The region’s favourite community rag since 1990 June 2010

Big Wet!

All pictures were

taken by Bent Jansen.
More pictures are
on our website at
Hamrakirag.blogspot.com.

During the five days since the arrival of

the low pressure system in our region on
May 24 more than 200 mm of rain, nearly
a third of the average annual rainfall, was
recorded at a Hampden weather station.
We have seen the Kurinui and Shag
rivers swollen, paddocks drenched, State
Highway 1 north of Hampden cut off, and
the water supply shut down. While it was
a welcome break from the dry weather,
the downpour caused flooding, landslips,
road closures and other disruption in the
region.

June 2010 Hamraki Rag 1

hall gets a new coat of paint
by Howard Selwood
Some residents are aware that the account. The Hall repaint and tank
hall is having its roof exterior fittings replacement is financed from the hall
repainted. The view from the road committee’s historically invested funds.
is only just becoming noticeable as The Hall Committee has been meeting
painting contractor Sharland began at monthly since the General Meeting, and
the rear to achieve the colour effect by Kau Whitau-Kean, of Moeraki, was
painting the drab shed she works from invited to join as a co-opted member
first. The colours chosen are: roof, mist through her indicated interest.
green; walls, Oamaru stone cream.
Then followed smartening up the two
toilet annexes inside and out.These
exterior walls had stained severely from
tank leakages and before any brush
stroke one tank expired completely. On
inspection of the other tank, it was found
both had already had their lives extended
by internal plastering, so it was decided
to replace both with mist green tanks to
match the roof colour.
We acknowledge Geof Herbert’s
contribution to the tanks' removal with
the aid of his crane truck. Thanks Geof.
Without your truck there would have been
quite a crash!
The public toilet cosmetic
improvements and tank are being funded
from Council’s district toilet account
and the shed from the district property

hamraki rag
The Hamraki Rag is a community paper published on the first Wednesday of every month
by the Hamraki Media for the area between Shag Point to Herbert including Hampden and
Moeraki, Te Waka o Aoraki of New Zealand. 415 copies are home delivered in the area while
extra copies are available from the library, Hampden Motors, Hilltop store, Toby’s Fresh Fish
in Hampden, Moeraki Tavern, Herbert Service Station, and Oamaru public library.
The Rag welcomes submissions. Write to us at 70 Norwich St, Hampden, 9410. Electronic
copy can be forwarded to hamrakirag@gmail.com. We reserve the right to edit the submission
for clarity and for style. Please keep the format of your submission as plain as possible. The
cut off date is the 20th of each month.
All the pictures are taken by our staff photographer, Bent Jansen, unless otherwise stated.

Hamraki Rag is published and printed by NEO Computing, Hampden.

2 Hamraki Rag June 2010
Other Hampdens (2): Hampden S.A.
The Hamraki Rag sent out emails a few
months ago asking people in Hampdens
in other countries to write to us and tell
us what their Hampdens are like. One of
them was Pat Matthew of Eudunda Area
School, South Australia. She has since
found and forwarded to us Rosemary
Holden’s year 7 school project on the
history of Hampden (about which her
teacher, Mr Stewart, wrote “one of the
best year 7 projects I have ever marked”
and gave her 99 out of 100). It is truly
inspiring stuff. We will leave the copy of
her project in the library so that everyone one street settlement, with 12 houses on
in (our) Hampden can see it.
Below you will find some of the
information from her project, which gives
an idea of what Hampden S.A. is and was
like. We are also printing a charming
poem she found during her research
called “Have you ever been to Hampden.”
We don’t know exactly when she put her
project together, but we guess it was in
the late 1980s possibly in 1988. Thanks
to Rosemary and Pat.
If you are reading this
in Hampden S.A. or
nearby, please let us
know what it is like
now.
Hampden S.A. is
about 120 km north
of the state capital
Adelaide in S outh Map of Hampden, S.A.,
Australia. The state border Australia, from Google Maps diverted to the Eudunda
with Victoria is about 200
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 3
km to the east. Hampden is situated
between the townships of Eudunda and
Julia, and is part of Goyder Regional
Council.
It was not named after the British
political figure John Hampden after
whom Hampden in Otago and many
other Hampdens were named. According
to Ms Holden, the settlement was named
after “William Hampden Dutton who
was the brother of the original owner of
the land”.
It seems Hampden S.A. is essentially a
the “main street” in the 1980s. The heart
of the town was a general store started by
Mr A.G. Obst in 1911. Originally begun in
a small room, it had grown into a sizable
shop which sold “generally everything
from sewing needles to timber. Everyone
who lived in Hampden shopped at the
general store.” An old picture of the store
shows it had petrol bowsers as well. It
was a post office and later a telephone
exchange which had 31
subscribers in 1965. The
shop was sold several
times from 1961 and
it finally closed down
in 1978. People had to
travel to Eudunda for
groceries and everything
else. The telephone
exchange became
automated and was
continues on page 14

W a i t a k i r e s o u r c e any further information, please contact
exchange programme me on 434 0999 or 0210 223 1115, email
by Maxine Woodhouse
It pays to have a rethink about what
materials you are wasting and how this
waste (we shall call it resource) can either
be reduced, reused or recycled.
The Waitaki Resource Exchange is a
new programme that has been introduced
into the Waitaki District, with the aim of
diverting commercial waste/resources
away from our rapidly filling landfill.
The exchange is like a ‘match making’
service for materials (resources) that
are currently going to landfill from
your business, school or nonprofit
organisation.
The best part is the exchange
programme is fully funded and by using
the programme, you could save money,
as well as divert beneficial resources to
other people within your community. We
can also help you set up some efficient
recycling systems.
Materials are free and are listed on the
exchange website and the items are kept
on the business premises. We also have a
list of items that people are wanting. The
resource exchange coordinator helps to
facilitate the exchange between parties.
Some examples include bubble wrap,
plastic buckets, drums, shredded paper
and wooden pallets.
The programme is funded by the
Waitaki District Council and administered
by the Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust.
The community and council partnership
was formed by sharing the common vision
of ‘wanting to find solutions that reduce the
amount of resources going to landfill’.
4 Hamraki Rag June 2010
To see items available or wanted, or for
maxine@resourcewaitaki.co.nz or visit
www.resourcewaitaki.co.nz.
back to the future?
by Anonymous Correspondent
Re: "Tossers Caught" in the May
issue of Hamraki Rag, page 19.
I too have unloaded green waste
into the gully between the Roman
Catholic Church and the railway
line, as have numerous other
locals. I did so with the blessing of
the lessee of the area in question,
who personally assured me that he
was happy to have the "ditch" filled
up with organic matter.
The container at the Waste
Transfer Station fills up very quickly.
It seems totally logical as well as
energy efficient to deposit branches
and clippings where they serve a
useful purpose to the community
i.e. filling in an area that is prone to
ponding and breeding mosquitoes.
Observing practicalities was the
nature of rural communities in days
gone by. The late Bill Lockerbie was a
prime example here in Hampden.
Maybe it is time we went back to
the future.
The Rag certainly does not endorse anything
illegal, but at the same time does not believe
that shipping recyclables to faraway places is
a sustainable local solution at all. The Rag
welcomes your opinion on our waste.
Write to us now please.
 community info
Hampden Library
Hours: 2 to 4pm (Thursdays)
2 to 4pm (Fridays)
10am to12 noon (Saturdays)
Landfill Transfer Station
Hours: 8.30am to 12.30pm
(Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)
Medical Services
(Dr. McKirdy)
Thursday between 2.30pm
and 4.30pm at the hall
Phone: 4394 625 (for appointment)
Emergency and after
hours: 4651 444
Hampden Motors
Hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm weekdays
8am to 12 (Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays
Phone: 4394 086
Toby’s Fish
Hours: 11am-6pm,
Wednesday through Monday
(closed on Tuesdays)
Thought about advertising locally?
Please contact us to book advertising
space in the Rag. Our rates are:
• $20 A5 page
• $10 1/2 A5 or business card
Discount or waiver of the above
fees may be available for non-
commercial community events.
All classified ads are free.
Deadline: 20th of the month.
hamrakirag@gmail.com or 4394 511
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 5
Hampden Super Store
second-hand shop
H o u r s : 12.30pm to 5pm ( Most
Fridays)
10.30am to 5pm (Satur day and
Sunday)
Phone: 4394 802
Lockies Takeaways
Hours: 11am to 7pm (Monday
to Thursday, maybe closed
between 2 and 4pm)
11am to 7.30pm (Friday to Sunday)
Phone: 4394 744
Hampden Mechanical
Hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm (except
on Wednesdays and Sundays)
Closed for lunch between
noon and 1pm
Phone: 4394 646
85 Musselburgh Rise, Dunedin.
Eight minutes drive from the Octagon.
Studio, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom
units from $95/night.
Self contained apartment unit
available for long term rental.
Group bookings for sports
clubs & fans (sleeps up to nine
people) with discount rates.
Handy to Dunedin, Edgar Centre,
Carisbrook and Forbury Park.
Website: http://www.dunedinmotel.co.nz/
Email: arcadian@ihug.co.nz
Freephone: 0508 272 234
Phone: 03 455 0922
FAX: 03 455 0237
U3A Offers “My Life”
by Ken Bridge
This organisation is alive and well. There
are regular classes of tuition in Oamaru
which are run according to the demand
for them. As well as Music, Geology
and Books, there is at present a very
interesting course entitled ‘My Life’, in
which individuals within the organisation
are charged with describing their lives and
the things they have learned and loved in it.
On May 20, it was the turn of Heather
and John Sutton, retired owners of
Waitangi Station, one of the Waitaki
Valley’s larger sheep runs. Four vehicles
set out from Oamaru to the Station,
but firstly a stop was made at St
Albans vicarage and chapel in Kurow.
A guided tour of the complex was
given to the U3A group who were most
impressed with the building, its history,
and what is being done to it. The Anglican
Diocese has not used it as a vicarage since
the early 70s. It is now undergoing the
painfully slow process (the availability of
money and volunteer labour permitting)
of being restored to its former glory. The
chapel is used by a small group of local
worshippers on a regular basis, and a
room or two of the vicarage is used by
church groups for their periodic meetings.
The organ is alive and well and
if played at a good volume it can
CRAFTY COLLECTABLES
elegant clutter
Main Road Herbert
Sunday 10am- 4.30pm or by arrangement
Margaret: 4395197/Marise: 4395654
6 Hamraki Rag June 2010
be used for shaking the dust off the
rafters and the pigeons out of the soffit.
The U3A group crossed the Aviemore
Dam to Waitangi and spent the rest of the
day taking in the smell of a well-built, well-
used wool-shed, and the life stories and
anecdotes from John and Heather about
their love affair with the country they
farmed. About half the group was able to
visit an elevated vantage point by 4WD,
and look down on the many buildings
and yards that make up the heart of the
Station. John had spoken of the cursed
wallaby, and while surveying the layout
of the Station from its airstrip, one of the
creatures put on a performance of speed
as it made for the cover of the matagouri.
The U3A courses are determined by
what it is that people want to find out
about. This term is the first that the ‘My
Life’ option has been offered, even though
it is not strictly a ‘tuition’ course. It has
so far been a successful course which
those participating in have heartily
endorsed. The life of Heather and John
Sutton of Waitangi Station explained ‘in
the field’ at the Station itself, made for an
extremely pleasant day out up the Waitaki.
Anyone interested in joining up with
one or more of the U3A courses is invited
to contact Ken Bridge on 4394 228.
for your home
transfer station
to get a shed
by Community Liaison Waste Steering
Group
You may have noticed that manager,
Paul, has been setting aside the odd
items such as doors, windows, old rotary
hoes and so on which could be potentially
reusable down at the waste transfer
station. It’s a great sign for the future,
because we hope we will soon have a
shed to keep such useful items out of
the rain. We are sorry this shed is taking
longer than we’d hoped, but there are
things happening behind the scenes.
First Mark Brady helped us decide on
a shed and also the best location at the
end of the turning area. Dave Hanan of
Delta (who have the solid waste contract)
is now talking to WDC about erecting it.
We are still thinking about organising
working bees to get it up under suitable
supervision, but there is foundation work
to do in preparation for that.
The shed materials will come from the
$5/tonne levy the Council receives for
waste deposited at the landfill under the
new Waste Minimisation Act. The fund is
specifically to promote just such waste
minimisation initiatives.
So we hope the shed warming party
is not too far off.
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 7
soup evening at the
hall
Soupy sessions, group soup, souperior meal,
souper dooper?
The idea is to provide an opportunity
to unwind, meet new members of the
community and catch up with old ones over
a bowl of soup on a winter evening. The
Hampden Hall supper room has been booked
for Friday June 11 from 6pm for the first of
regular soup evenings.
The first gathering will be an opportunity
especially to meet and welcome some of the newer
residents in town. If you have a new neighbour
please encourage them to come along.
Just bring some soup and bread (or $3/
head ) and your best mood. Bring the kids
along too if babysitters are a problem.
Any queries please ring Elizabeth Norton
on 4394 887 or Annette Selwood on 4393
160.
Following is a sample soup recipe, Terrific
Tasting Turnip Soup, provided by Trevor
Norton:
“This is based on an old heirloom recipe of
my forebears that I just concocted myself three
months ago when we had a glut of turnips.
As with all my concoctions, quantities are
entirely dependent on your own taste, and
the following is a guide only:
Harvest, wash and peel about 8, 10 or a
dozen snowball turnips. Cut up, place in a
saucepan covered with water and bring to
boil. Simmer till soft. While cooking, add a
dessertspoon of chicken stock powder (or
similar), salt and pepper, and some curry
powder - just enough to give it a slight flavour,
we are not making curried turnips. Using a
potato masher or a hand-held blender, break
up most of the turnip pieces leaving a few
chunks. Do not puree.
Just before serving, stir in a dessertspoon
of butter. Garnish with diced shallot or red
onion.”
 funraiser comedy show
From the Library Shelves for a sk8 park
East Otago Lions Sk8 park
group is hosting a comedy
show with Mayor Tim Shadbolt
and Gary McCormick at the
East Otago Event Centre on
Saturday June 5 at 7.30pm.
Admission is $25.00 per
person and the tickets are
Hampden library has grown
enormously. Last month we had available from Gay Mills
access to 2,000 books, and now (03)4651230.
we have access to 91,500. The The show is a fundraiser for a
installation of an online computer
last month means that we can order
skate park in the Palmerston
books for you from any of the libraries area.
in the Waitaki region and they will
be delivered free. Come in and try
it out. JACQUI DEAN
As Hampden library counts some MP for Waitaki
second-hand book sale nutters
among our number, we acquired
several interesting books from the
Oamaru bookarama. The adult
books are going to Oamaru to be
catalogued, but the children’s books
(including many on horses) are
available right away.
Inshore squadron by Alexander
Kent is recommended by Elizabeth
Norton as a very good read, giving a
fascinating insight into sailors’ lives
and the convoluted politics at the time Please phone or e-mail my office for an
of the Napoleonic wars. And as it’s appointment with me or talk to my staff.
part of a series, if you enjoy it, there 42 Thames St, Oamaru.
are more. Phone 03 434 7325 or 0800 6792 48254.
E-mail: waitaki.mp@parliament.govt.nz,
Good reading in June! www.jacquidean.co.nz
8 Hamraki Rag June 2010
 The Way We Were(5):from 1890 to 1920
In association with the Hampden Historic Society, the Hamraki Rag is publishing the Hamraki
timeline, originally compiled in 2005 by the late Diane Garbutt. In part five below, we list the
significant events which took place here during the 1890s, 1900s and 1910s. If you see any
notable omissions or errors, please notify the Rag or members of the HHS. Next month we
will look at the 1870s and 1880s.
1894 1903
• Catholic Church consecrated (Our • Tennis Courts built.
Lady Star of the Sea). • Bowling Green laid down.

1895 1905
• Mawhinney Drapery sold to Kerr of • Prohibition in force in Oamaru
Waikouaiti. district.

1896
• Creamery owned by Taeri & Peninsula
Milk Supply Co. Ltd.
1900
• NZ Farmers’ Union (later Federated
Farmers) branch established in
Hampden.
1901
• Hampden School becomes District
High School (until 1908).
1902
• Hampden Hotel expanded.
• Six pairs of Australian Brushtail
Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)
released by Otago Acclimatisation
Society.
• Clyde Hotel closes.
1906
• Hampden Hotel closes.
1910
• H a m p d e n Vo l u n t e e r R i f l e s
disbanded.
• The third Police Station to be built
in Hampden is opened in Norwich
Street.
1917
• Plunket Society established. Hampden
nurses visit out-stations regularly.
1918
• Temporary hospital established to
handle influenza epidemic cases.
1920
• Church of Christ closes.

Everything printed here appears on our website as it arrives,

in full colour, with clickable links and in searchable form at
Hamrakirag.blogspot.com.
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 9
 Moeraki Bayview Ltd
For all your electrical services
Covering Palmerston to Maheno

Wiring, new work, alterations, repairs, supply

and installation of Fujitsu heat pumps
Domestic and commercial work

We are happy to give you an obligation free

quote for any electrical work you may be think-
ing of having done.
Now is the time to have your heat pump filters
serviced so that your machine runs efficiently
and costs less to run and lasts longer.

For all your electrical services

Contact Peter
104 Haven Street
Moeraki
Ph:439 4550
Mobile:021 20 69053
Email:pe.ia@clear.net.nz

10 Hamraki Rag June 2010

No Need to Fear Dementia
by Debbie Melton
My name is Debbie Melton and I am the
Alzheimers Community Support Officer.
The Alzheimers Society is not-for-profit
and relies on fundraising and grants.
It is our mission to support people in
the community who are affected by
dementia. Dementia is a neurological
disorder where brain function is impaired,
affecting language,
memor y, p erception,
personality and cognitive
skills. Dementia is a word
used to describe a range
of memory disorders,
the most common
cause of dementia being
Alzheimers disease. It is
a physical illness of the
brain for which there is
no cure as yet. It is not a natural part of
the ageing process and can affect people
at any age including children.
If you or someone you care about has
a diagnosis of dementia, it’s only natural
to feel distressed and concerned. But
you do not have to face it alone. Getting
support can make a big difference. We
can help with advice, education, support,
home visits, carer support groups, social
activities, and we also have a library
of resources where you can access
information.
The Oamaru Office is
located above Work and
Income in Coquet Street.
My usual hours of work
are Tuesday, Wednesday
& Thursday 9am – 2pm.
My contact numbers are:
4394 9090 and cell phone
0274651653.
Dementia does not
have to affect your sense of
humour, the ability to enjoy life and your
ability to love and be loved. I welcome
your calls whether it is about your own
diagnosis or concerns you may have for
someone you know and love.

Small Bytes Computing

All your software and hardware needs including
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New ones for sale at competitive price.
Service and repair by experienced local and mobile
expert serviceman.
3 Otepopo St, Herbert
ph: 03 4395197/ 0274358983
email: jwing@sbytes.co.nz
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 11
 Hampden Market
The fourth Saturday of each month is the regular
market, with stalls inside and outside the hall. Reports
say that this is one of the best markets around.
Local stall holders have a great array of goods, and
you will see your friends and neighbours while looking
out for that interesting, just what you wanted bargain.

The market is on June 26 from 9.30 am to 12.30pm.

Plan to be there for a cuppa, with the funds
going to local community groups. See you there.

12 Hamraki Rag June 2010


FAG recipes
Hampden Film Appreciation Group (FAG)
enjoyed a Russian themed pot luck dinner
to accompany the film War and Peace in
May. More than a dozen residents attended.
The Rag asked Angy Corish to supply her
authentic Russian recipes. As the evenings
get darker, maybe the time is right for trying
out some recipes from a cold country.
FAG members are getting together
again on June 3 for a night of vintage
humour with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope
in The Road to Morocco and a Keystone
Cops comedy. Details from Trevor on
4394887.
Dark Rye Bread
• Ingredients:
• 3 tsp Sirebake yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tbs golden syrup
• 2 tbs oil (not olive oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups flour (white or stoneground)
• 1 1/2 cups rye flour
• 2 tbs cocoa
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 13
• 1 tsp instant coffee or equivalent
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
Measure first five ingredients into a large
bowl with 1 cup of white/stoneground flour
and mix thoroughly. Cover and leave to stand
in a warm place for 15 minutes. Stir in the
remaining flour, rye flour, cocoa, instant coffee
and caraway seeds. Add a little extra flour or
water to make a dough, just firm enough to
knead. Knead for about ten minutes or until
the dough forms a soft ball. Turn in 2-3 tsp
oil and leave for 30 minutes (or longer). Then
knead for a minute. Shape or put it in a tin,
leave for one hour until doubled in size. Bake
at 200C for about 30 minutes.
Salad
Angy got this recipe from someone she stayed
with on her Trans-Siberian journey. It comes
from the Listriauka-Lake Baikal area:
• salami (chopped)
• cucumber (chopped)
• red onion (chopped)
• egg (hard-boiled)
• corn (can be tinned)
Mix with mayonnaise. No salt.
Hampden S.A.
continued from page 3
exchange in 1982. The local exchange was
closed. The public telephone booth was
removed in 1995.
Hampden S.A. had a tennis court
which was built in 1955. The tennis club
was inaugurated in 1958, and at the time
of Rosemary’s writing, it was still going
strong. An added note says, however, that
in October 2009, there were not enough
junior and senior players to carry on. The
club ceased to operate.
The other pictures she included in her
project show Hampden school. Although
it was only open between 1925 and 1940,
and from 1949 to 1951, some pictures
show more than two dozen students.
The area appears to be wheat growing
country. A railway siding was built in
1901 in Hampden so trains could carry
the wheat. The farmers produced “up to
80 000 bags of wheat” annually, she found.
There was also a chaffmill, established in
1923, which has long been closed, as has
the railway. The rail line was removed in
1996 and a note to her original project
adds that it is now used in a sugar cane
field in Bundaberg, Queensland.
meet at St Stephens
Notice of change of frequency and
time of services. There will be a
gathering every Sunday, starting
at 4pm. There will be one formal
Communion service per month and
the rest will tend to be more user
friendly as we develop our new
image.
14 Hamraki Rag June 2010
Garden Notes for June from
Exquisite Blooms
Fruit Tree Pruning
June/July is the best time for pruning your
fruit trees, and a yearly check and prune is
beneficial. Ensure that saws, loppers and
secateurs are sharp and use whichever is
appropriate for the job.
Make all cuts angling slightly away from
the bud. Apricot trees require only minimal
pruning.
Trim out any small crossing branches, dead
or diseased wood and aim for a vase shaped
tree.
For other fruit trees, cut out any branches
growing straight up, remove crossed branches,
and any lateral growth that criss-crosses as
this will cause damage to fruit. Take out dead
or diseased wood.
The tree should have an open horizontal look.
Espalier is a great way to grow fruit trees in
a small garden.
After pruning, large cuts should be treated
with pruning paste and trees sprayed with all
purpose oil or a lime sulphate, for insect and
disease control.
bowling again
Resuming on June 14, indoor
bowls will be held in the Hampden
Hall at 7pm each Monday evening.
It is non competitive, with all different
levels of skilled players. You can
learn to play, improve your game
or maybe help others if you have
mastered the art of bowling!
We are a friendly group, and play
bowls for the fun of it. If you used
to play, or have always wanted
to try, why not come along? For
further information contact Howard
4394160.
Have you ever been to Hampden?
Have you ever been to Hampden when it’s warm and breaking spring,
When the ‘feed’ is high and luscious and the cocky on the wing
Makes his way to yonder gum tree, there to sit, to squark and stare,
And the smell of Eucalyptus adds a fragrance to the air?

Have you ever been to Hampden on a hot and steamy day,

When the sun beats down like fury and bakes the new mown hay
And the gum she drops her shadow, neat and welcome to the ground,
When the earth is still and silent and there’s not a soul around?

Have you ever been to Hampden when leaves fall, gold and brown
And O’er the hill the sun sinks low, ‘Tis autumn I’ll be bound
Where scents the smouldering stubble in a breeze that wanders through,
The old Barn Owl in yonder shed says “wee to wit to woo”.

Have you ever been to Hampden when the winter’s searching breeze
Tests your tired, aching muscles, makes you tremble at the knees,
When skies are dark and angry and pine trees bend and groan,
And the windmill spins like fury in the paddock all alone?

Then you’ve never been to Hampden with the railroad cutting through,
Never seen the pioneer dwellings, battered, broken -- by the new
Never seen the shadows falling by the twisting Julia creek
Where the cattle graze in silence, then settle down to sleep.

‘Tis a dear old place is Hampden, where the old blends with the new,
Where the folk are good and friendly, most generous, through and through,
Where strife so rare encountered points to harmony and bliss
It’s the kindly folk at Hampden that make it what it is.

This is a poem written by the Rev. Kelsall, Methodist minister for Hampden, South Australia.
We found it in a year 7 school project from the late 1980s by Rosemary Holden on the history of
Hampden, S.A. which was sent to us by Pat Matthew of Eudunda Area School.
See page 3 for more about Hampden S.A.
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 15
Waianakarua river care
by Dylan Robertson for Herbert Heritage Society
Following is a summary of the discussion
on proposed restoration work on the
Waianakarua River banks on May 8.
Firstly, a very positive group of people
met in the Waianakarua Hall to discuss
the opportunities for doing some planting
work on the Waianakarua River banks
near the mouth. It was great to see around
40 local people who all had an interest in
a very significant river.
There is a long and very important
use of the river and its surroundings as
outlined by Dorothy McKenzie.
The Waianakarua has undergone
consultation for flow management and
will have a minimum flow placed on it
to enable the water to be managed for
ecological and recreational values. A flow
of 200 litres per second in the irrigation
period and 400 litres per second in the
winter has been recommended. Currently
water users have a voluntary minimum
flow of 150l/s. Minimum flows impose
restrictions mainly on farmers who use
the water for irrigation. Taking water
for stock drinking water and domestic
purposes remains a permitted activity.
State of the Environment water quality
monitoring undertaken by the Otago
Regional Council (ORC) over the past
11 years shows that water quality in the
Waianakarua is excellent. This is backed
up by Department of Conservation
(DOC) macroinvertebrate and fish
monitoring. Peter Ravenscroft (DOC)
stated that the river has approximately
13 fish species and these exist in great
abundance. Transferral of a number of
16 Hamraki Rag June 2010
longjaw galaxiids has been undertaken
by DOC and we are awaiting research on
whether the female fish have eggs. If so,
it is anticipated that the population will
continue to flourish.
Pete also offered to take the group
on an electric fishing trip on the river
in order to get a good look at which fish
species are in the river and what they look
like. This could be combined with a field
trip to eco-source seeds and seedlings of
native plants from around the area (Ian
Davies said that it would be too late in
the season to get many seeds but he said
that if everybody collected seedlings from
their gardens then they could possibly get
quite a good number together).
Christine and Mike Holland own the
dairy farm on the northern banks of the
river mouth and they have generously
accepted the idea of work being done in
the area. They have offered to help out
and said that moving fences back from
the bank could be possible if required.
They do not wish, however, to have more
vehicles gaining access than currently.
It was suggested by many that it
would be a good idea to identify a small
area where some initial work could be
undertaken. It was undecided whether
this area would be directly at the mouth
or further upstream. Whichever site is
chosen, there will be problems with weed
species such as crack willow, gorse, broom,
muehlenbeckia, passionfruit and old
man's beard. There is a desire to control
weeds without the use of chemicals where
possible but the availability of monetary
and labour resources will need to be
ascertained before the ability to control
weeds is known.
An initial aim of protecting and
enhancing habitat for inanga (whitebait)
was identified. Pete Ravenscroft from
DOC said that eggs had been found on
rank exotic grasses in the past but that the
gorse had possibly removed this habitat.
He thought that in order to get this
habitat back, all that would be required
would be the control of gorse.
He did think that toe-toe or flax could
also create good spawning habitat.
Other aims included providing habitat
for birds (Nicola McGrouther ORC stated
that birds require a patch of vegetation as
opposed to a thin strip). A general aim of
enhancing the river is desirable.
Maintenance of any plantings or weed
control work is vital. Bill McKerrow
raised the fact that such a planting
had been undertaken on the Kakanui
mouth and that, because of a lack of
ongoing maintenance these plants no
longer exist. Part of ensuring continuing
maintenance is keeping the area planted
to a manageable size. This goes hand in
hand with the idea of starting small and
working out as experience grows and
commitment is ensured.
Bronwyn was put in charge of sharing
information with the group (the group
being, initially those at the field day).
This simply means forwarding emails at
this stage.
It was decided that any work should be
taken at no cost, with minimum impact
from cars and minimum annoyance to
the landholders.
A group was formed which is to put
June 2010 Hamraki Rag 17
together an initial plan of attack. It was
suggested that an aerial photo (ORC can
provide this) should be used to mark the
proposed area. Weed control measures,
existing desirable vegetation, fencing
requirements, rabbit protection, funding,
and labour requirements should be
included in this plan. The group (at this
stage) is Ian Davies, Rob Campbell, Jerry
Wing, Liz, Mike and Christine Holland,
Murray, Bronwyn.
Support is available from: ORC and
DOC.
It was discussed that local schools
could provide some support with planting
etc (send newsletter).
It was agreed that all names recorded
on the attendance list (as well as any
other names people thought ought to be
included) would be kept up-to-date with
proceedings.
Publicity through media could be
sought after the initial plan is drawn up.
There are various sources of funding
being: Honda Tree Fund ($1500)
administered by ORC, WWF fund
(approx. $5000) and Speights fund
($5 000-$10 000). Other funds which
tend to be for larger, more expensive
programmes could be called on further
down the line.
Last, thanks to all who attended,
especially Mike and Christine Holland
who agreed to let us all drive through
their paddock, and thanks for the great
assortment of plates which kept our
enthusiasm up!
Anyone interested, please contact
Dylan on 0800 474 082.
 MOERAKI SERVICES LTD
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I carry these in my van so when you see me ask if you wish to purchase some.

Moeraki Services Limited

Phone Dave on 4394259
18 Hamraki Rag June 2010
Hamraki Tr a d i n g
Playstation 2 for sale 9 games
PS2, 8 games PS1 (works on PS2), 2
controllers (1xwireless). Suit teenager.
All for $100. 4394156.
LEARN to play piano Experienced
teacher. Reasonable rates, all levels,
any age, but must be keen learners.
439 4599
Firewood for sale Well seasoned
dry pine, $50 cu metre or $140 trailer
load. Free pick up or deliver in Hampden,
Moeraki, Shag Point or Herbert area. Call
Daryl or Kate 439 4868 or 021 447391
Pitt island sheep for sale
Phone: 439 4156
walk in chiller for sale
Approx 11cu.m (internal dimensions
2400mm w x 2260mm l x 1940mm h),
$3500 ono. Pick up in Ranfurly
Phone Graeme 439 4511
post
Freeview box wanted We
would like to borrow one for a few weeks
to see if we want to buy one or carry on
without TV. All care taken. The football
world cup is coming up and I hate the
thought of not being able to watch the
England (and New Zealand) matches.
Please call Vicki on 747 4105.
Colour Tvs for sale Sony
TV 24in. Trinitron, cabinet mounted,
Mitsubishi VCR, DSE DVD player, Sanyo
TV 20in. 21FST. Reasonable offers.
Phone Annette or Howard 4394160
glass jars wanted Jam jars,
especially Rose’s marmalade jars and
other wide mouthed jars, and bigger
glass jars. Don’t give them away to China
or Dunedin. Reusing them here is a real
local solution. Please ring 4394599.

house for sale 60 Norwich

Street Hampden. 3 bed room plus
sleep out. Very large double garage.
$190,000. Contact Dickey Podmore
on 0272550113 or Stephen Hall on 03
4894418/0211704660.

housebus craft Locally crafted

gifts for all occasions including wooden
toys, native timber pens, stained glass
suncatchers, saffron and lavender herbal
creams, herb and lavender plants. See
us at the Hampden market or call 021
702916 to visit us at home.

June 2010 Hamraki Rag 19

 community calendar for June
Monthly FAG gathering
What: The Road to Morocco
When: Thursday June 3 at 7.30pm
Contact: 4394 887
(see page 16 for more details)
Meat Raffles for the school
Where: Hampden Tavern
When: June 5, 4 - 5.30pm
Funraiser comedy show
When: June 5, 7.30 - 10pm
Where: East Otago Event Centre
Cost: $25
Contact: Gay Mills (03)4651230.
(see page 8 for more details)
Gathering at St Stephens
When: June 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 4pm
Where: St Stephens on Ipswich
(see page 14 for more details)
Taichi Classes
What: Exercise for mind and body
When: Mondays June 7, 14, 21, and 28
at 11.30am
Where: The Hall
Cost: $30 for the term or $5 casual
Social Soup
When: June 11 at 6pm
Where: the Hall, souper room
Contact: 4394160 or 4394 887
(see page 7 for more details)
If you have any events, classes, workshops,
garage sales, parties, anything,
inform the Rag so that the whole community knows.
20 Hamraki Rag June 2010
Red Hatters
When: June 11 at noon
Contact: 4394410 or 4395197
Indoor Bowling
When: June 14, 21 and 28 at 7pm
Where: the Hall
Contact: 4394160
(see page 14 for more details)
Celtic Mid Winter Celebration
Service
When: June 20, 4pm -4.45pm
Where: St Stephens on Ipswich
It will be followed by “mulled wine and mid
winter nibbles by candlelight” at the Anglican
Hall between 4.45 - 5.45pm.
Waianakarua Women’s Institute
When: June 22 at 10.30am
Where: Waianakarua Memorial Hall
Contact: Joy Larkins on 4394 377
This is International Day and the country to
be celebrated is Australia.
Hampden Market
When: June 26, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: the Hall
It is time for the regular fourth Saturday of
the month super community market full of
bargains. Stroll over and see your friends
and neighbours, have a cuppa and soak up
the community atmosphere.
Please note the Waianakarua gardening club
will be in recess for the winter, and meetings
recommence in September.