March for health

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 611, 7 November 1995, Page 3

March for health

On Wednesday of last weeKDr Chris Cresswell, Tania Pirilcahu and Ray Purvis marched through Ohakune on what they have termed as "The March for Health" or "Hikoi-mo-te-ora". It has taken five weeks for the trio to march from the Hokianga to Ohakune and they expect it will take another four weeks before they reach Wellington, where they are going to present a petition to parliament which will be partly made up of signatures they collect along the way. Dr Cresswell says the aim of the march is to protest against the cuts in health services. He said that many people have joined in the march especially as the protest passes through towns. Although there was not too much support for the group in Ohakune, Dr Cresswell admits that their itinerary has not been very widely advertised. Several people came to town to support the group and march with them for a part of theway. "Don't give up hope" says Dr Cresswell. He sited incidences in Britian where huge political and public outcry had halted their closure of small rural hospitals. The three Wanganui people believe so strongly in the issue that they have taken a leave of absence from their jobs. Dr Cresswell is a doctor at Wanganui Hospital, Tania is a tele-marketer, and Ray is a security guard. The group were staying at the Waiouru Welcome Inn free of charge. Proprietors Francis and Barry Hodgson say that they agree with the marchers and this is their way of supporting their cause. Upon their arrival in Wellington they are being joined by marchers from as far as Invercargill, Kaitia, Greymouth and Masterton.