Stand up and be counted

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 279, 21 March 1989, Page 4

Stand up and be counted

This is an open letter to all residents and in particular ratepayers of Raetihi and surrounding districts.

Do you realise that in the Bulletin's article of January 31 headed "Few Changes to Ruapehu Scheme" that the Service Centre that is mentioned is The Waimarino District Council Office, commonly known to most folk around here as the Raetihi Borough Office, and it is in real danger of being closed down. According to the article there is no provision made in the proposed new scheme for a service centre to be in Raetihi or Waiouru, only in Ohakune. I note in the article that our Mayor has expressed concern about this as well. In the following week's Bulletin there was a small article on

the front page stating that there was a reserved reaction from ratepayers as to whether we should have a service centre. If we end up with no office in this town, closed down like so many other businesses and projects, and with the possibility of others closing down as well, everyone might just as well pack up and leave. Of course this is not possible so PLEASE everyone start complaining loud and clear and let our Council know that we do not want this office closed down. Just imagine how it will affect those that do not have cars, and in particular pensioners and young families, who, if this

office closes will either have to cadge a ride to Ohakune, or walk, we could not even take a taxi as we do not havei any. I am one of the lucky ones as I have a car but there are many who do not especially the pensioners. I do not believe that having to telephone an office is always a satisfactory way of transacting business. The people of Raetihi and district have paid for this office many times over in the past with our rates and fees and I am calling on everyone to stand up now and make a stand and protest about the possibility (and a very real one at that) of it closing. Do

not wait until a decision is made to close it and then protest. Public relations by a local! authority as an absolute must. To the person who was considering starting a petition against the closure please contact me and I will be very happy to assist in any way I can. Let's all get off our backsides and protest

NOW!

Faith Wise

Raetihi

Here we go again Here we go again. First shift to Ohakune Borough Chambers (which are not freehold). Second, shift our Raetihi branch of Bank of N.Z. to Ohakune.

Now we are facing the Raetihi Post Office closure. No doubt all the Raetihi's residents will be very upset about it. It certainly is a final nail in the coffin as far as the progress of Raetihi is concern in spite of our population increase. Then to pick up the Bulletin this morning and see the words contributed by our Mayor, quote "I an bitter about the government's policies and I hope all those who voted for the government are happy." I certainly expected something far more constructive from the position he holds than the cheap political jargon. Yes, I am one of those voters he refers to, but it does not mean I agree with the sale of state enterprise to the private sector, because

closure of our Post Office is a direct result of such schemes as he should know. It's also worth remembering that a National Government started the closures of Post Offices.

J.

Seaman.

RATES REDUCTION? When we read of an offer of $70,000 plus benefits salary for an Area Executive Officer how can we count on a rates reduction? Ratepayers are looking forward to a considerable rate reduction to reflect amalgamation savings this year but what hope is there for next year with such outlandish salaries being offered? What other staff salaries, such as Engineers, Health Inspectors, are to be paid? Unless there is very strong direction for the top administration efficiencies. With the economic downturn and low inflation ratepayers must continue to see rate

savings.

I Rate

Payer

Power up It appears the consumer is getting screwed again.

In these days of low inflation, less than five percent and lowering, as stated by Government M.P.'s, the King Country Electric Power Board is increasing its charges by a massive 26.6 percent. We should be thankful for small mercies I suppose. The supply charge is only going up by 9.99 percent.

B.

McAnnalley

Dictionary of New Zealand Biography I am seeking assistance in obtaining information on New Zealand aviation personalities for inclusion in the Internal Affairs sponsored Dictionary of New Zealand Biography to be published in 1990. This biography dictionary will consist of essays on significant people from our past including, as well as notables and leaders, the more eccentric and obscure. Although our particular working party (Police and Armed Forces) is dealing with military aviators, we also wish to ensure that all aviators that have contributed to New Turn page 17

Aviation dictionary

From page 4 Zealands development are included. If we decide that an individual's contribution is more suited to other fields of endeavour, or has a peculiar local flavour then we will pass the information on to the appropriate working group. If any of your readers can assist with providing information on

aviation personalities, it is requested they write to myself at air Staff Defence Headquarters Private Bag Wellington, giving brief details of the individual (s) they consider should be included in the biography.

PA.

Harrison

Squadron Leader Armed Forces & Police Working Party DNZB