On a rather nasty day weather wise, a visit to Gore's Hokanui Museum was most enlightening. With rain drumming on the roof we read how our Scotts forebears came to this country well prepared to make their traditional brew - whisky. However they hadn't anticipated the strength of the Temperence movement which eventually lead to Prohibition in Southland. The Scotts loved a drop, (and at 60% proof it was powerful stuff), so their stills were secreted away in the hills and a healthy trade in whiskey was established via the black market. The Police caught a few but they couldn't stop it, which is not surprising. Some did quite well. If any of the information in this 1577 advertisement promoting the virtues of alcohol is true, whiskey is amazingly good for your health.

This home made still was brought to NZ from Scotland.

The Edendale 'Crankup' this weekend is a traditional affair, celebrating vintage cars, tractors and country life in general. Hundreds of old tractors blew clouds of smoke and beautiful vintage cars had been shone up for the big day.

There were demonstrations of sheep shearing and dog trails too.

We have moved on to Invercargill. What we do next depends on the weather.