Victorian Weekend in Oamaru

Oamaru is a town on the east coast of the South Island, in North Otago. Every year they have a Victorian weekend. Noreen was down there a couple of weekends ago so I thought I’d post a few of her photos.

Historically the town was important and grew to be one of the largest in the country by the end of the 19th century when Otago was the power house of the economy. Since then development has been minimal so the grand buildings (often constructed from Oamaru stone) seem out of place in such a small settlement.
There was a penny-farthing race.
Our friend Mr. Hart dressed up as a rozzer (I never realised the derivation of this term is so hard to track down - see here for some answers)

before performing with his mate John Jones (another ex-Morris Dancer) as Fat Boy and Slim.

Mrs. Hart blew her own trumpet (actually a trombone) in the brass band.

The local Queen presided over events and handed out certificates to worthy entrants.

The character in the self powered tricycle is the Wizard of Christchurch preceded by some members of Alf's Imperial Army.

The grand parade of worthy citizens

followed by some ladies of dubious virtue

and more matronly individuals.

Lastly, some more self-powered conveyances.