Plunket's amalgamation celebrated

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, 20 September 1994, Page 3

Plunket's amalgamation celebrated

The formation of one Waimarino Plunket branch was celebrated recently with a dinner of thanks to many of the people who have helped Ohakune and Raetihi Plunket over theyears. Waimarino Plunket president Cathy Horne welcomed those who attended and introduced the current committee and health professionals who are associated with Plunket. She said most people were involved with Plunket for the same reasons — to be part of a community based team, to join a group when new to the area, to help the Plunket Nurse to do her job, to further an interest in primary health care and the follow-on to families, to provide funds for costs such as mileage, levies and to maintain the clinic, and to provide a clinic for the Plunket Nurse. Plunket has had the use of room in the Ladies Rest Rooms building in Raetihi for many years, but in Ohakune until the 1960s there was a problem with the clinic & nurse' s residence in Miro Street which was very old and always needed expensive maintenance. At that stage they decided to build new rooms with offices which they could rent out, and thus generate further income. The Gould family donated land and the building was completed in March 1972, costing $10,915. Plunket currently has fi ve tenants using the offices. Plunket in the 60's and 70's by Keitha Journeaux My first involvement with Plunket was not auspicious. When I came to teach

in Raetihi in 1950, I was asked to help after school at the 'Plunket Bulb Show'. I was only too happy to oblige. I assisted Mrs Ciocetto in the tearooms. I asked her if I could pop out to buy something from the cake stall for the school staff s morning tea. I chose the best of what was left, which wasn't much. Mrs Ciocetto asked what I'd bought and I airily replied "Oh the best of a bad lot", and showed her the cake. "I made it" she said. 'Bulb Show Day' was a major effort - with the flowers, stalls and children' s choir contest. For the Plunket committee it was an early start and a late night. Banana boxes were picked up from 'Moonies' and unloaded at the hall. It was the drill hall in the 1950's but later the venue was changed to the Raetihi school hall. The boxes supported the planks for the flowers. The committee had very solid folding tables made, perfect for the show but heavy for the ladies to move. The Plunket Nurse visited us weekly for the first three months. Each nurse was friendly and helpful, and I marvelled at their strength as they held the scales aloft with my bonrty baby swung in the napkin. Later, table scales were used, surely a relief for the nurses. After the first three months we went to the Plunket rooms for regular weighing and checks. The Plunket committee was a strong, active body, a part of the community. When Bev Wilson was President, we raised money to put lino on the rest room floors, and bought two easy chairs for the waitingroom.

It all looked very attractive for a week or so until the chairs were stolen! Twice during my term as president we held the 'Mrs Raetihi' and then the 'Mrs Waimarino' contests. Again, a lot of work but very successful ventures, socially and financially. Over a few years there were three 'Mrs Waimarino' contests with the winners being Dawn Wallace, Barbara McGregor and Ellen Gould. The committee used to keep the rooms attractive, painting them, renewing the furnishings and toys. Different committee members had different strengths. I was never much of a painter but was an organiser, others gave sterling service behind the scenes in the kitchen. All were invaluable for the support of Plunket. Raising money was a continuing problem but one which was always tackled and successfully dealt with. I was lucky enough to have a very efflcient secretary, Marie Taskey. She had a never-fail recipe for toffee apples, and I remember several of us making them in the school hall kitchen. We became very proficient at turning out delectable toffee apples for the bulb show . We were so industrious we used to make nylon net bath cleaners while we held our meetings! B eing in Plunket was fun. We worked as a team and always saw the funny side of what seemed absolute disasters! As mothers we appreciated the nurse' s care and willing help so the children of the Waimarino had the very best start in life. Letter from Margaret Horne, past Plunket

volyunteer: Greetings to all gathered here this evening, I am sorry that I am unable to be here. Working on the Plunket Committee in the 1960's before the advent of the 'New Plunket Clinic', was certainly interesting and constant.

Endeavouring to keep small children out of trouble while setting up stalls etc for the 'Annual Dahlia Show', was no easy task. Most of the committee at that time had their hands more than full with babies and toddlers, but still we managed street cake stalls,

garden parties complete with Father Christmas and an odd assortment of fairies. Talking of the garden parties - one year Judith Gould was quite certain that Father Christmas had her father' s shoes on. - Perhaps he did!

1960's committee, along with the Advisory committee, in selling the old building and helping to fund raise to build the amenity we have here today is something the whole community can be proud of. I wish thepresent committee all the best in

The foresight of the their future endeavours.