Tractors part of Mangawhai history

Do you know anything about this picture of locals blowing up a German mine on Mangawhai surf beach some time in 1940? Tractor Cavalcade organizers would like to know the people in the picture, the tractor and the exact date.

Glen Bowmar handed the picture in to the Mangawhai Historical Society and the  mine, which was detonated on the beach, was one of about 160 mines laid by the German armed merchant ship Orion. Glen is the young chap sitting on a mine fragment. 

If anyone knows anything about the tractor that would also be of interest to those organising the Tractor Cavalcade and Exhibition at Mangawhai Domain on Sunday April 14.

A major theme of the event will be a gathering and procession of Big Dig veterans to commemorate the story of the volunteers who restored Mangawhai Harbour, toiling from 1991 to 1996 to restore a major breach in the sandspit and establish the Bund Wall. 

All tractor owners or operators are eligible to take part in the event which includes boat tractors, vintage, classic, modern and stationary engines. 

Graeme Denize of Norwood Farm machinery, the major sponsor of the event, said he has received a challenge from Waipu's Ride On Motor Mower racers to compete against ride-on motor mowers at Mangawhai.

For more information contact Roy Vaughan royvaughan@orcon.net.nz or 431 5828.