Ohakune anniversary this week

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 22, 28 October 1986, Page 3

Ohakune anniversary this week

ThisSaturday, 1 November, marks the 75th anniversary of Ohakune's proclamation as a borough. A 75th jubilee booklet edited by Mary Anne Gill, will be released at a wine and cheese function in the Ohakune Hotel on Monday 3 November at 5.30pm. The book, retailing at $3 per copy, details the involvement of the Railways in the development of the town. the role of market gardeningand millingthroughout the 75 years and the impact of Turoa Skifields on the fortunes of Ohakune. The town's mayor from 1968 to 1981, John Gould. writes on his personal thoughts before and during a period of development and change the like of which Ohakune had not seen since its original establishment. In his article Mr Gould says the real beginning came some 15 years before he became mayor when in 1 952 the Ohakune Mountain Road Association was given permission by the Tongariro National Park Board to start building the road. "But the road was only a means to an end. The vision of the road builders was a ski field," he said. "A ski field which would provide an alternative economic base for the town which had been declining for the previous 20 years." Mr Gould said that was his inspiration but in order to have a ski field. Ohakune needed more than just a road. "We needed a borough administration which would encourage development and provide the necessary infrastructure within the town to enable that development to take place," he said. This meant proper planning. sewerage, streets.

amenities and efficient administration. As part of the new administration, Mr Gould said there were many changes. The borough's electricity department was one of the first to go while Mr Gould instigated a borough plan. "That first plan was very basic but at least it was a starting point and if it did nothing else it showed us how much more thought needed to go into the planning process," he said. Bringing in local accountants to provide the administration of the borough was a difficult decision for Mr Gould to make. "Very few were aware of the personal agonies that particular decision caused me. People were hurt and as a result so was I," he said. Sewerage, roads, footpaths, drains and landscaping were all issues while Mr Gould was in office. But it was the vision of the Ohakune Mountain Road Association which started to mould the town into what it is today.

"The completion of each project as we went along was always a thrill. For me it was the official opening and subsequent success of the ski field which made all the effort worthwhile. The ultimate objective had been obtained - the mountain road was now fulfilling its purpose." Mr Gould said he had always been concerned by unfair criticisms levelled at elected people. "As a councillor and mayor, I received no financial advantage at all," he said. "Being more positive. I always felt very grateful to the councillors who served on council while 1 was mayor. Factions or infighting did not occur and everyonecontributed accord-

ing to their ability." he said. Mr Gould resigned as mayor in July 1981 due to mounting work pressures. The only nominee, Bill Taylor, who was serving his first term on council, took over as mayor. Mr Gould now resides in Hamilton where his extensive business interests regularly bring him to Ohakune. "Ohakune, I hope I did not move too fast. or too much, for you those years ago. Some day you may care to let me know." Mr Gould said. Copies of the jubilee booklet can be bought at the Ohakune Borough Council chambers from Tuesday 4 November or by sending $3 plus 50 cents for postage and packing to the Ohakune Borough Council, P. O. Box 30, Ohakune.