We have recently opened a new exhibition in our Mim Ringer Gallery.
I undertook research and talked to many individuals to uncover stories relating to Parihaka and Manaia. When writing text to accompany an exhibition, you want to say enough to gauge interest, but not overwhelm. There is a lot to look at and take in at a museum and you want to avoid “museum fatigue” by overloading visitors with information. This article provides an opportunity to give an extended account of an entertaining story relating to Parihaka.
In the early 1930s, Mr G. Stuart masterminded the first ascent of Parihaka in a motor car, predating a cut road. He selected a standard model, four-cylinder, 9 hp Singer car (9 hp equates to a third of the power of today’s ride-on mowers). No modifications were made, only the body was removed to lighten the load.
In this venture, Stuart was supported by two mechanics from Wyllie’s Garage, a reporter, and a photographer. Stuart drove the car through rugged bush, avoiding holes from gum digging past where possible, while the rest of the party followed on foot. Stuart had to tackle thickets of tea tree, steep inclines, and the disparate trials of clay-rich and sandy soils.
