Thirty years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 33, 5 February 1985, Page 4

Thirty years ago

\ A calf on the runway caused extensive damage to a Cessna aircraft ; operated by Rangitikei Air Services Ltd, this week thirty years ago. The 'plane, used for topdressing work, struck the calf on an airstrip on Mr C. C. Mickleson's property. A report of the incident recorded that the "damage sustained by the 'plane proved more serious than was at first thought to be the case. It has now been ascertained that it would be uneconomical to repair the machine." The report did not . mention the fate of the calf!

It was announced this week in 1955 that New Zealand was to buy thirty main-line diesel-electric locomotives from Canada and the United States at a cost of £1,795,000, to be used to a large extent on the Main Trunk Line between Wellington and Auckland. "The increasing tonnage of goods carried by the railways justifies the ex-

penditure on these modern locomotives," the then Minister of Railways, Mr McAlpine said. North Island freight tonnage for 1954 was 8.8 percent up on the previous year and 1955 was expected to be a record. ★ ★★ Saturday February 5th was awaited with great

anticipation by the residents of Ohakune this week thirty years ago, as it was to be the day of the grand opening of the Ohakune Carnival. The Rochfort-Christie Park Development Project committee was to launch the Queen Carnival with a 'grand dance'in the Majestic Hall at Ohakune Junction. The Waimarino Brass and

Pipe Bands were to provide music in the streets from 7.30pm and later in the hall. The three Queens — Miss Margaret Rush (sports), Miss Mary McDougall (Mountain Road) and Miss Gail Hackett (chartered clubs) were to arrive at the function on a float and be presented to the public by the Mayor, Mr F. A. Martin. The intention of the Queen Carnival was to raise money for the development and provision of sporting amenities in the area.