Re-union of former Waimarino residents held in Waikato

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 14, 27 August 1985, Page 1

Re-union of former Waimarino residents held in Waikato

A reunion of 250 former residents of the Waimarino was held last weekend in Hamilton. The get-together was attended mainly by those now living in the Waikato, but some came from as far afield as Auckand to the north and Napier and Gisborne to the south, as well as one couple from Ohakune, Pat and Elaine Goldfinch. Organisation and finance for the reunion came from former residents, Frances (nee Lane) and Tony Donnelly, June (nee Powell) and Jack McNie and Helen (nee Cleary) and Eric Warner. Mr Warner says many of

those attending had not lived in the Waimarino for 60 years. Two of the oldest people there were twins, Mrs Bickford and Mrs Harvey (nee Herkt) who are believed to be over 80. They lived in Horopito when it was a thriving township, then moved to Ohakune for a time. The reunion was held at the Claudelands Showgrounds from 6pm Saturday until 1am. The evening began with a dinner followed by a dance. The accompanying band used to be known as the Raetihi Dance Band. Members included Joy Bougen — who was a very prominent pianist in her day — John Awburn and Lance Wise.

Toasts were given by John McCullough whose father was former headmaster of Ruapehu College. He congratulated the caterers for the outstanding meal, with his only criticism being that there were no swed^s, carrots or brussel sprouts on the menu. Former Ohakune Mayor John Gould spoke on the Waimarino and life there. A set of photos of many of the people of the Waimarino was on display at the reunion. Mr Warner says he is hoping to write a book about the reunion, a copy of which will be given to the Raetihi Museum. Profits from the evening will go towards a scanner for the Waikato Hospital.