cape egmont lighthouse

The lighthouse was built in London in the mid-1800s. In 1865, the cast-iron segments were shipped to New Zealand and assembled on Mana Island, north of Wellington. However, this spot proved unsatisfactory. Several shipping accidents later, it was thought that the Mana light was being confused with the lighthouse at Wellington Heads.

In 1881, the tower was dismantled and carried in sections to Cape Egmont. The huge, cast iron sections would have been ferried ashore by surfboats, then dragged up to the site by bullock teams.
https://www.southtaranaki.com/Visit/Things-to-see-and-do/Attractions/Cape-Egmont-Lighthouse/

St Barnabas Anglican Church, Warrington

Words at the bottom of each pane of stained glass.

The land was gifted by Mrs Annie Pitt, the beneficial owner of what was then known as Warrenton Farm Park.  

The stone foundations were built by Mr Alex Semple, a stonemason from Waitati.  

The foundation stone (now assumed to be under the building) was laid by Mrs Pitt’s sister, Sophia Louisa Smith, on 15^th April 1872.  The church was built by Mr Benjamin Smith (no relation), a settler from Seacliff who was a highly skilled carpenter, under the direction and with the assistance of Mr William Pitt.  It was completed in just a few months, being fully ready for an opening service on 11^th November of that year.  

The church and graveyard were formally consecrated by Bishop Nevill on St Barnabas Day, 11^th June 1873.

No known plans or drawings exist; and it seems that Messrs Pitt and Smith worked from their own vision of what an English village church would look like when built in New Zealand timber.  It is generally agreed that they realised that vision magnificently.

For more details about the stained glass, click here.

There are still good people in the world

This weekend, Hubby and I both drove to the outskirts of Hamilton, NZ.  We were happily returning a much-needed borrowed car.

Here's what happened....

Many businesses in our area close up for 2 weeks at Christmastime.  Just as this time of year started, our car died and our garage wouldn't be able to even look at it until January 6. *sigh*

We rented a car for a few days until one of Hubby's friends, Jay, said she knew of someone who had a car we could borrow for as long as we needed it. All we had to do is pick it up, about 4 hours drive from our house!

Off they went to pick it up; Jay drove on to Auckland and Hubby drove back home with a lovely Toyota Wish! I had never heard of that make before, but it was very nice to ride and drive. It was so good to know we had transportation, not knowing how long it would take to get ours fixed.

You should keep in mind that Jay's friend did not know us from Adam's house cat and they loaned us this great car solely on Jay's word that we were nice people!!

It was quite a relief that our car repairs weren't as expensive as the garage first told us it might be and that it was not a complicated fix, just a blown seal. (A definite answer to prayer!)

All I know is that the owner's name is Robin, so a big 'thank you' my dear lady! You are a life saver and I know that you will be blessed for your kindness to total strangers.

With all the negativity in the news lately, it's wonderful to know that there are still good people in the world.

St Andrews, Whareama

This church in the Wairarapa region was built in 1903 and has been totally

restored. Click here for the history of the church.

through the haze

Smoke from the fires in Australia has reached Taranaki.
Even with not a cloud in the sky, the mountain was hazy.

The farther away we got, the less we could see the mountain.

The sun was red when we got home about 5 pm. These photos 

don't do justice.

Please keep the fire fighters and residents in your prayers.