Milk run couple hand over the reins

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 571, 31 January 1995, Page 5

Milk run couple hand over the reins

After delivering more than a million litres of milk, John and Yvonne Triggell have handed over their milk run business to Penny and Brian Morrissey. John and Yvonne leave the Raetihi and Ohakune milk run after 10 years. They have no set plans at this stage, except John's plans for some R&R, and to stay in the area. As can be expected they have seen many changes in their milk decade, mainly through de-regulation. At the start of their time they handled just two products, full cream milk and cream, in glass bottles. They've seen glass disappear in favour of plastic and cardboard and now the run sees five different varieties of milk and cream in various packages, making a total of 25 different products. They. also deliver a variety of other dairy products such as cheeses and yoghurts. When they bought the run they were very much under the control of the New Zealand Dairy Board. The board insisted they deliver seven days a week and that they deliver no earlier than 4pm. "You did exactly as you were told," said John. But the 4pm rule was a problem for them in that they could not complete the run before about 9.30pm because of the late start. "In their eyes a 4pm start was best for the cities so it was best for everyone." He said the board dictated that there would be no more glass. But now glass bottles have returned so that people have the choice. Asked about the problems of glass, such as breakages, John reminisces about the Governor General's visit at the time of the Ohakune Jubilee. He said the streets were spick and span ready for his arrival, when driver Derek Biesley was directed away from the main street. He had to drive

over a kerb on an angle, which unfortunately set the empty bottle crates rocking. Dozens of bottles went crashing to the road making a huge mess right where the Governor General was soon to pass. "Within 30 seconds there were brooms rushed out from the pub, and shops and from Cedar Service Station (now Downtown Ski) and the whole mess was gone in minutes." Now the run that Brian and Penny take over, on 1 February, is a franchise business tied to Tui Milk Company. John said he will miss the lifestyle and the contact with people. He thanked all the milk boys who have worked for him over the years and made special mention of relievers Brian and Sue Hemara. "We wish Brian and Penny all the luck as new owners and to thank all our loyal customers and hope they continue to support Brian and Penny as they have us." Brian and Penny plan to both work the run, although Penny will continue as a relief ambulance officer. Brian leaves his job with Peter Richards Builders to take on the business. He initially returned to the area (being Raetihi born and Ohakune raised) to take a job with the New Zealand Forest Service, where he rose to the position of forest ranger after 19 years. 'This opportunity came along to own our own business so we're taking it," said Brian. "We'd like to see what we're capable of." "We' ve got no intentions of changing the way the run is operated at this stage — please bear with us as we learn the ropes," Brian asks customers. He said any changes they might make in the future would be for the benefit of customers and would be made with the least disruption.