There’s a New World in Temuka. I stopped there on my way to Timaru to buy bottled water and contribute $5.38 to the local economy.
The bright sun, shooting down the main street like a cannonball hitting nobody on a quiet Saturday afternoon, created less-than-ideal conditions for photography. I decided to walk the length of downtown anyway. When I saw an interesting building, I stopped, framed a shot, and waited for a pedestrian or motorized vehicle to enter the frame and complete the composition.
After a while, a car would pass. The driver, poking a sharp elbow out the window, would cast a suspicious glance in my direction. “What’s he taking a photo of? Doesn’t look like he’s from here”. When I reached the end of the main drag, it became clear that everyone who wasn’t shopping at New World was hanging out at the Crown Hotel at the other end of town.
While I was staking out the Fish & Chips Takeaways at the corner of King Street and Domain Avenue, a woman came out of the pub, crossed the street with some determination, and asked me what I was up to. As I started to explain, she pointed to a guy in a black leather jacket, black helmet, and serious black boots rumbling towards us on a black Harley Davidson. “Take a photo of him!”, she said, as he dismounted in front of The Crown. “Friend of yours?”, I asked. “Oh yeah!”, she shouted over her shoulder as she ran across the street and followed him into the pub.
7 LETTER FROM SANDRA DAVIES – VARIOUS MATTERS
The Board considered a letter from Sandra Davies, dated 9 November 2011 putting forward ideas on a slogan for Temuka, and Christmas lighting. In regard to the slogan option, the Board expressed concern that it could be seen to be promoting a particular local business. In regard to lighting up the redwood trees on King Street, this would be financially prohibitive and not practical. Having a star and angel decoration in Temuka to reflect the Timaru Christmas decoration theme, was not supported. The Board is of the view that each community has its own Christmas look.
Proposed John Smith, Seconded Paddy O’Reilly
“That Sandra Davies be thanked for her interest and be advised that the Board will not be taking any further action on her proposals, however the options for the Christmas tree for Temuka is being revisited.”
MOTION CARRIED
What’s next?
Temuka is a small town on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. It’s 140 km south of Christchurch and 15 km north of Timaru. I stopped here on my way back to Dunedin (about 215 km south of Temuka) after spending a night in Geraldine (20 km north of Temuka). I also took photos of Geraldine and Timaru on this short trip. I’ll share some of these in the next post. There will be angels.
What do you think?
You are invited to leave a comment below.
It gives the impression of being in another era! Wonderful photo series.