SOUTH WAIRARAPA PROBUS CLUB

SPOTLIGHT ON TE PAPA’S CAPTAIN COOK ARTIFACTS

Another interesting meeting this month. Our Mini-Speaker was Bruce Pauling from Wairarapa Road Safety Council informing us about the Carfit programme run in collaboration with AA. This is a free programme that shows older drivers how to set up their cars to ensure they are in the best position physically, have the greatest range of vision and can access all the controls.

A Carfit check takes about 20 minutes with trained community volunteers and/or health professionals working with each participant to ensure they “fit” their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.

They also run Staying Safe workshops dealing with local roundabouts, safe driving tips etc. My personal bugbear is indicating. I think if everyone indicated well before they make a turn rather than right at the turn we would all feel safer!

Our main speaker was Dr Janet Davidson, anthropologist and archaeologist, speaking on Te Papa’s collection of native artifacts collected on Captain Cook’s voyages, and now housed in Te Papa. The artifacts have come from various collections, sometimes being retained in England, for example, for several generations before the decision was made that they should be returned to New Zealand. Everything from tapa cloths to cloaks, shell necklaces, clubs etc. These have come from the central Pacific Island area and north to the north west coast of America on Cook’s final fatal voyage.

I think we were surprised at how interesting the talk was and many of us have been inspired to read more about Cook and his experiences in the Pacific and New Zealand. Well worth listening to!

Anyone who would like more information on our Probus Club and our various interest groups are very welcome to contact Margaret Griffiths on 306-8102.