Obviously looking east. No date, but it must have been early 20th century.

We have our Gingernut our cat, who does a great job (see earlier), but if you don’t have a cat:

It’s Conservation Week from the 14th – 22nd of October. You can get involved by protecting the native species in your neighborhood with a backyard trap.

via How to trap in your backyard — Conservation blog

We arrived about 8:20 am this morning and filled a carton, stopping only when it had become uncomfortably heavy.  The bundle included one we had long searched for, The last of Unscarred Thorndon, worthwhile references such as The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Birds and a copy of How to Lose Friends and Infuriate People — was it a donation from Guru? 🙂

Tomorrow it runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

An article on the stuff website:

Heritage New Zealand says the bridge’s demise is a “considerable loss of heritage”, but it appears unclear who actually owns it.

Acting [KCDC] infrastructure services group manager Glen O’Connor said wooden beams and debris from the bridge, in Reikorangi, east of Waikanae, were resting in the Ngatiawa River below.

“While we appreciate the bridge holds significant historical value for the district, particularly for Reikorangi residents, we are advising people to stay well clear as debris may come loose and cause harm.”

O’Connor said the bridge collapse was brought to the council’s attention this week, “but we understand from talking to local residents that it may have collapsed last Thursday evening”.

The bridge, which sits besides Mangaone South Rd, was replaced on that road by a new concrete bridge in about 1980, according to Heritage New Zealand. That bridge is about 100m up-river.

In the early 1990s a local trust was set up to advocate for maintenance on the bridge and possibly acquire it. However, on Thursday, O’Connor said the Ngatiawa Bridge Trust was “no longer active”.

Full article with more pics 

Note glyphosate’s in more than just Roundup, NZ’s favourite spray for just about everything, edges, roadsides, footpaths, schools, even their veggie gardens before replant! Nary a thought to WHO’s decision it’s ‘probably carcinogenic’. Check the fine print at your garden store and preferably don’t use it. See our Glyphosate pages at the main menu. EnvirowatchRangitikei […]

via Five countries have banned glyphosate in the wake of recent lawsuits — Rangitikei Enviromental Health Watch

Tudor? Hmm. It looks nice, though, and if it appeals, it’s for sale. Details

Among other things. 🙂

We’ve witnessed the effects of what we believe was Pindone on hedgehogs (and Pukeko and Tui) in the large property business next to us — it was very distressing.  This business now tells people not to take dogs into its estate — without stating why.

Here is a register by Carol Sawyer of vineyards in Central Otago who don’t use it or similar poisons.  Needless to say, their product should get your custom.

An article on the Rangitikei Environmental Health Watch blog is here

The saying “I’m at my wit’s end” means to be to be so worried, confused, or annoyed that you do not know what to do next.  (The word wit is old English for knowledge as in ‘witness’ but has since acquired the meaning of humour, probably from German Witz.)

This is the name of an unusual gallery at 26 Park Avenue, noticeable on foot or on a bicycle, probably not so noticeable in a car.  Sue Lusk, who took the pic, says:

“If the sign is out when you are passing, stop and say hello to gallery director Naida McBeath and admire the truly fine art by Isobel McBeath — also handmade glass, ceramic sculptures and other art works. Open at weekends for the summer and by appointment if you ring 905 5452”