From the files

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 533, 26 April 1994, Page 8

From the files

Looking back on the files of the Bulletin 's predecessor, the Waimarino Weekly, we found the following items from April 1978: □ Raetihi' s "Social Services Committee" was looking at ways to find funds for a recreation and cultural centre, using the Druid's Lodge (which was to be renovated). "With the advent of five State houses and six pensioner units in Raetihi the housing problem that is being handled by the committee has been eased," quoted the same report. Other topics covered in the report where: vandalism at Four Square corner, under age drinking, and littering. □ Under the heading "Taking Off ', the Weekly reported that Raetihi' s Ward's Airstrip was to bemetalled in time for the next winter skier flights "and then a sealed strip for the 1979 season". □ "Sir, Our main street is the front window of our town and creates a first impression on visitors. No one could be proud of what they see," said a letter to the editor, from the Raetihi mayor, Peter Jones. He told how the council had made lots of effort to tidy up the main street, but that vandalism and litter was undermining this work. □ A plan to use Christie Park, Ohakune, as a temporary caravan park for ski season accommodation was reported on 12 April. The following week's issue reported that the plan was "fraught with difficulties", saying it was one of the few large open spaces in the town where children could play freely. □ Filming of Skin Deep was going well, with a boxing scene having successfully been shot in the Rangataua Hall. □ A local branch of the National Party was to be formed, it was decided unanimously at a meeting held in Waiouru. The Hon Jim Bolger told the meeting how, with a lack of opposition, the govemment looked to the 'grass roots' party membership for ideas, said the report. □ Alan Bowater was presented his Gold Star for 25 years' service to the Raetihi Volunteer Fire Brigade. □ Following a meeting in Ohakune about the proposed Turoa Skifields, Raetihi mayor Peter Jones called for Raetihi people to put their "shoulder to the snowball and see what (could) be added to our already growing momentum". "Surely Raetihi can come up with some supporting activities to help the district ahead. Are we really that conservative?" he asked. □ Workers at the Karioi Pulp Mill construction site were reported to be on strike over a "country living allowance". □ Regular contributor, "Thursday ' s Child" called for service clubs or promotions groups to help find and kill wasp nests after a wasp-plagued summer. □ p.s. The Weekly in those days was usually four pages, sometimes eight, and the pages were about 60 per cent of the size of the current Ruapehu Bulletin pages.