The incarnations of city’s Middle School
Middle School, originally called Invercargill Grammar School, opened on January 22, 1873, with 180 pupils.
It later became Invercargill District High School, then Invercargill Central School when all the secondary pupils had moved to the High School in 1881.
It has been Invercargill Middle School since 1885.
A frequently asked question is about the meaning of the Star of David on two sides of the original brick building where the school hall is now.
The star features on the flag of Israel and was adopted by the Zionist movement in 1897, after the school was built.
It is probably just an architectural decoration but any information on its significance is welcomed.
Cardigan Bay
Southland’s most famous horse was gelding Cardigan Bay, the ninth racehorse in the world to earn a million dollars, and the first pacer (as opposed to thoroughbred) to do so. Cardigan Bay was foaled on September 1 1956. He won races in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States, the final winnings being $US1,000,837 from 80 wins and 47 placings in 154 races.
His most successful year was 1963 when he won the Interdominion Pacing Championship, the Auckland Cup (with a handicap of 78 yards) and the New Zealand Cup (with a handicap of 54 yards), and all four major pacing races at the New Zealand Cup meeting.
He also set the Australasian mile record of one minute 56.2 seconds at Hutt Park.
Cardigan Bay was the first racehorse to feature on a New Zealand stamp (1970) with at least 12 racehorse stamps since then. Retired 1970, died 1988.
He was named after Cardigan Bay, the largest bay in Wales.
Homer Tunnel pedestrians
Before the Homer Tunnel was opened to traffic, tourists could drive to the portal, walk through and pick up a bus down the Cleddau Valley for the remainder of the trip down to Milford Sound.
Here is a description from Venturing to New Zealand by English visitor Rae Dorian in 1953. ‘‘It was passable only at lunchtime when the work ceased, and the workmen would come back at two o’clock. I felt rather like a mouse entering a mousehole in a very big wall, and when I had stumbled over the rocks on that wet surface I wished I had four feet as well. I had never realised I could travel so lightly – with just one old blue leather suitcase under my arm and a torch in the other hand.
‘‘In the wavering light of the torch I caught a glimpse of a channel of water rushing along for all it was worth and making as much noise as if it thought itself as important as the Sutherland Falls.
‘‘At last, lights approaching. It was the truck then cheerful voices of workmen ready to start on their job of blasting when the last visitor was through. I hurried to the blessed daylight and drew a breath of clear air. I was through the tunnel. Perhaps next time I go there will be electric light and a motor road.’’
Indeed there was. The tunnel opened to traffic the following year.