Fish eyes

Working with hoki fish eyes, a waste by-product from the fishing industry, Dr Laura Domigan extracts sufficient quantities of nanoscale crystallin proteins to look at using these to repair or replace corneal tissue in human eyes, and to make transparent biomaterials – namely thin films, gels and adhesives.

The cornea is the exquisitely composed tissue that covers the eye. It can tear and malfunction for a variety of reasons, and need replacing or repairing. “Over 250 corneal transplants are performed in New Zealand every year, but as with all organ transplants, the number is limited by donors. There simply aren’t enough of them,” says Domigan. … Continue Reading

HISTORIC BUILDINGS RESTORED

Two of Martinborough’s historic buildings would have been forever lost without the intervention of the late Angela Sears, who died on Easter Sunday five years ago.  The first, built in 1883 at 33 Jellicoe Street, was beautifully crafted by builder J. W. McCarthy for his son John McCarthy’s tailoring business. It was the prettiest commercial building in town with a charming verandah, a parapet, a spire and four large spherical finials. Then he built a more substantial shop next door at 29 Jellicoe Street, which, between 1904 and 1909, was the first home of the Bank of New Zealand in Martinborough. 

After tailor John McCarthy retired, the buildings were sold to Fred Machell, the owner and editor of the original Martinborough Star, and #33, with the printing press in a shed behind #29, became the publication’s base until it ceased publication in 1962.  … Continue Reading

Inner wheel

Our first Dinner of the year for all members was held at the Offering Cafe on Wednesday 24th February. It was great to see a good turnout and to catch up with so many members after the long Christmas break.

As usual the meal was lovely Bevan did a wonderful job of looking after us all.

Our guest speaker was Leah from Trade Aid in Masterton.

Leah gave a great insight to Trade Aid and I am sure everyone found it very interesting. … Continue Reading

From the Mayor

Finally, we have had some rain, and watering restrictions can be lifted.

I was asked by a resident why, if we felt we had compliant and robust water supply we still needed to have watering restrictions. The reality is, in mid-summer, aquifers and rivers are under strain, and to protect the environment, we need to control our usage. It’s all part of valuing our natural resources to ensure there is enough water for everyone in the future. … Continue Reading