Busy Easter planned for Raetihi

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 628, 19 March 1996, Page 7

Busy Easter planned for Raetihi

There will be plenty to do and see in Raetihi at Easter. The Raetihi School Centennial plans are well in hand, but with still quite a few registrations to come in. To date there are just over 700 people coming. Many locals have not yet registered and, again, organisers urge them to do so for the purpose of catering. The Raetihi Information Centre is still receiving accommodation bookings and houses, lodges, the hotel, private homes and the motor camp are filling up fast. Easter chop The Raetihi Easter Chop is to be held at the back of the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club. It was revived three years ago after a 1 5year recess. With milling such an important part of the Waimarino' s history, chopping events were very popular in days gone by. From many favourable comments by supporters last year that it was "great to see it back", organisers have been encouraged to carry on. Competitors entered to date are coming from Rotorua, Masterton, Taumarunui, Marton, Wanganui Levin and Kaitieke. As yet, there have not been any local entries, but organiser, Mike Chaytor, is confident of some good numbers nearer the time. Serious competitors enter with the chance to gain points that will count when heading for other chopping events around the country . They also ha ve a chance to get their handicap up.

Like most events sponsorship is all important and this year it is coming from McCarthy Transport, Barrett and Taura Transport, M Hiscox Transport, Ruapehu Farm Supplies, Clowns, Cross Country Fencing, Starline Services, Winstone Pulp International, Dempsey Buses, Farmac and Shutters Photography and the Raetihi Cosmopolitan Club. In the past three years there have been , several helpers giving Mr Chaytor a hand on the day including Ken Prince, George Crighton, Daniel Harvey , T om Mowat, Tom Donaldson and Ed ward T aura. Mr Chaytor said he would welcome any assistance. He asks any intending local competitors who may like to have a practice to ring him 3854960, after 6pm. Ken Prince is one local axeman who has had more than his share of success and experience. His chopping competition started in the early 70' s at Mangaeturoa, encouraged by Arthur Warner. Chopping was very strong around this district then and the Orautoha Sports was a very popular meet. From then on Ken followed other meets such as Kaitieke, Retaruke, Wanganui, Feilding artd other Central district towns. Ken won the Kaitieke 12-inch chopping cup three years in a row, which gave him the right to keep the cup. Names that were associated with the sport from around Raetihi were Harry Haitana, George West, Alf and Jack Timmo and Alf Warner.