Christmas messages from community leaders

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 31, 24 December 1985, Page 2

Christmas messages

from community leaders

It seems hard to believe that another 12 months have slipped by — 12 months that have flown and have left their mark one way or another on us all. Raetihi I believe has come through 1985 well and we can be thankful as we look forward to the ChristmasNew Year break that this town faces the future in as good, if not a better, position than many other communities of its type. For the retailer Christmas has become a highly competitive and commercial time. In tight economic circumstances such as prevail at

present it is vitally important that trade is brisk, in order that bills can be paid, and the overdraft given a fright, so that as the doors close on Christmas Eve, there is satisfaction that when business resumes it does so on a reasonably sound financial footing. It is a shame though that this leads everywhere to the whole affair becoming overcommercialised with far too much importance being attached to dollars and cents at a time when we are celebrating a Christian event that we hope will bring peace, hope and goodwill to mankind. Nevertheless I cannot stress enough how dependent local business houses are on the support of the Waimarino people at Christmas time and indeed throughout the year. The closure of any one business is a blow to a shopping centre such as we have in Raetihi so please bear this in mind and give the locals a go before making that purchase outside the area. As 1986 looms an air of uncertainty as to where we are heading as a nation and how we will cope hangs over us. But in the meantime we still have Christmas to enjoy

with family or friends so on that note I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

G. S.

Workman

Mayor, Raetihi Borough

As I write these words the weather is fine, the mountain shimmers in early morning light and there is promise of a warm day. What more can I wish for anyone than a holiday season blessed with a succession of similar days? Well, in truth, I can wish a great deal more! It's not that the weather doesn't matter

but, rather, that people matter a great deal more. This year has marked a turning point in my life in that my sons now live away from home. For the first time I am able to experience what is like for many families anticipating the return of offspring for the festive season. It is truly the gathering of family that is at the hearf of the Christmas season and my hope and wish at this time is that this proves possible for as many families as possible. Coupled with this aspect is a further hope that all of us may spare a thought for those who are likely to be alone at Christmas time. Perhaps, too, to put some action to this thought. My Christmas message is essentially simple and rests wholly in the wish that all families may get together and enjoy the reunion and that the holiday season is happy and restful. A very happy Christmas and New Year to everyone.

W.

Taylor

Mayor, Ohakune Borough

The last twelve months have passed so quickly and in retrospect so much has happened. Each one of us has experienced to greater or less extent times of happiness and times of sadness. This is life and at times it seems to be very cruel. Each year that passes seems to have been more complex than the one before and as we shall soon be entering into another new year it is with optimism as to what it will bring forth. Many predictions and plans are made about our material welfare but no one can be sure what will come to pass because of circumstances which happen often beyond our control. That which is most sought after by the greatest majority of people is security which can offer an inner

peace and it is obvious from past experience that governments and material possessions cannot guarantee that security. Where then can there be something that we can hold to that has been proven to give the desired results? Christmas to the Christian is a time of great rejoicing. It is the celebration of an event which has brought an unparalleled hope to fill that empty void. It has contributed more happiness to more people than riches or possessions could ever do and has offered to so many in situations and circumstances of life comfort, security, and hope which money could never buy. Sadly many people have lost sight of the significance of the festive season. Whether we accept the Christian faith or not does not alter the fact that Christ did come into this world at Christmas and millions of His followers have done and still do find real satisfaction in the hope and salvation offered through His purpose for coming. No wonder Christmas for Christians is a time for celebrations and it is therefore with a knowledge that there is something to offer that I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bruce G.

Berry

Chairman, Waimarino County Council

Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year and to draw strength from the message of Christmas for the year ahead. For many it has been a very difficult year. Changed economic policies, which have forced up interest rates, have hit many families very hard. Some farm families, in particular, have been badly hurt. This has caused much suffering and stress. The human cost of present economic policies is high. So this Christmas be conscious that your neighbour may need help. It may be that all that is required is a word of comfort or encouragement. Others may need more substantial support. The message of Christmas certainly requires that all should be willing to help a neighbour in trouble. Joan and I extend our thanks to all who have

assisted us this past year. While looking forward to the challenges of the year ahead, we will use the Christmas break to reflect on the important issues that sometimes get lost in the rush of every day life. Hon. J. B. Bolger, M. P. King Country

Here it is — that time again — and the season to be jolly is almost upon us. The trials and difficulties of 1985 will soon be behind us, and we all will be trying hard to prevent them carrying over into 1986. The end of 1 985 is also the end of residence for Jan and I in the Central Districts area. In my case, living in this area really first commenced on a farm south-west of Mataroa near Papanui Junction in 1943, the latter having been the location of my first school. In more recent times Jan and I have "winfered over" eleven seasons in Waiouru! So this is a chance to both say farewell and an oppor-

tunity to send Christmas greetings to you all. We have enjoyed meeting, working and relaxing with many people in the district over the last three years, and will carry away some fond and lasting impressions of this part of New Zealand, especially of those who live here. To many friends and acquaintances in the district, we wish you all the very best for the future. And to all readers, we hope that the coming festive season will be a happy and pleasant one. As I have said separately to folk here in Waiouru, we all need to remember that the holiday season is not an excuse for abandoning our personal and community responsibilities. In particular many of us will be looking forward to trips away, family reunions and days at the beach or in the mountains and bush. There are many hundreds of kilometres of travelling planned for many on roads which may lead equally as well to grief or pleasure. Our safe arrivals and returns will very much depend on how responsibly we all drive over the coming weeks. With that in mind, let us then relax and celebrate with care and with thoughts for the well-being of others uppermost in our minds. Jan and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year.

Colonel Bruce

Meldrum

Commander Army Training Group