"Raetihi community is split"

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 311, 31 October 1989, Page 4

"Raetihi community is split"

What do the people of Raetihi want? Nothing! Then do nothing and receive nothing. Many people outside the business community may or may not be aware of the fact that a major promotion of Raetihi is needed to ensure the livelihood of the town remains. After living out of Raetihi for several years and returning to find a town that once seemed to thrive on community involvement split in so many ways is so disappointing. It seems the people of the community which includes the rural sector expect the busi-

ness people to organise, promote and pay for every activity that occurs in the town. And for this reason we find a town with little or nothing ever happening. It's time the people realised it's not individual wealth that keeps towns like Raetihi on the map but participation and assistance in organisation of community projects. Things like the closure of the Post Office are facts of life and since every effort has been made to stop this,

there is not a lot we can do but accept that we no longer have a P.O. The continuation of arguments for and against within the community are not going to change the fact. What can be done is up to those people who used the P.O. either as banking system or to collect social welfare payments from. Instead of collecting and spending in Ohakune return to your own town, Raetihi and give your local super market and bookshop your support so we

don't see more vacant shops in the main street. For those who are not aware, Raetihi Area Promotions Association was formed at a public meeting held at the Waimarino Club Hall on 7 October from a gallery of about 30 people. This shows the sort of enthusiasm the locals have. A second meeting was held Thursday last and with the exception of apologies received, from the original 30 something like eight people attended, a poor effort, I feel. Another meeting will be held on the guest lounge of the hotel on Tuesday 31 October at 7.30 and we invite people from all walks of life to attend. It doesn't matter if you are on the dole or a solo parent, a farmer or a shearer, your support in the upgrading and prosperity of the town is vital to this promotion. In particular support from local farmers is needed as the theme chosen for the town is "Ewe and Me in Raetihi."

Bruce

Parr