Jubilee planning under way

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 5, 1 July 1986, Page 16

Jubilee planning under way

Planning for the Ohakune Borough Council's 75th Jubilee took a step forward recently when four sub-committees were set up to begin organising the event The Jubilee is to be held from February 14-22 next year although the actual date of the Borough Council's first meeting was December 5, 1911. Chairman of the Jubilee committee, Ohakune Mayor Bill Taylor. told the committee that they should work towards setting a programme of events by August this year. He suggested that the four sub-committees should handle setting up the programme, compiling historical displays. business house liason and publicity. Lt. Commander Richard Jackson from H.M.N.Z.S. Irirangi, Waiouru said he

was certain the Navy band would be in attendance during the jubilee week. It was also suggested that the freedom of Ohakune borough be reconferred on the naval base. Mr Taylor said he had written to the GovenorGeneral Sir Paul Reeves, asking whether he and Lady Reeves would be able to attend the Jubilee celebrations. He said there had been no reply as yet. Many service groups and organisations in Ohakune have already outlined plans for Jubilee week. They include a float parade, a combined church service, family picnic, blue-beat discos for teenagers, an invitation rugby match, guided walks in Tongariro National Park and a dinner for Senior Citizens. Programme events subcommittee convenor, Elaine

Goldfinch is keen to hear from any individual or group with ideas for the Jubilee week. Historical display subcommittee members, Merrilyn George and Moreen Hancock, have a massive task ahead of them compiling historical records and collecting photographs of early Ohakune days. lt is understood that the Railways Corporation would like to make a contribution to Jubilee week. Ohakune was for many years the centre of a thriving railway communitv. The town has a large number of houses built by Raiways. many of which have been sold to private individuals. lt was in the early 1880's that Government surveyor John Rochfort arrived in Ohakune to map the proposed route for the Main Trunk Line. After it had been confirmed by the Railways Authorisation Act of 1884 that the route would pass through the central region. settlers spurred by the prospect of the raiiwav. moved

to the Waimarino District. I In 1903 the township of 1 Ohakune was included as 1 one of seven ridings within ] the Waimarino Countv Council. Even before the rail link was completed in 1908. Ohakune had become the overnight stopping placefor passengers carried by coach between railheads. An Ohakune' town board was formed on 1 1 August 1 908. From its population of 600 in that year. Ohakune grew to well over 1000 peo- ] ple in 1911. Inspired by this rapid growth, ajoint committee of the town board and chamber of commerce I worked toward the town's j constitution as a borough I and it was proclaimed on 2 November 1911. The town board met for j the last time on 2H J November with the election for borough councillors held two days later. The first mavor was Mr j J.A. Butler who was joined 1 at the first borough council j meeting by town clerk E.G. j Allsworth. councillors W. j Jopp. W.S. Baird. A.H. Wilkie. J.H. Craven, E.C. J Allen, G.J. Goldfinch. T.A. j Blyth. D. Mclntvre and W.D. Davidson.