Quarter-century firemen gather on the mountain

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 577, 14 March 1995, Page 1

Quarter-century firemen gather on the mountain

Gold Star firemen, that' s those having served more than 25 years, from all over the southern North Island gathered at Ohakune on the weekend, for their annual conference. The group, the Wellington Provincial Fire Brigade Gold Star Association, began arriving for the conference on Friday afternoon. More than 150 firemen and their partners took part in the three-day conference. Both volunteer and professional, active and retired fire fighters took part in the 32nd annual conference. Friday night was an informal gettogether at the Ohakune Fire Station. Saturday's events started with a bus ride to Turoa ski fields, a ride on the Park Lane chairlift in "brilliant weather with magnificent views of Ruapehu and Mt Egmont". "Everyone was rapt," said Ohakune fireman Bruce Thompson. He said many, although they may have passed through Ohakune, had neverbeennear the mountain before let alone on a chairlift.

Lunch in the Yeti Cafe followed, then Department of Conservation scientist Harry Keys spoke to the group about climate change and how it will affect conservation. Questions following his talk went for some time, indicating a keen interest in the topic and an enjoyment of his address. A group photograph followed, unfortunately in the mist as cloud had by then enveloped the mountain. The association members then got down to their conference business while partners boarded the buses for a trip down the mountain road with information along the way provided by conservation officers including Ohakune brigade member Karen Hawke. The tour then went to Norma and Jim Cranston's Makaranui garden, where the guests said they were most impressed with the hospitality of the couple and with their gardens. Mr Thompson said the Ohakune brigade, with help from Raetihi, worked hard for several months to make the conference a success. He

thanked Turoa for making the chairlift ride, and use of the bar, possible. Ohakune Gold Star holders present were Bruce Thompson, Johny Nation, Allan Murdie and Max Martin. Other Ohakune Gold Star holders, now retired, include Jim Shelley, Les Herdman and Glen Ennis. Raetihi 's Gold Star holders present were Alex Weir, Jim Weir, Allan Bowater and George Chan. Tom McCann and Dave Griffm are alsp Raetihi Gold Star holders. A story from the weekend involved a double rescue — fireman Graeme Murdie couldn't make it to help out on the day, so his wife, Sue, helped out. She was at the top of the Park Lane chairlift when she received a message that someone "with a gammy leg" was coming up who would need special help getting off. Sue rushed to help the gentleman that duly arrived to get off the chair. But it was the man's wife who had the sore leg, plus the job of helping herself off the chair!