Thirty years ago

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 5, 25 June 1985, Page 15

Thirty years ago

Tenders for the construction of a shopping centre in the rapidlygrowing housing area adjacent to Waiouru Camp were called for this week thirty years ago. Making the announcement, acting Minister of Defence, Mr Halstead, said the erection of a block of eight shops would answer a long felt need of more than 2,000 residents of Waiouru. At that time the town was served by temporary shops. Mr Halstead said that once completed and leased the building would provide

house-holders with modern grocery, dafry, butcher, fishmonger, drapery, stationery, electrical and hairdressing shops. Judging from the interest already shown in the project, little difficulty was expected in letting the shops, said the Minister. The terms of the lease would give priority to the holders of temporary licences in the town, added Mr Halstead. ★ ★ ★ A railway work gang — with the aid of bulldozers — was clearing mud out of the railway trucking yards in

Raetihi this week in 1955, ready for metalling. This work was to improve conditions for people trucking stock out of town. * ★ ★ Raetihi wished farewell to Mr and Mrs Bill Perry and family this week thirty years ago as they left the town for Auckland to take over a business recently acquired by them. The couple's many erstwhile customers and friends wished them well in their new venture. Good luck also went to Bill from the Waimarino Brass Band. ★ ★ ★ A very large crowd filled the Railway Social Hall at Ohakune Junction this week in 1955, the occasion being the celebration of the coming of age of Miss Noma Martin, youngest daughter of the Mayor of Ohakune, Mr F. A. Martin and Mrs Martin. Mrs Leckie's orchestra supplied the music for dancing and a sumptuous supper was enjoyed by all present. Mr Martin presented his daughter with the traditional key of the door, remarking that she had already had it for some time it seemed to him! Solo items by Mr Hone PeraWiti were much enjoyed by all present.