30 years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 36, 26 February 1985, Page 5

30 years ago

This week thirty years ago Raetihi axeman Jim Haitana was awarded the New Zealand record of 19.5 seconds for a twelve inch Lombardy Poplar block. He establised the record at the Waimarino Show almost twelve months earlier, but it wasn't until February 1955 as an annual general meeting of the N.Z. Athletic, Cycling and Axemens Union held at Nelson that the record was made official. ★ ★ * Prefects for the year 1955 were elected by the pupils of the 4th, 5th and 6th forms of Ohakune School this week thirty years ago. Six boys and six girls were elected subject to the approval of the headmaster, Mr McCullough and staff. The following were suc-

cessful: Girls — B. Drayton (head girl), D. Adsett, K. Ross, J. Urwin, D. Whitehead and T. Blackburn. Boys: J. Evans (head boy), R. Wilson, T. Hemera, K. Lim, C. Bryers, C. Proude. ★ ★ ★ A £7,000 barley crop at Waiouru was saved from destruction this week thirty years ago by the prompt action of the Department of Agriculture and a topdressing company. The crop, covering 240 acres, between Waiouru and Taihape, was reported as being widely infected with army worms, which eat the ears of grain, leaving the stalks bare. Hurried consultation between the owners of the property, top-dressing specialists and Department of Agriculture experts followed the discovery of the

worms, and a special liquid spray was ordered from a New Plymouth manufacturer. It took only an afternoon to prepare the mixture, which was rushed to Waiouru that night. By 5.30 the following morning a Tiger Moth with the company's chief pilot, Mr W. W. Green at the controls, was spreading the first load of the spray. By midday when the weather 'closed in' 800

gallons had been dropped. ★ ★ ★ Finally, bargain-hunters were anxiously awaiting the forthcoming Harvest Festival auction. Public notices reminded the residents of the Waimarino, "Be at the Methodist Church on Monday evening in full force and try to rattle the auctioneer. "Don't forget your purse as there will be bargains aplenty. Yes, even prizewinners from the show."