CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 29, 18 December 1984, Page 1

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

Again we reach the time when we pause, reflect, restore ourselves a little and then move on. Within our community and our own country there is much to hearten us. It may not pay to look much further afield and into the realm of famine, holocaust and disaster; man-made and natural. It may be that in order to retain a degree of sanity in an often less than sane world it is essential that, as the Christmas festival arrives, we look inward to self, family and home. To see the joy in a child's eyes on Christmas morning is not to hide from ourself that horrible truths abound further afield: rather it is to see a response in the prime area in which we still retain a degree of control and order. Season's greetings to all within our community. A very happy Christmas and a good new year.

William

Taylor

Mayor Ohakune Borough

With yet another Christmas almost upon us I would like, through your columns, to thank all those residents of the Waimarino who have assisted the Army Training Group throughout 1984. I think that our contribution to both the Waiouru Community and the Waimarino generally, continued at a significant level during 1984. This year's Desert Fair was highly successful, with profits distributed throughout the region. Our many sporting and social groups have continued to thrive with support from local people, and many of our facilities provide services to the local community which would otherwise necessitate considerable travel. On a less pleasant note, our Emergency and Rescue services have also had a busy year catering to not only

local people, but to many of the travelling public. In turn the people of the region provide all manner of support to us. Many of our children attend Ruapehu College, landowners allow us use of their property, and the recreational and sporting assets of the region are very popular. A wide range of regional enterprises provide services not locally available to Waiouru residents. The Waimarino Bulletin itself is a good example of just such a service. I am confident this growing sense of identification of the Army Training Group with the people of the Waimarino will continue on into 1985. I wish you all the very best of wishes for the festive season, and a safe journey for those of you travelling.

B.

■Meldrum

Colonel Commander Army Training Group

In thinking back over events of the last 1 2 months I suppose the one which has had the most universal effect has been the change of Government and the change of leader to lead our country. Also, within the National Party, the change of leadership has been regarded by many New Zealanders as a major event. We have seen that Governments come and go, leaders come and leaders go, and often their names are forgotten in the pages of history through the progress of time though great men they may have been. Many have had their works follow them for a period but often these too are soon changed and forgotten as we live in a changing world. At Christmas we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest leader, not elected by men but by divine appointment. A leader to a changing world but whose leadership policies have never changed nor been improved upon. A leader who leads to an incomparable glorious future and who can offer salvation and a hope to his followers. It is not leadership our nation lacks which would help to make our world a better place, but followers, following the God-given leader who came at Christmas. I suggest we spend time this Christmas, to pay

homage to Jesus Christ as a reigning King whose Government shall never change and whose leadership and policies are for the good and betterment of all mankind. "God defend New Zealand". A merry Christmas and happy new year.

Bruce

Berry

Chairman Waimarino County Council

As each Xmas approaches it is inevitable one way or another that we get caught up in the last minute rush that precedes the Xmas-New Year break. Certainly, in business, these last two weeks are hectic and it is with a sigh of relief on Xmas day that we can catch our breath and begin to celebrate the . occasion in the way we enjoy most. For my part Xmas Day is best spent together with those members of the family who are at home. After probably too much Xmas dinner and Xmas Cheer we normally end up with^a few songs around the piano and a drink here and there with friends. This affords the greatest relaxation and enjoyment for us as a family. In a world with moral, racial and crime problems escalating it is vitally important I believe that the family remainsintact. Events in our own town this year bring home to us in Raetihi the fact that we are no longer insulated from this strife and it seems to me that a family base for society to develop from is essential, if these problems are to be contained. Bearing that in mind it was however heartening to witness the standard set by the pupils of Raetihi Primary at this year's prize giving ceremony. Hopefully this trend will continue on through the years. As the new year beckons we see an end to our streets being torn up for sewerage reticulation and soon it will be possible to reseal the potholes in Seddon Street and tidy up berms where the new kerbing has been placed. Meanwhile whether you travel or stay home this year during the festive break may you all have a good family Xmas and Happy New Year.

G.

Workman

Mayor Raetihi Borough