Loco may bring Lions

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 433, 21 April 1992, Page 3

Loco may bring Lions

BY

DENNIS

BEYTAGH

Members of MTRO (Main Trunk Rail Ohakune) now have a definite target date by which they hope to have their railway turntable in position and operating. That date is March 1993. The Ruapehu Lions Club will be hosting their area's annual convention next year

and between 400 and 500 members of Lions International are expected to attend. They will be coming from Palmerston North, Bulls, Marton, Hunterville, Mangaweka, Taihape, Wanganui, Waverly, Hawera, Statford, Inglewood, Waitawa and New Plymouth. MTRO sees this as a great opportunity to combine a steam train

excursion from Palmerston North to Ohakune with the convention, particularly since the idea first came from Zone 4 Lions club members themselves at this year's convention. If Ohakune Junction's turntable can be ready by then it means that a steam train excursion is definitely 'on the cards' for both the outward and homeward journeys as

the locomotive's will be able to be turned around for the return trip. Whether or not this can be achieved within the next year will depend on a number of factors including practical and financial help, said MTRO president Bob Norling. "There's still plenty to do and expenses to be met before we can have the turntable function-

ing but it would be great for the community and the township if it could be in place by then "That's why we've decided to widen our support base by going public and calling for more members by staging a membership drive" said Mr Norling (See MTRO membership application form in this issue)