Wine licence for Kakatahi store

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 24, 5 November 1985, Page 5

Wine licence for Kakatahi store

For thirsty folk who live on the long, dry Parapara road between Raetihi and Wanganui, salvation has come. Ruakawa Falls Store at Kakatahi now has a wine , reseller's licence which allows the sale of wine and fortified wine during normal bottle store hours. Proprietor Bernie Hyland says the licence took about four years to get and there were a few hiccups before the corks could finally be popped. "The former owner got it and then it was taken away again on a technicality," said Bernie. Now the licence is there to

stay and the service has proven very popular. "We have already sold our first delivery and have had to restock," he said. Raukawa Falls Store has something for everyone. As the only shop between Raetihi and Wanganui it is a real community general store, and it is also an attractive stop for tour buses. There is a tea room serving light meals and snacks, a children's play area, groceries, petrol and of course wine. "There is many a driver who is thankfiil we are here, when they have sick kids or are low on petrol," said Bernie.

The store is open week days from 7.30am to 7.00pm, and until 9.00pm on Fridays, on Saturday from 8.00am to 7.00pm, and Sunday from 9.00am to 9.00pm. Bernie grew up on a nearby farm but went to varsity for a while. Later he came back to the farm, and then worked for Wrightson NM A in the Wanganui region. His wife Brenda is from Wanganui, and they have four children, the youngest four weeks old. Bernie also does the rural delivery over Field' 's Track on week days, distributing mail, milk and groceries. Bernie 's next step may be to hire out videos which he is already investigating.