Changes at Turners & Growers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 29, 15 December 1987, Page 2

Changes at Turners & Growers

The manager of the country's oldest representative sub-office of Turners and Growers, Ohakune man Laurie Weller, w a s honoured by officials and local growers at his retirement function last Friday. Mr Weller has overseen the traffic of produce through the Ohakune depot for the last 11 years and was a staunch representative of the firm. The position involved collecting produce, freighting, finances and maintaining a good rapport with the Waimarino's market gardeners - the livelihood of Turners and Growers. The depot services the whole of the North Island - a total of 14 markets. Mr Weller regarded his job as "the growers' voice", as of the utmost importance. Mr Weller bought the land - the site of the new depot in Old Station Road, on behalf of Turners and Growers and moved into the depot at the beginning of this year. The old depot at the Ohakune Junction was used by Turners and Growers for many years before the move. Mr Weller said he has seen a gradual move from produce freighted by rail to goods being whisked away ovemight in big road rigs. Substantial amounts of produce are moved in this way all over the country. Mr Weller acknowledged the support of Turners and Growers over the years. "They had a lot of faith in

the area to make such a great investment as the new depot - their faith was justified," he said. During his retirement, Mr Weller intends to use his carpentry skills for home improvements. Spending more time with the family is also a priority. His daughter Eileen who was secretary at the depot for eight years also resigned last week. The new manager, David Grigg, was welcomed to the area last week by growers. Mr Grigg who had previously worked in the Palmerston North branch of Turners and Growers, was promoted to the sole charge position earlier this month.