.27 Jul 1915
SOLOMONA Peter d.3 Apr 1917
MEADE Charles William 9 Nov 1918
MERCER Percy Albert d. 4 Nov 1919
EDWARDS Herbert Cecil Arthur d. 1 Jul 1947
BAIN George d.22 Aug 1914
BONELLA Frederick d. 11 Jun 1919
GROVES Richard d.10 Sep 1917
MINOGUE d. 10 Nov 1916
RYAN Edward Thomas d.10 Dec 1918
BURKITT George Percival d. 4 Nov 1919
STOWELL Hector Arthur d.23 Nov 1918
MITCHELL Leslie d. 27 Nov 1943
RICKMAN James George d. 14 Nov 1918
HARROP Charles d. 2 Aug 1917
SMITH Albert Harrison d. 21 Nov 1918
VERCOE Norman Edmond d. 5 Jun 1919
BARTON Charles Frederick d. 28 Aug 1917
FITZPATRICK Frederick Daniel d. 30 Oct 1918
SPEIR Allan John d. 16 Aug 1920
contact Margaret Marks (04) 496 6343
Laura Gooch
Finding a relative
We are trying to find out what happened to our relative Laura Gooch, born Norwich, England in 1894, and we think she emigrated to New Zealand in about 1912.
We hope to find a relative who can fill us in on the missing information.
Laura Gooch (maiden name) had a son, George, who married Rene and had two daughters. We don't know if Laura actually married, when she died, or where she is buried.
Please contact us if you have any information. sidney.barlow496@btinternet.com
PAULINE AND SID BARLOW, Norwich, England
- The Marlborough Express
We are trying to find out what happened to our relative Laura Gooch, born Norwich, England in 1894, and we think she emigrated to New Zealand in about 1912.
We hope to find a relative who can fill us in on the missing information.
Laura Gooch (maiden name) had a son, George, who married Rene and had two daughters. We don't know if Laura actually married, when she died, or where she is buried.
Please contact us if you have any information. sidney.barlow496@btinternet.com
PAULINE AND SID BARLOW, Norwich, England
- The Marlborough Express
Printing in Nelson
Printing in Nelson
It is with sadness and a degree of anger that I noted the decision of Fairfax Media to withdraw the printing press from Blenheim and relocate it to Nelson, from where our daily paper will originate. What a short-sighted decision that is, which ignores the loss of jobs here in Blenheim but also the number of occasions, especially during winter, when the highway between Nelson and Blenheim is closed due to slips, floods or traffic accidents.
The presses here are not old and, while perhaps not trouble-free, seem to cope with not only Blenheim needs but also from other communities, which suggests they are a viable entity.
Older people may recall the battle which took place to enable Marlborough to get free of the restraining hand of Nelson, but I see the proposed move as a retrograde step back and, longer term, can foresee our paper becoming a Marlborough edition of the Nelson Mail.
I would ask the management of Fairfax Media to carefully review its decision and leave us to enjoy our daily paper, printed in Blenheim and utilising local employees.
BILL COX, Blenheim
Ad Feedback
Marlborough Express general manager Vanessa Watson replies:
Thank you for your concerns, Bill. We have no intention of becoming a sub-section of the Nelson Mail. The 50 remaining staff of the Marlborough Express remain committed to providing a news and advertising service in this region, a commitment that is supported by Fairfax Media.
The merging of the print plant is an economic one. The machinery needs to be operating for as many hours as possible to provide the best possible return on investment.
In this prolonged downturn, combining the print plants is the best option to future-proof both titles. Many other local industries have had to face the same challenges, and have product manufactured outside the district.
We look forward to the continued support from our readers and advertisers as we move through this transition in November.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/letters-to-the-editor/5427153/Currency-printing-family-bombs
It is with sadness and a degree of anger that I noted the decision of Fairfax Media to withdraw the printing press from Blenheim and relocate it to Nelson, from where our daily paper will originate. What a short-sighted decision that is, which ignores the loss of jobs here in Blenheim but also the number of occasions, especially during winter, when the highway between Nelson and Blenheim is closed due to slips, floods or traffic accidents.
The presses here are not old and, while perhaps not trouble-free, seem to cope with not only Blenheim needs but also from other communities, which suggests they are a viable entity.
Older people may recall the battle which took place to enable Marlborough to get free of the restraining hand of Nelson, but I see the proposed move as a retrograde step back and, longer term, can foresee our paper becoming a Marlborough edition of the Nelson Mail.
I would ask the management of Fairfax Media to carefully review its decision and leave us to enjoy our daily paper, printed in Blenheim and utilising local employees.
BILL COX, Blenheim
Ad Feedback
Marlborough Express general manager Vanessa Watson replies:
Thank you for your concerns, Bill. We have no intention of becoming a sub-section of the Nelson Mail. The 50 remaining staff of the Marlborough Express remain committed to providing a news and advertising service in this region, a commitment that is supported by Fairfax Media.
The merging of the print plant is an economic one. The machinery needs to be operating for as many hours as possible to provide the best possible return on investment.
In this prolonged downturn, combining the print plants is the best option to future-proof both titles. Many other local industries have had to face the same challenges, and have product manufactured outside the district.
We look forward to the continued support from our readers and advertisers as we move through this transition in November.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/letters-to-the-editor/5427153/Currency-printing-family-bombs
Whitebaiter set for new season
Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to whitebaiting, according to Cappy Macdonald.
"You might go down all day and get nothing," Mr Macdonald said yesterday as he prepared for the season to open on Monday.
"If there's none that's too bad. You just go back the next day."
At 84, he's been whitebaiting for about 75 years.
His property on Wairau Bar Rd near Blenheim backs on to the Wairau River and he's been getting his whitebait stand ready as usual. The tidal flow and river currents wash away the platform every year.
Mr Macdonald catches only enough to feed the family.
He predicted this season would be better than last, because he had spotted plenty of whitebait during the past few days.
But he doubted the haul would be as good as previous years.
"It took about 20 minutes to fill a four-gallon drum ... back in the 1950s.
"You can't do that today; there's not as many there."
The whitebaiting season was always a highlight for him and the family, who enjoy whitebait as it is meant to be eaten – as fritters.
The whitebait fishing season runs from August 15 to November 30 over most of New Zealand. The season on the South Island's West Coast is from September 1 to November 14.
Restrictions on fishing include one net to be used per person, and for whitebaiters to remain within 10 metres of their net.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
Last updated 13:00 12/08/2011
Cappy MacDonald
DEREK FLYNN/The Marlborough Express
ALL READY: Cappy MacDonald checks his nets at his pozzie beside the Wairau river in preparation for the Whitebait season which opens on Monday.
"You might go down all day and get nothing," Mr Macdonald said yesterday as he prepared for the season to open on Monday.
"If there's none that's too bad. You just go back the next day."
At 84, he's been whitebaiting for about 75 years.
His property on Wairau Bar Rd near Blenheim backs on to the Wairau River and he's been getting his whitebait stand ready as usual. The tidal flow and river currents wash away the platform every year.
Mr Macdonald catches only enough to feed the family.
He predicted this season would be better than last, because he had spotted plenty of whitebait during the past few days.
But he doubted the haul would be as good as previous years.
"It took about 20 minutes to fill a four-gallon drum ... back in the 1950s.
"You can't do that today; there's not as many there."
The whitebaiting season was always a highlight for him and the family, who enjoy whitebait as it is meant to be eaten – as fritters.
The whitebait fishing season runs from August 15 to November 30 over most of New Zealand. The season on the South Island's West Coast is from September 1 to November 14.
Restrictions on fishing include one net to be used per person, and for whitebaiters to remain within 10 metres of their net.
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
Last updated 13:00 12/08/2011
Cappy MacDonald
DEREK FLYNN/The Marlborough Express
ALL READY: Cappy MacDonald checks his nets at his pozzie beside the Wairau river in preparation for the Whitebait season which opens on Monday.
The Perfect Kiwi Cuppa
KIWIS HIFF BRITISH HABITS
New survey and leading NZ comedian identify shift from British values toward uniquely local tastes
New Zealand attitudes toward tea etiquette are shifting, with the vast majority of Kiwis, particularly Generation X, turning their backs on former habits once respected by their British forebears. According to Comedian Dai Henwood, today's New Zealanders are all about drinking 'Our tea, Our way'.
These findings are the result of The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey, a survey which polled over 550 New Zealanders aged 22 to 54 years - exploring attitudes towards etiquette and cultural values.
The survey revealed a remarkable shift in New Zealand etiquette away from traditional British social niceties. In particular, tea drinking, something 80 per cent of us do, appears to have been 'Kiwified'. A massive 75 per cent of New Zealanders prefer to drink tea in a mug and without a saucer. In addition the overwhelming majority of the nation (94 per cent) enjoy 'dunking' cake or a biscuit in tea with guests.
New Zealanders have also proudly abandoned the formal "British" style of entertaining. Only 13 per cent of respondents stated that they still have a room specifically designed for hosting guests - suggesting Kiwis now prefer to connect and enjoy a social cup of tea with their friends in a relaxed, laidback setting.
Comedian Dai Henwood believes this generational change in tea-etiquette is a sign of a larger trend. "We're seeing New Zealand tastes and social norms moving consistently further away from British principles, as we continue to define and reinvent our national identity. I think that's choice."
Although there are some habits which remain unacceptable for all generations, such as answering a mobile phone (64 per cent) or discussing your financial status while entertaining (71 per cent). Furthermore, the most discussed topic over a cup of tea is weekend plans (90 per cent) followed by work (74 per cent).
In response to this shift in tea trends and tastes, Choysa has developed Kiwi Breakfast tea; a premium tea, specifically designed for Kiwi tastes - celebrating the uniqueness and individual tradition of our nation's tea culture. The brand new blend will hit supermarket shelves nationally in July.
Andrea Martens, Marketing Director - Refreshment for Choysa says: "The Choysa brand has been part of New Zealand life for over 106 years. We're proud to use our heritage and expertise to launch our best ever premium tea - a deliciously rich and smooth blend of the finest from around the Kiwis - it really is our cup of tea, our way."
Additional highlights from The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey
The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey shows (90 per cent) agree catching up over a cup of tea is still the best forum for sharing stories and anecdotes. New Zealanders are also a reciprocal bunch, with 81 per cent saying they would invite their tea host back for a cuppa at their place.
The majority of the nation is still neighbour-friendly, with 45 per cent of New Zealanders claiming they would invite a new neighbor in for a cup of tea or a drink.
New Zealanders of all ages are unhappy with current levels of direct contact with friends and neighbours, with 77 per cent desiring more quality time with loved ones.
Most Kiwis (60 per cent) believe the nation is becoming more selfish, with 45 per cent stating New Zealand is a more selfish nation than 10 years ago.
75 per cent of New Zealanders believe it is rude to leave the television on when entertaining guests over a cup of tea. Interestingly, only 45 per cent of Generation X holds this opinion.
The New Zealand Choysa tea survey which polled more than 550 New Zealanders aged 22 to 54 years revealed a remarkable shift in New Zealand etiquette away from traditional British social niceties.
In particular, tea drinking, something 80 per cent of us do, appears to have been Kiwified.
Choysa has developed Kiwi breakfast tea; a premium tea, specifically designed for Kiwi tastes, celebrating the uniqueness and individual tradition of our nation's tea culture.
WIN One tea-drinking Marlburian can win a fabulous prize pack from Choysa, including four boxes of Kiwi breakfast tea, a tea towel detailing tea drinking etiquette and two mugs complete with their own knitted cardigans to keep your tea warm to the last drop. To win, tell us on the back of an envelope about your best tea drinking memory. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
Send your entry to
Choysa Kiwi breakfast tea,
The Marlborough Express,
PO Box 242,
Blenheim 7240
by 5pm, Thursday, August 18.
- The Marlborough Express
New survey and leading NZ comedian identify shift from British values toward uniquely local tastes
New Zealand attitudes toward tea etiquette are shifting, with the vast majority of Kiwis, particularly Generation X, turning their backs on former habits once respected by their British forebears. According to Comedian Dai Henwood, today's New Zealanders are all about drinking 'Our tea, Our way'.
These findings are the result of The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey, a survey which polled over 550 New Zealanders aged 22 to 54 years - exploring attitudes towards etiquette and cultural values.
The survey revealed a remarkable shift in New Zealand etiquette away from traditional British social niceties. In particular, tea drinking, something 80 per cent of us do, appears to have been 'Kiwified'. A massive 75 per cent of New Zealanders prefer to drink tea in a mug and without a saucer. In addition the overwhelming majority of the nation (94 per cent) enjoy 'dunking' cake or a biscuit in tea with guests.
New Zealanders have also proudly abandoned the formal "British" style of entertaining. Only 13 per cent of respondents stated that they still have a room specifically designed for hosting guests - suggesting Kiwis now prefer to connect and enjoy a social cup of tea with their friends in a relaxed, laidback setting.
Comedian Dai Henwood believes this generational change in tea-etiquette is a sign of a larger trend. "We're seeing New Zealand tastes and social norms moving consistently further away from British principles, as we continue to define and reinvent our national identity. I think that's choice."
Although there are some habits which remain unacceptable for all generations, such as answering a mobile phone (64 per cent) or discussing your financial status while entertaining (71 per cent). Furthermore, the most discussed topic over a cup of tea is weekend plans (90 per cent) followed by work (74 per cent).
In response to this shift in tea trends and tastes, Choysa has developed Kiwi Breakfast tea; a premium tea, specifically designed for Kiwi tastes - celebrating the uniqueness and individual tradition of our nation's tea culture. The brand new blend will hit supermarket shelves nationally in July.
Andrea Martens, Marketing Director - Refreshment for Choysa says: "The Choysa brand has been part of New Zealand life for over 106 years. We're proud to use our heritage and expertise to launch our best ever premium tea - a deliciously rich and smooth blend of the finest from around the Kiwis - it really is our cup of tea, our way."
Additional highlights from The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey
The New Zealand Choysa Tea Survey shows (90 per cent) agree catching up over a cup of tea is still the best forum for sharing stories and anecdotes. New Zealanders are also a reciprocal bunch, with 81 per cent saying they would invite their tea host back for a cuppa at their place.
The majority of the nation is still neighbour-friendly, with 45 per cent of New Zealanders claiming they would invite a new neighbor in for a cup of tea or a drink.
New Zealanders of all ages are unhappy with current levels of direct contact with friends and neighbours, with 77 per cent desiring more quality time with loved ones.
Most Kiwis (60 per cent) believe the nation is becoming more selfish, with 45 per cent stating New Zealand is a more selfish nation than 10 years ago.
75 per cent of New Zealanders believe it is rude to leave the television on when entertaining guests over a cup of tea. Interestingly, only 45 per cent of Generation X holds this opinion.
The New Zealand Choysa tea survey which polled more than 550 New Zealanders aged 22 to 54 years revealed a remarkable shift in New Zealand etiquette away from traditional British social niceties.
In particular, tea drinking, something 80 per cent of us do, appears to have been Kiwified.
Choysa has developed Kiwi breakfast tea; a premium tea, specifically designed for Kiwi tastes, celebrating the uniqueness and individual tradition of our nation's tea culture.
WIN One tea-drinking Marlburian can win a fabulous prize pack from Choysa, including four boxes of Kiwi breakfast tea, a tea towel detailing tea drinking etiquette and two mugs complete with their own knitted cardigans to keep your tea warm to the last drop. To win, tell us on the back of an envelope about your best tea drinking memory. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
Send your entry to
Choysa Kiwi breakfast tea,
The Marlborough Express,
PO Box 242,
Blenheim 7240
by 5pm, Thursday, August 18.
- The Marlborough Express
Nancy Wake
Nancy Wake
Regarding Prime Minister John Key saying that giving Nancy Wake an honour was not possible because her wartime deeds had already been recognised by Britain ["Lack of recognition vexes NZ war vet saved by Wake", Express, August 9]; nothing is impossible. It just takes longer.
The RSA review of December 2001 states that "Nancy says she still has a New Zealand passport". Biographer Peter Fitzsimmons says Nancy's great-grandmother, Pourewa, was the first Maori to marry a white man, Charles Cossell, in 1836.
Successive governments have turned a blind eye to her achievements and I have to ask why? Because she is a woman?
She was born a New Zealander and we should be proud of her.
LAURIE HAM, Blenheim
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/letters-to-the-editor/5434736/Nancy-Wake-Footloose-and-Pollution
Regarding Prime Minister John Key saying that giving Nancy Wake an honour was not possible because her wartime deeds had already been recognised by Britain ["Lack of recognition vexes NZ war vet saved by Wake", Express, August 9]; nothing is impossible. It just takes longer.
The RSA review of December 2001 states that "Nancy says she still has a New Zealand passport". Biographer Peter Fitzsimmons says Nancy's great-grandmother, Pourewa, was the first Maori to marry a white man, Charles Cossell, in 1836.
Successive governments have turned a blind eye to her achievements and I have to ask why? Because she is a woman?
She was born a New Zealander and we should be proud of her.
LAURIE HAM, Blenheim
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/letters-to-the-editor/5434736/Nancy-Wake-Footloose-and-Pollution
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