Thirty years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 42, 9 April 1985, Page 10

Thirty years ago

The important news released this week thirty years ago was that a publican's licence had been granted for Raetihi. This led to a wide public debate as to where the best place would be for the new hotel. It was reported at the time that the sealing of the Parapara Road would result in an increased volume of motor traffic through Raetihi and a corresponding demand foraccommodation. "Because. of its central situation, a well-run hotel in Raetihi should receive ever increasing patronage which will assist in no small measure the town's progress," it was stated at the time in a letter to the local newspaper. The letter continued, "The very important question of the hotel's situation has still to be decided and unless the residents of Raetihi are actively interested, a mistake could be made as was done in deciding on baths for a memorial instead of a town hall." His worship the Mayor was reported at the time as saying that "eyes are turning to the intersection of the two state highways" as the most probable site for the hotel. But the letter writer did not agree. He continued, "In the writer's view such a step would be a serious mistake. "The logical situation for the convenience of the majoritv of the town's people is in the centre of the town in the section occupied by the old boarding house

next to Dalgety and Co. "A new hotel alongside Dalgety's new building would give this side of the main street a tremendous face lift and would be a big step in illuminating a shabby section of which no one is proud. "The future progress of this town is closely boundup with the site of the hotel and the importanc? of this question cannot be overstressed." ★ ★ ★ Since the general election the Social Credit Political League had been steadily organising and building up its forces. At Waiouru Mr H. Ken-

ingston had been working with a view to forming a permanent organisation and establishing a branch. The results of his efforts were seen at a well attended and fully representative meeting this week thirty years ago, when it was decided to form a branch of the league and, to meet the requirements of the services personnel, a branch of the Social Credit Association was also fo*med. Mr Reece Dawson, who was a Social Credit candidate for Patea, was present ' and visitors from various parts of the Rangitikei electorate and from Wanganui also attended.

★ ★ ★ Rangataua Women's Institute held their annual meeting in the town hall this week in 1955. Mrs O'Hara presided over a fair attendance of members. Two federation members, Mesdames Kerr and Ellis, were welcomed, along with two new members. Birthday sprays were presented to Mesdames Guilder and Barclay and also to retiring committee members Mesdames Remus, Jeffrey, Knight and Barclay. Mrs Mills read the president's letter from 'Home and Country and Mrs Knight gave the motto.