November/December 2012 Page | 1

QLD WOLSELEY CLUB 2012-2013

Web Site www.wolseleyclubofqld.com

Phone Number (07) 3824 3088

Address 11 Kurrajong Street, Capalaba. 4157

Meeting Dates. The Second Tuesday of each month.

Meeting Place 4 Wheel Drive Club, Muriel Ave, Rocklea.

Meeting Time. 7.30pm. Tea Coffee and Biscuits after.

Magazine. The Flying W. Is Published Bi Monthly. Closing Date is show at the bottom of this page. Address all contributions to the Editor. Kevin Haynes. Club Outings. Usually the second Sunday of each month but do vary from time to time. Club Fees. Joining Fee is $5.00. Membership is $32.50 Per Calendar Year. Regalia. A large range from shirts to key rings. Please ask Tom. Library. Keith Dobson has workshop manuals as well car books well worth reading. Membership Secretary Frank Ragonese has a list of all members names and address. Please inform Frank of any changes. Registrar Neil Boucher maintains computer records on all Wolseley’s. Please advise Neil of any changes, additions and or sales. Spare Parts Bill Martin and Kevin Haynes carry new and second hand parts for Wolseley’s and others. Contact Bill or Kevin. Delegates Bill Martin and Tom Lewis Represent our club at the Combined Council Meetings. Dating Officer Bill Martin is the person to contact re Club Motor Rego. Web Master Jason is running the Club web site and doing a great job Closing Date Mag 20th of December 2012. Late articles will go into the following Magazine.

The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessary shared by the Club Officers. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or modify any article submitted for publication. Front Cover. Wolseley 1500 belonging to Doug McIntosh.

COMMITTEE 2013. Page | 2

PRESIDENT. KEVIN HAYNES 1A Elina Crt Alexandra Hills 4161 0423513002 Email; [email protected] 07 3824 3088 VICE PRESIDENT. BILL MARTIN 07 3200 0640 186 Olson Rd North Maclean 4280 0417619840 Email; [email protected] SECRETARY. IAN DOWNING 07 3206 0231 11 Kurrajong Street, Capalaba 4157 0403601086 Email: [email protected] TREASURER. KEITH DOBSON 40 Pullford St West Chermside 4032. 07 3359 8759 Email; [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY. Vacant MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. FRANK RAGONESE 1/9 Harvard Crt Greenbank. 4124 07 3802 0672 EDITOR. KEVIN HAYNES. 1A Elina Crt Alexandra Hills 4161 07 3824 3088 Email; [email protected] REGISTRAR. NEIL BOUCHER. PO Box 649 Maleny 4552 07 5499 9536 Email; [email protected] LIBRARIAN. KEITH DOBSON 07 3359 8759 40 Pullford St West Chermside 4032 REGALIA OFFICER TOM LEWIS 07 3814 0077 5 Kentucky St Redbank Plains 4301 CATERER. TOM LEWIS 07 3814 0077 5 Kentucky St, Redbank Plains 4301. DATING OFFICER BILL MARTIN 186 Olson Rd North Maclean. 4280 07 3200 0640 DELEGATE BILL MARTIN 186 Olson Rd N/Maclean 4280 07 3200 0640 TOM LEWIS 5 Kentucky St Redbank Plains 4301 07 3814 0077 WEB MASTER Jason Stolzenberg www.wolseleyclubofqld.com

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September was a busy month with two outings; one was British Car Day and the other being the run to Rosewood Rail Museum. Both were excellent runs, Reports are in this magazine.

The Annual General Meeting is over for another year and there is not much to report as all is much the same from last year. Jason is now officially our web master and also the photographer for the National Touring Event being held at Ipswich on the 14th – 19th April 2013. It was suggested that the Christmas Party to be held at the 4 wheel drive Club in Muriel Ave Rocklea to start at 6.30pm instead of the usual meeting time of 7.30pm. The Wolseley Club will provide some prawns, party pies and cake. Last year we had too much food so this year we will control it a bit better.

No general meeting for November, the President and Secretary will be on holidays so it was decided not to have one.

The outing to the Tramway Museum is on the 18th of November. Tom will be there for the Wolseley Club. Please note the time of opening at 12.30 pm to 4.00pm. More information is in this Magazine.

Also in this edition I have placed some information from the RACQ regarding road rules which you all should read. In fact not too many people observe this rule, I see it every time I go out which means not too many motorists know about it.

As Editor as well President I am placing larger photographs in the Flying W, let me know what you think.

Kevin.

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Minutes of Wolseley Car Club General Meeting

Minutes of Wolseley Car Club of Queensland General Meeting held at the 4 Wheel Drive Club Rocklea Muriel Ave Rocklea on the 11/09/2012.

Meeting opened by President Meeting opened at 7.40 pm by President Kevin Haynes who chaired the meeting. Present Ian Downing, Bill Martin, Russell Woodall, Tom Lewis, Keith Dobson, , Kevin Haynes, Jason Stolzenberg: Frank Ragonese Apologies Louis and Rosa Lengyel, Chris Stephens, Heather Haynes Previous Minutes Minutes taken as read Moved: Ian Downing Second: Bill Martin Business Arising Heritage Account Signatories refer Treasurers Report Badges for the Rally - ordered Vice President Bill was complimenting the Club for the attendance at the last run to Boonah. The number of made the run a success. Paper article from the Fassifern Guardian on the Boonah Run was very good and there will be follow up articles up to the Rally. Correspondence - Inwards BMC Leyland renewal Fees QHMC Fees TCIS Renewal Receipt for the Hall Rental Office of Trading renewal Letter from Susan Cox resigning from the Club Wolseley Word –September Wolseley Hornet – September 4 membership renewals John Williams sent a copy of an article from Classic Driver Magazine Moved: Ian Downing Seconded: Frank Ragonese Carried Correspondence - Outwards Nil Treasurer’s Report Report for the month by Keith Dobson: General Account ……………$1304.67 Petty Cash …………………..$ 22.70 Term Deposit ………………..$6,138.06 4 renewals received at meeting from Secretary. Treasurers Report for the last Financial Year issued for acceptance at AGM. Bills for payment – Deposit on the Hall for the Rally for $175 TCIS Insurance Renewal $505 Editor $115 QHMC Renewal $30 Moved Keith Dobson Seconded Jason Stolzenberg Current signatories for the main account are Keith, Ian. Bill and Kevin Page | 5

Bank Term Deposit requires signatories revised. Reg Broom to be removed as no longer a member. Current signatories for the Term Deposit are Heather and Bill and Reg. This to be revised to 2 from 2 with the deletion of Reg Broom. Social August Run to Boonah organised by Bill was very interesting and a successful outing. Next outing is the All British Day at Tennyson on the 23/9/2012 Tom has organised a run to the Rosewood Stem Train on 30/9/2012 as an extra outing. Details in the Magazine. Editor Magazine issued Your Contributions always accepted by Kevin. Kevin advised that the quality is not good again and is looking into printing them himself. Membership Membership Cards are underway and will be issued shortly. Updated Membership list to be issued while renewals are being received. Currently stands at 32 financial and 4 Life Members. QHMC Delegate Nil to report till next meeting of QHMC in September Registrar Nil to report Librarian List of Books available for loan to be compiled and distributed. Regalia Nil to Report Dating Officer Nil Webmaster Website being updated regularly. Rally updates are continuing. Caterer Nil General Business AGM in October this year is at the Sharks Leagues Club at Victoria Point. Committee elections and nominations welcome. Bill requested a thank you letter to the editor of the Fassifern Guardian for the article in the paper. Ian to organise.

Next Meeting AGM at Sharks on the 21 October 2012 Meeting Closed 9.02pm

Wolseley Car Club Queensland Inc Minutes of Wolseley Car Club Annual General Meeting

Minutes of Wolseley Car Club of Queensland Annual General Meeting held at the Sharks Leagues Club Victoria Point on the 21/10/2012.

Meeting opened Meeting opened at 11.15am by Past President Kevin Haynes who chaired the meeting. Present Ian Downing, Kevin Haynes Heather Haynes, Neil Boucher, Frank Ragonese, Tom Lewis, Jason Stolzenberg, Neil Boucher, Karen Downing, Bill Martin Belinda Stolzenberg. Apologies Russell Woodall, Chris Stevens, Keith Dobson, Louis and Rosa Lengyel Karen Guest Previous Minutes Minutes as read. Page | 6

Moved: Ian Downing Second: Frank Ragonese All in favour Business Arising Voting in of new Committee for 2013 was undertaken. The new Committee is as follows: President Kevin Haynes Vice President Bill Martin Secretary Ian Downing Treasurer Keith Dobson Social Secretary Committee shared role Membership Sec Frank Ragonese Editor Kevin Haynes Registrar Neil Boucher Librarian Keith Dobson Regalia Tom Lewis Caterer Tom Lewis Dating Officer Bill Martin Delegate Bill Martin, Tom Lewis Webmaster Jason Stolzenberg Club Photographer Jason Stolzenberg Vice President Bill thanked the members who have attended the meetings monthly and the outings. Club advertising is required. Bill has already advised some magazines. Treasurer’s Report Report for the Year 2012 has been prepared by Keith Dobson Audit has been submitted in ‘the October Meeting by Keith and Accepted. Moved Ian Downing Seconded Kevin Haynes Carried Social Nil to report Editor Thanks to Kevin for producing a quality Magazine for the Club. Encouragement for the members to send in stories and articles of interest would be appreciated. Membership Club currently has 51financial members including Life Members. QHMC Delegate Bill and Tom have been the Club’s representatives at the QHMC Registrar There is no record of cars sold or bought to maintain a history on the vehicles for the past 2 years. Review of the previous Club sales and update cars sold and record new owners details where known is required if we are to keep track of the cars on the road. Kevin will advise Neil of what he knows so that the records can be updated. Librarian The Library has a selection of literature available under the care of Keith. Regalia Regalia Sales for the year have been reasonable. Dating Officer Nil to report Webmaster Website has been registered for the next year. Caterer Thanks to Tom for the monthly contribution at the meetings General Business Rally update and overview of progress to date. Kevin has a range of activities confirmed and the programme is complete. Car of the AGM as voted by the Sharks Staff was Ian’s 6/110. Bill Mitchell Trophy for the most contribution to the Club is Jason Stolzenberg for the Website. Next meeting December 2012. Muriel Ave Rocklea Meeting Closed 11.35am

Wolseley Car Club Queensland Inc Minutes of Wolseley Car Club General Meeting

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Minutes of Wolseley Car Club of Queensland General Meeting held at the Sharks Leagues Club Victoria Point on the 21/10/2012.

Meeting opened by President Meeting opened at 10.30am by President Kevin Haynes who chaired the meeting. Present Ian Downing, Bill Martin, Tom Lewis, Kevin Haynes, Jason Stolzenberg: Belinda Stolzenberg,Frank Ragonese, Heather Haynes, Karen Downing, Neil Boucher Apologies Louis and Rosa Lengyel, Chris Stephens, Russell Woodall Keith Dobson Karen Guest Previous Minutes Minutes read and accepted at meeting Moved: Ian Downing Second: Frank Ragonese Business Arising Heritage Account Signatories – Now finalised with the Bank. Frank to write to member from Caloundra confirming receipt of fees. Vice President Nil to Report Correspondence - Inwards Wolseley Wisdom–September Austin Times – September October Deposit for Rally from NZ Letter from member who has paid and requests to eb acknowledged. 4 membership renewals Moved: Ian Downing Seconded: Frank Raganese Carried Correspondence - Outwards Renewals for the Insurance and the Affiliation Fees Treasurer’s Report Report for the month by Kevin “Haynes on behalf of Keith Dobson: General Account ……………$2,277.25 Petty Cash …………………..$ 22.70 Term Deposit ………………..$5,038.06 Affiliation fees and insurance cheques not presented as of meeting. 4 renewals received at meeting from Secretary. Treasurers Report for the last Financial Year issued for acceptance at AGM. Bills for payment – Cheques requested for the Deposit on the Railway Museum for the Rally for $100 Meals for the AGM at $10 / head = $100 Association Fees $45 Moved Kevin Haynes Seconded Jason Stolzenberg Social Kevin attended the All British Day at Tennyson on the 23/9/2012. For an event that was not well advertised, attendance was good. Tom’s run to the Rosewood Steam Train on 30/9/2012 was also a good day. Cab rides were running on the day. Bill went to the Gatton Truck Show. Instead of Rosewood run. He was well received and the event organisers spoke of the rally and Bill’s racing career. Next Run to the Tramway Museum in November. Editor Magazine underway Page | 8

Your Contributions always accepted by Kevin. Kevin advised that the quality is not good again and is looking into printing them himself. Also we will be canvassing the issue of electronic copies of the magazine issued to members in lieu of hard copy. Membership Cards are being issued. Updated Membership list to be issued while renewals are being received. Kevin and Bill to advise Frank of the financial members who have paid via direct debt. These have not been advised by Keith. QHMC Delegate Bill advised that the Transport Department is issuing registrations for vehicles as Home Made where details are not complete. This is a problem because the car cannot be sold without the Chassis Number which is not on the papers for a Homemade vehicle. Always ensure that the full details are advised to the Department to save problems later. Log Books are still being investigated for use in Queensland. This is not a system the Club endorses. Registrar Nil to report Librarian List of Books available for loan to be compiled and distributed. Regalia Nil to Report Dating Officer Nil to report Webmaster Website being updated regularly. Rally updates are continuing. Caterer Nil General Business Rally update – Amberley now requires that only participants in the rally entering the base must do so by Bus. Kevin is investigating Bus procurement. Cars will not be allowed on the base. Christmas Party in December will commence at 6.30pm at the Club House. Kevin declares all positions vacant. Next Meeting No meeting in November, Christmas Party 11th December at the Clubhouse. Meeting Closed 11.30am

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Outing to the Tramway Museum 18th of November

Opening Times and Fares

The Brisbane Tram Museum is open every Sunday from 12.30 pm to 4 pm. It is recommended that you allow at least one and a half to two hours so you can fully enjoy all that the museum has to offer.

The museum remains closed in wet conditions for operational reasons. If in doubt ring the museum on 07 3351 1776 after 12 noon on Sundays. Charter and Group Bookings

We are pleased to offer charter and group bookings any time. For something different, why not try a night booking. We do ask you to give us sufficient notice for any bookings in order that we may make suitable arrangements to ensure your visit is enjoyable.

Morning or afternoon tea can be provided for groups if requested. Educational packs are available for school parties.

Please phone our Charter Officer for further details on 07 3351 1776.

Prices from 1st July 2010. Adult $13.00 Senior Citizens $10.00 Children $6.00 Family $38.00 Children under school age are free Coach parties are welcome. Discounts are available for parties of 20 or more)

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Christmas Party

December 11th

4 Wheel Drive Club Hall, Muriel Ave, Rocklea.

Bring your partner.

The Wolseley Club will supply some prawns and hot finger food.

Time 6.30 pm start.

Plenty of off street Parking

Tea and Coffee supplied.

Come and meet your Committee and have a bit of fun.

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WOLSELEY CLUB CALENDAR 2012-2013

November 4th Wheels of the Century at Redcliffe

November 13th No Meeting for November

November 18th Club Outing Tramway Museum.

December 11th Club Christmas Party.

January 26th Australia Day Run Ormiston

February 12th Club Meeting. Muriel Ave Rocklea.

February 17th Club Outing

March 12th Club Meeting. Muriel Ave Rocklea

March 17th Club Outing

April 9th Club Meeting. Muriel Ave Rocklea.

April 14th-19th. National Touring Event at Ipswich Qld.

May 14th Club Meeting Muriel Ave Rocklea

May 19th Club Outing

June 11th Club Meeting. Muriel Ave Rocklea

This is the last Magazine for the year 2012. I would like to wish the Committee and all you special Wolseley Members for your support throughout the year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you

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Report on Rosewood Run

Half a dozen cars were lined up at the concrete siding on the Warrego Highway at Riverview when Kevin and I arrived for the Rosewood run. Not a bad turn out considering there were two outings scheduled for September, the first being British Car Day at Tennyson to which quite a few members came in various makes of vehicles. We were informed that there would be no steam train running at the historic site of Kunkala outside Rosewood owing to the poor state of the track which is undergoing repair at this time. There was some discussion as to whether we would go to the Truck Show at Gatton or go on to Rosewood as intended. Bill Martin was the only one who opted for Gatton as he had a reason for going there to meet up with his son Douglas and the grandson. The rest of us enjoyed the drive in the country to Rosewood. Kunkala siding is a few kilometers out of Rosewood in an off the beaten track area and to me appeared to be a hotch-potch of antiquated buildings, carriages well past restoration and other bits and pieces of railway memorabilia. I was informed that the awning covering the platform came from the South Brisbane Station complete with the old clock. But lo and behold! There at the station was a grand old locomotive puffing away gathering up steam and preparing to give rides two at a time in the cabin of the loco to anyone who had a ticket, $4 for adults and free for children. Surprisingly, there were quite a few visitors with their families all wanting a ride “up front”. The loco could only run probably no further than a kilometer up and back owing to safety issues with the track but that in itself created quite a bit of excitement especially with the kids. There was a refreshment room which appeared to be doing good business with tea, coffee, cold drinks, cakes and a sausage sizzle. We had a look in some carriages, one fitted out as a shop and another as a small museum. All this is run by volunteers and I hope that they made a few dollars as just providing the coal for the locomotive would cost enough judging by the amount of smoke billowing forth from the stack.

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Figure 1

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Louie and Rosa decided to go on to Gatton whilst the remaining club members went back to Rosewood for lunch at the hotel and then home. Those attending were Jason and Belinda Stolzenberg with their two children, Eli and Isla. Russell Woodall, Bill Martin, Louie and Rosa Lengyel, Tom Lewis and Kevin and Heather Haynes. Thanks to Tom for suggesting this outing for the club members. We are always open to suggestions for outings so let us know if you know somewhere interesting to go for a day run. Heather.

Report on the AGM

Keith Dobson and Loui & Rosa Lenygel were the only apologies. Received on the day. Present were Bill Martin, Jason & Belinda Stolzenberg, Neil Boucher, Frank Ragonese, Tom Lewis, Ian & Karen Downing and Heather & Kevin Haynes. No changes were made to the Committee except Jasons position as web master was made official and Jason has also been made photographer for the National Touring Event 14th – 19th April 2013. Congratulations. Our Registrar, Neil Boucher, has expressed that information is not being passed on as Members sell their vehicles. If you have sold or purchased a Wolseley, to keep the records in decent order, please advise us by Email, letter or phone of any changes.

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NEW WEBSITE NOW ONLINE

www.wolseleyclubofqld.com www.facebook.com/wolseleyclubofqld rd Report on British Car Day 23 September

8am, I stirred the VP up and headed off to Tennyson for British Car Day. This year it was not advertised at all well and so I did not believe it would be a successful day. On arriving it was not as full as usual but I must say that as the day went on so did the cars come in and even when I left at 11.15 am the cars were still coming in, the grounds became crowded.

Seven Wolseley Members and one Austin Member with his Wolseley 6/110 were in the lineup. Alex McLean with his , Russell Woodall Jaguar, Kevin Haynes VP, David Waterworth 24/80, Ken Batty 1500, Doug Benkendorff 6/110, Bill Martin 6/80 and Doug McIntosh 1500. This year British Car Day was run by the MG car club so that was the change with the advertising.

Overall it was a great day, I met a number of people I knew, even some retired Wolseley Members .

David Relaxing at British Car Day

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Did you realise your 1962 Wolseley 24/80 Mkl had its 50th birthday this year. I trust you celebrated by washing and polishing the outside and vacuuming the inside giving it pride of place in your garage.

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Please read the above information in the illustrations, it is now law that you obey these rules and no doubt in the future the police will enforce them.

Every day I am out and about people are using the left lane as a fast lane and not giving away when merging to the full line of traffic.

Don’t get caught, it will cost you.

Information from the RACQ.

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Hand Books for sale. Contact Kevin on 38243088. Email; [email protected]

Leyland Princess 2 $10.00 Wolseley six. In Folder $20.00 AKD7872 Wolseley 6/110 Mkll $15.00 AKD3914G Wolseley 6/110 $15.00 AKD3023 Wolseley 6/99 $15.00 AKD1240A AKD1240B Austin A/110 Westminster with insert for Mkll As New $15.00 AKD3022A 3 Litre As New $20.00 AKD4996A Wolseley Hornet $10.00 KD32A09 Wolseley 15/60 As New $10.00 TP521 Wolseley 16/60 As New $10.00 AKD3906E Wolseley 24/80 $ 8.00 TP657A Wolseley 24/80 Mkll $ 8.00 TP657C Morris Deluxe $ 5.00 TP732 Morris 1100 & 1100S $10.00 TP706J Wolseley Ten As New $15.00 Austin Freeway Mkll $10.00 TP655c Morris Six Series “MS” $10.00 Morris Fourteen Six Series lll $15.00 Morris Twenty-Five Series lll $15.00 /A50 Nov 1955 $10.00 1100/F Hillman Minx Mk 1V $10.00 Mazda 626 $10.00 Page | 25

Subject: If Noah Lived in Australia to-day

And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole Earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on the Earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark." In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the Ark. "Remember" said the Lord, "You must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year." Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the Earth and all the seas of the Earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah!" he shouted. "Where is your Ark?" "Lord, you must > > forgive me!" cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big problems.

First, I had to get a permit for construction and your plans did not comply with the codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and re-draw the plans. Then I got into a fight with the Occupational Health & Safety Commission over whether or not the Ark needed a fire sprinkler system and flotation devices." "Then my neighbour objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to lodge a Rezoning Application with the City Council & it is now with the Land & Environment Court." "I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Kookaburra." "I finally convinced the Dept of Conservation & Land Management that I needed the wood to save the kookaburras. However, National Parks & Wildlife won't let me catch any kookaburras; so, no kookaburras." The carpenters soon formed a union and went out on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the Dept of Industrial Relations before anyone would pick up a saw or a hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no kookaburras." "When I started rounding up the other animals, I got sued by the RSPCA. Page | 26

They objected to me only taking two of each kind aboard. Just when I got the suit dismissed, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on Your proposed flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the universe. Thought it was a bit much." "Then the Dept of Land and Water Conservation demanded a map of the proposed new flood plain. I sent them a complete set of UBDs & a Gregory's."

"Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking godless, unbelieving people aboard!" "The Australian Tax Office has seized my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I also have to wait for the registration of my ABN for the GST." "I just got a notice from the Waterways Authority that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a 'recreational water craft'." I also need a Boat Drivers License but they are debating about how to classify the craft. I am getting continual visits from Greenpeace, the RSPCA, Work Cover, the Sheriff's Office & numerous other government departments." "Finally, the Australian Council for Civil Liberties got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the Earth, it is a religious event and therefore unconstitutional." "God, I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another 5 or 6 years!" Noah wailed. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully. "You mean you are no longer going to destroy the Earth, Lord?" "No," said the Lord sadly. "I don't have to. The bureaucracy has beaten me to it. I think I'll just send a drought instead!" John & Nola

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THE PERFECT HUSBAND

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cellular phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

MAN: "Hello"

WOMAN: "Hi Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?”

MAN: "Yes."

WOMAN: "I'm at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $2,000; is it OK if I buy it?"

MAN: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."

WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked."

MAN: "How much?"

WOMAN: "$90,000."

MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."

WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing... I was just talking to Janie and found out that the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $980,000 for it."

MAN: "Well, then go ahead and make an offer of $900,000. They'll probably take it. If not, we can go the extra eighty-thousand if it's what you really want."

WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!"

MAN: "Bye! I love you, too."

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths wide open.

He turns and asks, "Anyone know whose phone this is?" Page | 28

Fifty Years of the Freeway!

One cold morning in May 1962 I was travelling from Melbourne to Hamilton by train via Ballarat. During the wait to change trains at Ballarat, I bought the June issue of Wheels with two shillings and sixpence of precious pocket money. On the cover was a familiar shape of car with a new name; Austin Freeway. As they said inside; "Look twice before deciding what this month's cover car really is. Even though it may look as though it is an Austin A/60. this Farina styled car is BMC's six cylinder challenge to the - Falcon market. The Freeway has been designed and tailored to what the average motorist apparently wants - good accommodation, reasonable performance, maintenance and economy."

Released to the public on May 21st 1962 with a great fanfare "Make Way for the Austin Freeway", it was developed in Australia to take on the established six cylinder market, dominated by the Holden and latterly by the Falcon two years before. Using the body shell of the Farina-styled Austin A60 Cambridge and Series V twins, a six-cylinder engine was developed from the 1622 cc B-Series - an extra two cylinders made the swept volume to 2433 cc.

The prototype was made at Longbridge in 1960 and shipped to the Zetland plant in Sydney. This car is still in existence; owned by Roger Foy and often seen at Austins Over Australia events. Many modifications were made for the car to cope with Australian conditions, the obvious being the strengthened front suspension to cope with a heavier engine. Styling touches were a wider grille which made the car look a little more aggressive, and the tail fins were taken from the MG Magnette Mark III and /68. The bonnet and dashboard were pure Morris Oxford and the trim was almost bullet-proof vinyl.

Made only in this country (assembled in small numbers in NZ) the Freeway was promoted as "Built by and for Australians".

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Alongside the Austin was a Wolseley version, the 24/80. This used the 15/60 shell and looked identical to the four cylinder. It could be fairly said that this was Australia's first six- cylinder luxury compact, as it beat the Holden Premier and Falcon Futura by about six months.

Pricing was very competitive with its opposition; the Freeway manual was £1130 - Holden Special was £1110 and Falcon Deluxe £1148. Station Wagons and Automatic gearboxes were correspondingly higher for all of them; the Wolseley was £1225 - outstanding value at the time. By this time the Austin and Morris dealership chain was merged to form BMC dealers, so there was no Morris version available. BMC heavily promoted the Freeway, but were more than surprised at the sales of the Wolseley. Apparently people walked into their dealerships to buy a Freeway, but invariably drove out in a 24/80......

Across the Tasman, Freeways were exported and also assembled. Because they still had separate Austin and Morris dealerships, a Morris version was also marketed there. As far as I know, it wasn't sold in any other country. GMH used to promote their export markets and how many were sold overseas. BMC retorted with an ad saying the Freeway was only built for Australians......

Press write-ups were usually positive, but sales were sluggish to say the least. The much more modern (looking) EJ Holden and revised XL Falcon announced six months later stole the limelight as many saw the Freeway as an older design and therefore appealed to an older clientele. Certainly the Freeway's selling features were the heater/demister system, seat-belt anchorage points, windscreen washers, quick-lift windows, temp and oil pressure gauges, wrap round bumpers and locking fuel cap, none of which the opposition offered as standard equipment at the time. The Roto-Dip rust proofing system really did work - both my Freeway and Major Elite have very little rust after 50 years and my 1800 has none after 42 years.

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Two Freeways were entered in the 1962 Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island. While reasonably quick, they were knocked out literally by stones flying into the radiators caused by the track breaking up. Charlie Smith was reported as being as fast as anyone through Repco Corner. At Bathurst in late 1962 he drove his Freeway into second place in its class (after a Mini Cooper) but ahead of EJ Holdens, a Pursuit Falcon and a Peugeot 403. Modern Motor magazine carried out a Round Australia stunt, which had Evan Green and Jules Feldman punting a Freeway around the country in a record breaking 9 days and 6 hours. Even though it was held up in bulldust for over 21 hours in the Northern Territory, it proved it was tough enough to withstand anything Outback Australia could throw at it.

In mid 1963, the Freeway was given a new colour scheme - instead of the 'sandwich' of one colour between another, only the roof contrasted with the rest of the car. The Wolseley was always single-toned. By October 1964, Freeway sales were very low, and when the Mark II appeared, the 24/80 received lower fins and revised interior trim. Both cars sported longer rear springs and stronger valve springs and that was about it.

At this time BMC was on a high, building as many and 1100s as they could, with the 1800 due to be announced in late 1965. The six cylinder range was quietly withdrawn from the market - the Freeway by late 1964, the Wolseley soldiering on till early 1966. By some reckoning, there were about 27,000 made of both marques and they enjoy a small but enthusiastic band of owners and restorers.

I have owned mine for nearly 30 years and it has been a (reasonably) reliable vehicle - so much so, that after an engine rebuild by Claven Eaton two of us had a totally trouble-free trip to the 2009 AOA in Perth. It amazed us by the ease of driving, comfort and economy of this generally most underrated Australian car.

Nairn Hindhaugh ©

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