McNally's Track requires some maintainance.

The Rotary District is looking for a Rotary community leader. This is a 2 year appointment and is separte to the Assistant Governor.

Conference April 20th.

Borland       - Cold and wet but a good trip.

 

A2O            - Excellent trip with good weather however some dietary issues.

 

Glenorchy   - Wet at times but managed to do everything.

Steve McLay outlined the tough condidtions facing the marine industry. A number of businesses were closing and nearly all were reducing production and staff. Stabi-Craft one of the countries leading boat manufacturers had laid off 42 workers and closed overseas plants. Only the Australian market was keeping McLay Boats busy. Steve felt it would be 2 years before the industry improved.

Lynne Taylor recounted to the club the history of the building, launching and journey to Tahiti of the yacht Kakawai. Les Taylor, Lynne's father and Les McLeod  young men living in Milton decided to build a ocean going yacht. Construction took six years. They financed the project themselves and roped in local volunteers to assist. By 1958 the 37ft yacht with a 6ft/6in draft was ready to launch. The transporting from Milton to the Taieri Ferry for the launch brought most of the town out to view the proceedings. This was captured  by Ross Pringles father Earl on an 8mm movie reel. Ross had it transferred to digital so we were able to view the event. Once in the Taieri river the Kakawai motored to Taieri Mouth where the mast was fitted from the Taier Mouth bridge! Work continued on the Kakawai in Dunedin after which there were sea trials and a cruise to Stewart Island. Kakawai then sailed to Tahiti, returning 9 months later. Kakawai was sold and last observed by Ross in Opua near Russell in 2003.

                         Ross with Lynne Taylor holding plans of Kakawai

Peter Stewart:

"Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."