Raetihi constable to live in Ohakune

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 20, 13 October 1987, Page 1

Raetihi constable to live in Ohakune

The future looks rosier for Raetihi Police Constable John Robinson, who will soon have the back-up of an extra police constable to assist him in his duties. Raetihi was plagued by a heavy spate of burglaries earlier this year after the departure of previous sole charge Constable Trevor Pullen who was transferred to the South Island. Since Mr Robinson's arrival he has struggled to reduce the crime rate, with

assistance from the Ohakune Police Force. Word was received this week that an extra position was being made available, with the person being stationed in Ohakune because of a lack of Police Department housing in Raetihi. The new police constable will have shared duties between the two towns. The position is being advertised nationwide to find a second constable. Raetihi Police Constable John Robinson expressed some enthusiasm about the pending appointment. "This might mean I'll get the odd day off," he said. Raetihi's Mayor Garrick Workman, while happy to welcome another constable, said he was not happy about the decision to base the constable in Ohakune. "The situation has grown beyond a sole charge position," he said. "The 10 minutes it takes a man to get from Ohakune to Raetihi in some cases is crucial."