Fond farewell from locals as flag flys for last time

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 287, 23 May 1989, Page 17

Fond farewell from locals as flag flys for last time

'Raetihi Post Office - born April 24, 1894; died May 19, 1989.'

This obituary that appeared in the Wanganui Chronicle, mourned the passing of the Raetihi Post Office which opened its doors for the last time on Friday. Staff however, rather than mourning the loss, celebrated the office's 95 year history in style, with a commemorative cake and champagne. The cake, depicting the past and present Post Office logos, was given to the hoards of Waimarino people who patronised the office on Friday. A display of old newspaper clippings, photos and other memorabilia collected by staff adorned the wall of the Post Office, with many of the town's older residents pausing to browse and reminisce about the "good old days." "Reeling" One resident of over 40 years, Norman Grossart, is still reeling from the Post Office's closure. Mr Grossart maintains the Government has "gone back on their word". He referred to a newspaper article published when the company was corporatised, which stated that all existing Post Office staff at Raetihi would continue to be employed with NZ Post Limited. Mr Grossart's son David, the postman for Raetihi, will continue with the company.

Also staying on is former manager Michelle Fredericksen, who was recently appointed to staff the New Zealand Post agency office, now housed in the former Raetihi Borough Council chambers. Mrs Fredericksen was manager of the Raetihi Post Office for three years. Her position involved periodic terms at Ohakune Post Office, where she has spent the past five months. Now employed by the Waimarino District Council, her hours will not exceed 30 per week. The other members of the staff Lulu Brider, Adrienne Lilburn and Maxine Ormond, will be seeking other employment. Lu Brider served on the staff for 15 years; Adrienne Lilburn three years, and Maxine Ormond a total of five years relief service. Hatrick's Store The Raetihi Post Office started life attached to Hatrick's General Store in the main street. Both Post Office and store were destroyed by fire in 1903. The township then received its first independant postal centre. This office was replaced by the building which was in use until last week. The fate of the existing office is yet to be decided. Raetihi was revolutionised by the tele-

phone in 1900 - a connection made from Wanganui - and 10 years later there were 13 subscribers. A great number of Post Masters passed through the building since the turn of the century. Since 1900 there has been: Miss Alice Merson (1900), Miss Lizzie Verdon (1902), Miss Mary McCarthy (1902), Mrs A.M. McGudgeon (1906), W.J. Gibbs (1907), A. McKenzie (1919), A. Chillenden (1920), W.E. Gundy (1925), T.J. Quayle (1931), C.W. White (1935), F.W Pearce (1939), N.E. Lamont (1946), G.E. Butler (1948), J.I. Clarke (1952), A.E. Lockett (1955), C.R. Porter (1957), M.R. Terry (1959), J.H. Morrish (1964), F.P. Doyle (1968), P. Stuart (1969), K. Ramlose (1970's), D. Trotter, R. Petersen.