Curiosity shop resurfaces in Raetihi

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 290, 13 June 1989, Page 4

Curiosity shop resurfaces in Raetihi

A Wanganui shop with an unusual name which closed last year has reopened inthe main street, Raetihi.

"Bojo's House of Oak and Fine Array" was opened in Seddon Street Raetihi two weeks ago by John Orr, selling antique furniture with an emphasis on oak, as well as a range of second hand goods, some antique, some curiosities and some practical goods. He said he decided to keep the unusual name because it

encapsulates what he plans to offer, and because he still likes the sound of it. John says he was forced to close his Wanganui shop that he had run for five years with his brother, Bob, because the lease had expired. His brother is not involved in the Raetihi venture, but leaves an

imprint in the shop's name. Bojo was originally a contraction of Bob and John, but it has since become a nickname for John. John was born in Otorohanga but says Wanganui was his "longest settled" town. He spent some time in Australia before setting up shop in Wanganui, a decision he made after being unable to find a job in his trade as chef. The reaction so far from locals has been favourable, says John, with a number of compliments on his interesting stock and good comments at seeing a

shop open again. Bojo's is located in what was Vanity Fair. John says because his overheads are not as high in Wanganui he will be able to keep his prices lower. He said some of his pieces of furniture, especially some of the kauri, would fetch almost double the price in places like Auckland. Stock for the shop will come mostly from auctions, for which he will travel out of town as household goods auctions are infrequent in this area.