Howard and Ruby Tripp of Orari Gorge Station, just north of Geraldine, with Wood's motor tricycle, 1903
Cecil Walden Wood of Timaru is believed to have built the first petrol engine in New Zealand, in late 1897.
In 1900 he constructed a three-wheeled motor tricycle with a 2hp engine which drove the right hand rear wheel by belt. The front wheel was steered by tiller.
In November 1901 a regional newspaper stated that C T Jessop and Co of Temuka had made New Zealand's first motor-cycle, and it is known that Wood completed his own motor-cycle in December 1901. This machine had one of Wood's engines, but subsequent machines were powered by Minerva.
Wood was a friend of pioneer aviator Richard Pearse, and supplied him with an engine for his aeroplane.
He also built motor cars. In 1904 finances took a dive and he entered bankruptcy. Subsequently he spent a long and fruitful life in the motor trade and died in 1965 at the age of 91.
Sources: teara.govt.nz, Wikipedia, et al
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