With the NZ Antique Arms Association beginning in Christchurch collectors had already begun to gather together in informal groups for years. Regular meetings of like minded men and even one very eager thirteen year old teenager – Warren Collingwood -met in living rooms, garages and even sleep outs to share knowledge, buy or trade items and plan events such as shoots.

Every year these collectors ‘manned’ a stall at the Industries Fair at its then site on Moorhouse Ave. The aim of this stall was to promote collecting and gain names of prospective members.

Back then the joining age was 21 years

Members recognised my keen interest in collecting and becoming a member so changed the rules to allow me, at 16 years of age, to join. I was a young man given the job at auctions of holding up the lot number for each item as it sold- Warren Collingwood