Brief summaries of a few of the completed projects follow.
HISTORY OF THE ANDERSON HARRIER RALLY 1934-77
By Ray Goggin.
"The Dannevirke Harrier Club was formed in 1934, having the first run on March 24 when 10 runners and officials were present. On September 8 the first Dannevirke Harrier rally was held and 60 runners from the following cluns took part; Wanganui, Marton, Napier, Masterton, Hastings, Kiatere (Masterton) and Dannevirke. By 1940 the now annual event, now known as the Dannevirke Anderson Rally, had 10 clubs represented and over 100 competitors. The event was not held over the war years 1942-1945.
The event was organised again in 1946 and over 140 runners from 10 clubs again took part. From that date the Anderson Rally became one of the top events in NZ harrier circles and probably the most prestigious event in the lower North Island. By 1974 numbers competing had topped 700. The organisers were amongst the first in NZ to instigate separate races for various male age grades, women and under-14 girls. The race for veteran men in 1956 is thought to be the first official one for that grade held anywhere in the world.
Over the years 11 Olympians and a further 20 NZ Internationals have competed, plus numerous Cross Country and Track Champions. The individual "A" Grade winners are amongst NZ's best.
This project has been compiled in the form of a scrapbook, and contains previews, results and also placings of Dannevirke runners for most years. There are also photos of most of the "A" Grade, Veteran and Women winners. Dannevirke winners are also recorded and most of the major trophies, although some have not been located nor has a photo of W A Pascoe, our "B" Grade winner in 1939."
THE HISTORY OF HOROEKA - FOCUS ON WAIMIRO
By Bridget Harris.
"The growth and development of Dannevirke was dependent largely on the development of the farm lands that surrounded it, and those who pioneered the land from the Ruahines in the west to the coast in the east, have by their labours, written a forceful chapter in the history of the town.
(from an article by Mr Lunt).
A block of land called Mangatainoka Number 1 was bought from the Maoris on March 28 1873. This land, known as 70 Mile Bush, was 62,000 acres and was bought for 2500 pounds. It was bought by William Fitzherbert, superintendent for the province of Wellington, acting on behalf of the Queen (Terton's Deed Number 188). Part of this land is now called Horoeka.
This record of pioneer hardships, felling bush, building homes, a school, and the creamery, and life as it was, was researched by Bridget Harris, as a fifth form history project carried out in 1988. Bridget is happy that it becomes part of the historical record of the area."
QUEEN MARGRETHE II'S ROYAL VISIT TO DANNEVIRKE ON FEBRUARY 11 1987
By Jill Mills and June Simpson.
"A record of the memorable occasion.
Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik flew in to the Dannevirke Aerodrome in Air Force Andovers shortly before midday on February 11 1987. They transferred to a private car and drove to the Dannevirke Lower Domain, where they were greeted by school children waving Danish flags and Scandinavian visitors and many locals.
A large marquee was set up for the occasion, where the official luncheon was served. The public brought picnic lunches to the area. After the luncheon the Royal guests went on an informal walkabout to meet the Scandinavian visitors and Scandinavian residents. The Queen met Dannevirke Scandinavian Club members and many people wore traditional costumes. With many flags and colourful dress, combined with lovely fine weather, the visit was a memorable occasion for Dannevirke, which is recorded in photographs and newspaper reports."
Doug Scott's Waipatiki Gas Project.
SITE PAGES
HISTORIC PHOTOS