Huge turnout for successful Ohakune School centenary

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 622, 6 February 1996, Page 1

Huge turnout for successful Ohakune School centenary

"May the next 100 years be as happy as the first have been for us." So said Mrs Alma Mischewski, wife of Frank Mischewski who was the oldest pastpupil of Ohakune Primary School af its centenary celebrations over the weekend, as the couple cut the ribbon to officially open the event. There was standing room only available in the huge marquee for the opening ceremony, despite its capacity of more than 1000 people. Charles Mareikura started the opening powhiri ceremony with the challenge to the visitors which included the official party of prime pinister The Right Honourable Jim Bolger and his wife Joan, Mr & Mrs Mischewski, past Ruapehu mayor Garrick. Workman and Maureen Workman, present mayor Weston Kirton and Annette Kirton, school Board of Trustees chairman John

Anderson, minister's fraternal representative Pat Olds, school principal Ellen Gould, Ngati Rangi kaumatua Te Uta Murphy Pehi, Ruapehu College deputy head girl Raana-Ellen Mareikura, centennial committee chairman Jim Shanks and Lillian Shanks; and present school pupil representatives Suanne Sue and Ben Webb. Matiu Mareikura welcomed the visitors to the temporary marae, including a lighthearted reference to the inclusion of past Ruapehu mayor Garrick Workman in the official party, referring to him as "the Old Grey Mayor". In welcoming Mr & Mrs Mischewski, he referred to their longevity -and the fact they go to church every Sunday. "Maybe that's what's missing with us," he added. Garrick Workman, Weston Kirton, John Turn to Page 2

Huge turnout for Ohakune School centenary

FROMPAGEl Anderson and Jim Shanks spoke, then Mr Bolger, who made reference to Jim Shank's comment that people had asked what was an Irishman doing organising this event. "Ah to be sure, we get around a bit," said Mr Bolger in an almost Irish accent. Mr Bolger paid tribute to the hard work of teachers of the past, he talked about the massive changes in education in the past 100 years and the changes that are ahead given still-rapidly changing technology. He said the government was committed to improving the education standards of New Zealand and said this could be done as long as agreement was reached with the teacher's unions. Despite praising teachers of long ago, he stopped short of recognising the efforts of present-day teachers in improving education standards. Before, during and long after the ceremony, the chief activity of such a reunion proved unstoppable — catching up with old friends. At every group of people there was effusive conversation on common memories, proving the importance of the past to all peoples attending the celebrations. The committee behind the centenary celebrations were Jim Shanks, Rose Martin, Sue Murdie, Don Hancock, Aileen Taylor, Ruth Jackson, Ron Walkley, Lil Shanks and Korty Wilson. Special mention was made of Merle Weller who died last year, part-way through the planning stages of the reunion. Parade The Ohakune school centennial parade organised by the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade was the town's marking of the event. Despite rain and a lower turnout than hoped for, the parade was well received by the many people who turned out in good numbers. Floats were judged in four categories. Winning the Centennial category were Horne Brothers, second Goddard Engineering and third McCarthy Transport. Ohakune Primary School won the humorous section with Telecom 2nd and 'Darktown' 3rd. In the trade section Wanganui Motors were 1st, Ruapehu Bulletin 2nd and McCarthy' s 3rd. Children' s best costume was won by Ohakune school with the kohanga reo group 2nd and pony club 3rd.