New faces at Raetihi store

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 458, 20 October 1992, Page 15

New faces at Raetihi store

Kaycee's Stores in Raetihi changed hands last week when Grant and Jackie Ryland purchased the business from Keith and Rowena Kui. The Ryland's, originally from Wanganui, have just returned from working and travelling in Australia. They looked at going into business over there but didn't find anything they liked. "Kaycees seemed to have the better scope," Jackie said. Jackie owns the business while she and Grant both work behind the counter. The pair have two teenage daughters, one is working and the other is in her final year at Wanganui Girls College. The store itself has had a colourful history, originally under the Mudgeway family, the business consisted of a billiard room, tearooms

and dairy. Subsequently the business was leased to Wally Watson, onetime barber in Ohakune, until Chung Moon purchased it in November 1961. One of the attractions of the business was that it held a seven-day licence to sell any groceries, one of only around half-a-dozen shops in New Zealand to hold one at the time. Having been a market gardener, Chung Moon turned his hand to retailing and is well remembered by the locals and probably the many tourists who, once having visited the shop, would never forget the experience of being offered no change for a purchase! Chung Moon lived on the premises which took his name until his death in May 1981. His children Gordon, Anna and Tommy ran the store ably until Keith Kui

Junior and his brother Charlie bought the business on 13 May 1983, hence the name change. Charlie did not enjoy running the store and

gave his share to Keith and his wife Rowena, who have been operating successfully for the last nine years. As their family has grown up and Keith wishes to spend

time with them, the seven days a week commitment has meant many sacrifices which they now no longer want to make. Chung Moon was an old character of Raetihi life and Keith sometimes wonders if Chung isn't looking over his shoulder from time to time. Not long after the Kui's (who are step-grandchil-dren of Chung Moon) took over the store, the keys to the safe disap- • peared without trace and the safe remains securely locked to this day. One wonders as to the contents! Keith and Rowena wish the Rylands well and are sure the friendly atmosphere of the store will remain.