New Zealand Odyssey: Banks Peninsula Cruising Club, Lyttleton

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

While it's true that we mostly found older architecture to express 'our New Zealand' there were occasions when we were impressed by the new. In a country of generally bad architecture the odd gem stands out and this was one of them.

I'm not sure which Canterbury architect designed it but it was an inspiration. I believe the cruising club later amalgamated with another and so lost its identity. As for the building: I don't know whether or not it still exists.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz

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New Zealand Odyssey: Signal Box, Heathcote Valley

'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

Railway buildings have a charm unique - especially those belonging to New Zealand Rail. Busy, self-important, functional and sturdy. I guess that like most small boys who never get the chance, I should like to have pulled some of those levers and set off some warning bells and lights in my time. Too late now. 

This signal box was, is? at Heathcote in a valley that leads through rock portals to a tunnel to Lyttelton. The valley took a pounding in the Canterbury earthquakes but I'm sure the signal box is still there.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz

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