Otautau Standards Online

The Otautau Standard, our historical newspaper, is now on Papers Past, an online database of NZ newspapers. The issues covered include 1905-1932. This is a great tool for family researchers. Many thanks to the folks at the National Library for all their hard work in helping to make this paper more accessible.

Later issues of the newspaper (1933-1946) can be accessed directly via microfilm at the Otautau office of the Southland District Council.

Don't Throw Grandma's Sampler Away!

There is a project called the New Zealand Sampler, and its aims are to create a database of samplers in New Zealand and to tell their unique stories.

What's a sampler?? Well, it's embroidery that highlights one's skill with the needle. Many of the old samplers are of the alphabet or feature special edging patterns, but some also depict homes or special events. So they can carry historical significance along with sentimental value.

If you've got a sampler, either made in New Zealand or brought here, and would like to share your story, get in touch with Vivien Caughley of NZ Sampler. Her research may well result in a book.

You can find out more on the New Zealand Sampler website

If you'd like to see what samplers are all about, here is a link to Te Papa's collection of samplers

A Dumping of Snow

Main Street looking north toward Otautau.

The Courthouse

The Central Garage and Beyond

The Otautau Stream

Rider in the Storm...

Western Floral Art Show

The Western Floral Art Club has created a beautiful harvest display in the Otautau Union Church.
Of course, harvest festivals have a long history in rural churches. Eighty to a hundred years ago, people had much bigger gardens and sharing the abundance through a Thanksgiving service was a natural end to the growing season.

The Western Floral Art Club has members from all around including Fairfax, Tuatapere, Riverton and Scotts Gap. Though their membership is dwindling, they still manage to put together some wonderful arrangements.

Among the cast of players are: harakeke (leaves and korari), chrysanthemums, roses, wheat, carrots, onions, apples, rhubarb, Japanese maple, Queen Anne's lace, juniper, and many, many others.

The Church's Thanksgiving service starts at 11am, Sunday 3 May, and will remain open until 4pm for those wishing to see it. There is a gold coin donation.

Otautau Poem

Well, this is the last day of poetry month and by chance I found this poem posted on the wall at the Otautau Museum. I'm still trying to ascertain the author.

Otautau

Otautau looks so trim and neat
Beneath the slopes so tidy.
It's here the western folk all meet
Their market day is Friday.

On Labour Day they have their sport
Whether it's wet or dry is their decision.
The Pipers march with good deport
It's all done with precision.

Holt Park far famed for beauty rare
Is dressed up for the people.
The Grand Stand hill and Rhodies there
Are blooming bright and purple.

Private gardens catch the eyes
Of all the folk admiring
And one and all they give the prize
To Mrs. Billy Irwin.