Centenary programme

Ruapehu Bulletin, 24 November 1992, Page 10

Centenary programme

Raetihi's centenary committee are to consider a draft programme for the celebration day, planned for Saturday 23 January (Wellington Anniversary weekend) on Wednesday. Several activities have been suggested for the day, based around a mock auction of the original Raetihi town sections. Planned to arrive before the sale are a group of people who will have ridden on horseback from Kaitieke, overland and up through the Ruatiti Valley. The riders would be dressed in clothes of the 1890s and be escorted by local Maori. Committee members are working on finding costumes of the 1890s for anyone who wants to wear them on the day. Raetihi shops are to be asked to stay open until the

mock auction, and many would take part in a window dressing competition. The main activity at the evening function would be meeting, talking and reminiscing so quiet background music could be provided but a loud dance band would not be necessary, the group has decided. Some discussion has taken place on where a photo display should be set up. Some felt it would be better in the town, while others felt it should be at the Raetihi School, where it is planned to hold the evening function. The Raetihi Fire Brigade has volunteered to run the evening function. People with photographs of interest are asked if they .could be borrowed. Organiser of the display is Jessie Seaman, who asks

that people write their name and contact details on the back of photos so they can be returned. Mrs Seaman is working on a method of displaying photos while providing protection from damage. She said photos don't have to be 100 years old - that pictures of 50 and even some of 20 years ago would be of great interest. Planned for the Monday is a sports day, with sports and service clubs being asked to run one event each. Already promised is a woodchopping demonstration, in recognition of the strong link with Raetihi's milling past as well as with woodchopping as a sport. The Bulletin is to continue to publish short histories of the various groups and clubs from the area, and any who have not yet submitted their articles are asked to contact Jo Robinson, 3854 452.