Rail family leave home

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 7, 14 July 1987, Page 14

Rail family leave home

A double farewell was held at the Ohakune Club for two of the most recent casualties of Railways cutbacks. Gerry Fraser and Gerry Turner, both of Ohakune, were offered redundancy or re-location when their jobs were terminated earlier this year. Gerry Fraser and his wife Colleen opted for relocation and moved to Hamilton last month. The Frasers moved to Ohakune from Taihape in 1974 on a transfer with the Railways. Colleen Fraser worked behind the bar of the Ohakune Hotel for 11 years and was bar manager for two years before taking over the management of

'Video Point' in Ohakune. Both Gerry and Colleen were involved with the Ohakune Club. Colleen served on the committee and worked part-time in the bar for a number of years. Both were enthusiastic rugby fans following both school-boy and senior teams in the Waimarino. The Frasers said they were sorry to leave the area. Said Colleen - "It's like leaving home." They said they plan to visit Ohakune on a regular basis as their two daughters, Maria and Jacqueline are staying on in Ohakune. Son Jarrod who is still at primary school has accompanied them to Hamilton. They managed

to find suitable homes for their 90 budgerigars - a flock that grew from eight original birds. The couple were presented with a pair of silver goblets as a token of appreciation from Ohakune Club and committee mem- ^ bers. Gerry Turner has opted for severance and will be returning to Wanganui shortly. He moved to the area from Wanganui in 1980 and has been in charge of the fitter's shop in Ohakune for the last six and a half years. He was an enthusiastic member of the Railway's casual snooker and 8-ball team at the Ohakune Club.