Raetihi's first 100 years to be celebrated

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 469, 19 January 1993, Page 1

Raetihi's first 100 years to be celebrated

The town of Raetihi is celebrating 100 years of European settlement this year and to start the year a programme of events has been organised for this weekend, starting on Saturday 23 January. People from all over the country with Raetihi associations are expected to converge on the town for the weekend, which includes a re-enactment of the auction of town sections. The original sale of sections took place on 9 February 1893. A committee of Raetihi residents decided last year that this date should be used as Raetihi's 'birthday'. The programme for Saturday starts with a ride into Raetihi, to the Marae, by Ulysses Motorcycle Club riders. (See separate story). After a Maori challenge and welcome at the Marae, the bikers plan to ride through the streets to Atwood's garage in Seddon Street, where people can view the machines. The Centennial Parade is to assemble at the Showgrounds at 1.30pm and will leave from the George Street gate, go up Ward Street, and tum into Seddon Street. The parade will be led by horse and carriage, carrying Miss Raetihi (Trudy Taura), Jim Bolger and his wife Joan, and Mayor Garrick Workman and his wife Maureen. Making up the parade will be horses in various historic guises as well as pony club riders, vintage cars, fire brigade vehicles, various carriers an possibly the Ulysses motorcycles at the rear. Maori Culture Group is to perform at 2.00pm, followed by an official welcome from the mayor and a speech from Prime Minister Jim Bolger. At 3.15pm the Mock Auction is to take place, with descendants of the original buyers taking part. Participants in the parade and auction will be dressed in the style of the 1890s, and members of the public are invited to also dress up, to add to the scene. If wet, the official part of the programme will take place in the Picture Theatre. At 3.45pm local axemen will demonstrate chopping - a significant activity considering how much of such work went into carving Raetihi out of the dense forest that existed. Aftemoon teas will be available at various places, including St Mary's Church Hall in Seddon Street. The Waimarino Museum will be open and the Council office, for people who want to check registers, etc. The Raetihi Volunteer Fire Brigade is organising a get-together at the Raetihi School Hall, with refreshments. Organisers say the main activity of the lurn to page 2