Memorial to the Blacksmiths, Orari

Trevor Askin's tactile sculpture sits outside the cafe Mes Amis at Orari, and is a tribute to the pioneers of the Orari area, between Geraldine and Timaru.

Orari's strategic location was recognised in early colonial times because it was at the end of day two on the three day horse and carriage trip south from Christchurch to Timaru. It also became important as the railhead of the Geraldine area (that town is just 10km distant). Both of these factors ensured the local blacksmith at Orari was a thriving business - shoeing the horses as well as producing items for the railways, farming and bridge building.

Our stop at Mes Amis was on the way back from Timaru - a welcome driver reviver after a busy day. We swung by the house we're hoping to buy in Peel Forest, followed by a meeting with our lawyer in Timaru and concluded with a business meeting with an engineering firm in Washdyke, which I'm hoping will be my first freelancing client in South Canterbury.

All in all a productive day!