Peace Walk

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 5, 30 June 1987, Page 2

Peace Walk

A peace walk is being planned for July and August to celebrate New Zealand's initiative for world peace, our nuclear free zone and to ensure that this initiative is not lost. Our stand against the suicidal nuclear arms race has generated a powerful ray of peace, which con-

tinues to radiate around the world, filling people with the hope that peace is possible. New Zealand's nuclear free zone was initiated by the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, and its success has demonstrated that we can create a more peaceful and secure world when we work together. With general elections occurring this year, there is the possibility that a government which opposes our nuclear free zone may be elected. The walk will be to remind people of how important our nuclear free zone is and to encourage them to vote for candidates who support the nuclear free bill. The walk will be of two groups, one starting at Cape Reinga on 14 July and walking south, the other starting in Wellington on 18 July and walking north. The walks will meet in Taupo, the heart of the North Island on 14 August, just before the probable election date. The walk is open for anyone to join in for however long they wish, be it an hour, a day or the whole month. Walkers from America, Australia and Germany have confirmed their intention to join in the walk. The walkers will arrive in Raetihi on Monday 4 AugUst from Pipiriki - they will have a rest day here on 5 August and will be hosted by members of the Waimarino Peace Group - it is hoped they will visit schools in the area and meet with local dignitaries. On Wednesday 6 August the walkers will travel to Horopito probably passing through Ohakune on their way.

Anne

Vincent

Dear Sir, On behalf of the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association, I would like to congratulate the town of

Ohakune for their support to the local pony club members in hosting this year's national conference in your town. Each year the annual conference travels to a different venue throughout New Zealand to give the local pony club members the opportunity of taking in the national demonstrations and workshops and hear the debate from the clubs' annual conference, as not all local members can avail themselves the opportunity to travel to far off qonferences. This year's conference was special, it was hosted by one of the smaller pony clubs in the country by a small band of dedicated workers , supported by the local retailers with their topical window displays. These were greatly appreciated by all delegates visiting from all over New Zealand, many for the first time to Ohakune. The local growers who donated fresh vegetables, depicting 'the mountain' at the conference, gave a special identity to the town, and visitors appreciated the chance to take the veges back home with them. The help and support received from the venue personnel; high school, primary school, Lions den and Ohakune Clyb was all very co-operative and supportive. Visitors staying in local motels commented favourably about the city facilities but very cheap prices at ihe end of their stays. The standard of catering provided by the local plunket mums and local caterer also added to the success and pleasure of one of our most successful and enjoyable conferences. Thank you Ohakune,

Judy

Wakeline

Waimarino Cinemas I wonder if people in the Waimarino realize just how

lucky they are to have two viable cinemas operating in Ohakune and Raetihi when many larger centres have none at all or are now reduced to one picture theatre where a few years ago there may have been several. Thanks to the efforts of the Thompson family both Ohakune (population 1490) and Raetihi (population 1230) have retained their old picture theatres. Compared to other places such as Marton (pop. 5040) and Turangi District (pop. 5526) which have none at all and Taumarunui (pop. 6530), Taupo (pop. 15,150) and Wanganui (pop. 37,100) which now have only one cinema each, the Waimarino is indeed in a favoured position The army Training Group has a camp cinema in Waiouru for Defenee Department personnel while the picture theatre in Taihape (pop. 2800) was only saved by the heroic efforts of a dedicated volunteers last year. Who knows what the future holds for the film-go-ers of the Waimarino and indeed the future of the medium itself but, so long as we can retain our two picture theatres, we can continue to enjoy the scale of the big screen, see films from all over the world, attend premieres of locally made films and stage matinee performances for children and visitors on those cold, wet winter days when the mountain is closed. It can't be an easy job - nor is it a very profitable or comfortable one I imagine - running a picture theatre these days with all the maintenance, cleaning, lighting and heating costs, ordering and screening films etc. so I believe we have a lot to be thankful to the Thompson family for. Long may they continue with the good work.

Argus