Thirty years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 31, 22 January 1985, Page 16

Thirty years ago

Thirty years ago the railway still ran to Raetihi, the town had a butter factory, some farmers in the area stili used kerosene lamps for light in their homes and the town had five grocery stores. Although 1955 may seem like only yesterday to some Waimarino residents, there have been many changes since then. To illustrate how things have changed, sometimes for the better, sometimes maybe not so, the Bulletin will begin a new column in our next issue known as 'Thirty Years Ago This Week'. As each week passes the paper will print interesting facts about what was happening in the Ruapehu region thirty years ago, bringing back memories for some residents and giving a fascinating glimpse into the past for yoiinger readers. Information for the column will be supplied by Mr Jack Sommerville, President of the Raetihi Museum Society. The museum has flies of facts, figures and photographs, dating back to the time when the area was first settled. The town of Raetihi had electricity way back in 1917 just twenty-three years after the first store was opened and the first Post Master was appointed, but in 1955 farmers in several areas in the region were still without electricity supplies. In 1955 the railway was still running to Raetihi, carrying livestock, produce and timber — in fact it was

only in 1967 that the last train left the town's station and the track was removed. From being dominated by sheep in the 1950s, the farming industry has diversified in recent years, first into market gardening and more recently into deer. A greater knowledge of fertilisers has also helped the region's farmers and horticulturalists become more productive. The Junction in Ohakune is another area in the region which has seen great change since the '50s. In 1955 the

area was in steady decline after its prosperity early in the century. However, in recent years the decline has been arrested with the opening of the Turoa ski fields, and many buildings have been restored to their former glory. The Raetihi Museum Society administers the small museum on Seddon Street, and it is funded purely through donations and subscriptions. The society's aim is simply "to preserve things of the past."