On a recent trip to New Zealand this year, I had the opportunity to do a little insulator collecting. I was mighty surprised to find that those little jewels are not collected "down-under".

In the central plains of the South Island, I found many rural lines recently torn down, with each farmyard having some poles, cross-arms, and insulators just lying in a heap. No, the farmers didn't mind my interest, and invited me to help myself in each case. They just wondered why anyone would desire those (are you ready for this) glass cups. Yep, that's what they call insulators in New Zealand, glass cups; and instead of "high voltage lines", they call them "pylons". Also the telephone and power are operated by the post office (heaven forbid).

Nearly all of the glass cups are made of porcelain. However, a check with the post office revealed that they do install some glass on the west coast where there is a problem with spider webs on the porcelain ones.

Although I'm a glass insulator collector rather than porcelain, I got quite a kick out of the styles. Some look like salt and pepper shakers, speckled and all. There's plenty to be had, they're easily collected, and they're a good diversion; but oh boy it's a long way there! Also there is NO inexpensive way to ship the jewels back to "hobby land".

I did take pictures to share with your readers, showing the many styles of glass cups from "down-under". I also noted that many of the cups were made in England, with a few being made in New Zealand. All of the pin holes are much smaller than those in the U. S.

I must confess that I brought back a few in my suitcase and showed much distress over the ones left behind.

I hope in some small way this information will benefit our hobby. If you want a great time, try collecting a different kind of "crown jewel" in that beautiful country, New Zealand.