Thirty years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 2, 4 June 1985, Page 8

Thirty years ago

Local businessman, Mr J. Duggan of Raetihi struck the jackpot this week thirty years ago when his racehorse Beau Ray won the main race at the Queen's Birthday meeting at Wanganui. The 'jackpot' win was £44! ★ ★ ★ It was reported this week in 1955 that a temporary teacher had been located for the Raetihi Primary School. Mrs Brown of Horopito had come forward to fill the urgent need. A contemporary newspaper report stated, "Our special thanks are due to this very gallant and generous lady, who has relieved the headmaster, Mr Graham, of one of his worries. ★ ★ ★ The artillery personnel of Waiouru did things in great style for the Artillery Ball held in the Old Soldiers' Club in early June 1955. At the Picquet Hut entrance to the camp were stationed two gunners immaculately dressed in the uniform

of gunners of a bygone day, complete with tall hats and gold-braided tunics. Further along, at Freyberg Place, were two more similarly attired gunners, who signalled the route to the Old Soldiers' Club. A dinner was held prior to the ball. The hall was full of colour, bedecked with flags of all descriptions and with streamers. Two pipers were at the doorway heralding the arrivals. Rows and rows of lights brightened the dark drizzling night, shining round the entrance to the hall and also rourid the artillery display on the gunpark. ★ ★ ★ A very happy afternoon was spent at the bank residence, Raetihi, where, at the invitation of Mrs S. M. Millerand Mrs H. Queree, a number of ladies gathered to bid farewell to Mrs J. Clark of the post office residence, who was leaving for her new home in Wanganui.

Elocutionary items by Mrs R. Sigley, and songs by Mrs G. Stewart and Mrs H. Queree were enjoyed by those present, while two entertaining competitions were won by Mrs F. Graham and Mrs Clark.

Following a dainty afternoon tea, Mrs Miller presented the guest of honour with a gift of jewellery from her Raetihi friends and extended to Mrs Clark best wishes for health and happiness in Wanganui.