HORSE AND GIG IN TAURANGA

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14639, 7 April 1948, Page 2

HORSE AND GIG IN TAURANGA

REMINISCENT OF EARLIER DAYS EXTENSIVE TOUR OF NORTH ISLAND The appearance of a horse and gig conveyance in Tauranga this week must have reminded some residents of the days when the constant “clip clop” of horses’ shoes on the streets was a familiar sound.

The gig, actually a converted cart, is owned by Mr S. Potter, of Hawke’s Bay, who has arrived in Tauranga following an extensive tour of .the North Island. He now hopes to settle in Tauranga. Mr Potter left Napier on August 15 of last year, and travelled south through Dannevirke to Palmerston North. He then drove north to Waioui'u, and across the desert road to Taupo. One of the wheels on his gig broke on his way to Cambridge, and he was held up for ten days waiting for repairs. When on the road again, Mr Potter went through Hamilton and on to Auckland, where he made a tour of the various bays. Later he journeyed to Whangarei and then returned to Auckland and camped there for two months, while looking for a new gig. When he had found a fresh vehicle he set off for Tauranga, but his conveyance again broke down, so he had to obtain a converted cart in which, he completed the journey through Paeroa and Waihi.

Mr Potter, who first visited Tauranga about four years ago. once held a commission in the British Army, in which he served for 32 years. He came to New Zealand 17 years ago. His wife is at present living at Auckland.