Parrs sell Raetihi's hotel

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 485, 11 May 1993, Page 3

Parrs sell Raetihi's hotel

BY SHELLYOFRIC

After nine-years of serving the public at the Ruapehu Hotel in Raetihi, Ray and Iris Parr have decided to sell-up and retire in Wanganui. "The first thing we will do is have a long holiday relaxing at the

beach" said Mrs Par. "We chose Wanganui as we feel that it is not too big a city to retire in and it is like a secondhome to us as we have spent a lot of time there over the years," Mrs Parr continued, "we also feel that Wanganui is close enough for family visits".

"We are both sad to go, especially myself as I have spent a lot of time here, my grandfather had the first baker's shop in Raetihi and we've had four generations that have gone through Raetihi Primary School". "We tried very hard but the economic climate has just been against us,"

said Mrs Parr. The hotel was bought in partnership by Trevor Dickson and John Boyd. They are golfing mates and seeing as Mr Boyd has run pubs and Mr Dickson has worked in pubs they decided to go into partnership and Ruapehu Hotel was in their price range.

Both Mr Dickson and Mr Boyd are new to the area. The buildings will remain unchanged and so will the name but there will no longer be a backpacker facility available. "It's a real learning experience, we are just feeling our way," said Mr Dickson.