MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 18, 2 October 1984, Page 13

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

What an occasion for our town! A celebration indeed. And, now, finally, the majestic monolith is in place; a constant and vivid reminder of a part of the heritage of this district. Undoubtedly the annals of the town will spin a folklore about how it came to be here, the trials and tribulations of its planting and the whys and wherefores of where it should go. I salute the single-minded endeavours of a few people over a fairly long time in ensuring its presertce in our midst. Most notable, here, of course are the efforts of

Mr Peter Hammond. That I didn't quite believe him three years ago, and remained to be convinced that such a thing was viable, marked the start of his persistent campaign. One may well say a magnificent obsession! Tribute, too, must go to the Growers Assocation as a whole and, with this tribute, the thanks of the Borough for their gift. The spotlight has fallen not solely on the giant vegetable itself but on the entire community and the wealth of what this place has to offer. A true focus, surely. Equally sure is the fact

that the planting itself has involved, in concert, so many of the community. There is no way in which I can satisfactorily thank all of you, individually, but the town is assuredly grateful for your efforts. Let us not forget just how much the carrot, the true vegetable, has meant to this district. Let us remember the efforts of the first , of the many who arrived here over a half-century ago to cultivate the soil and grow root produce the equal of any in the world. The giant carrot has now materialised. I will be delighted to include its site on the list of those which I am proud to show off to our manv visitors.

W.

Taylor

Mayor