Long service ending

When today's school bell rings, Wendy Mullan will lock her classroom for the final time. She will then walk through the school grounds and wave goodbye to her students and colleagues. Among them will be Ian Busby, who will also be saying his fond farewells. Mrs Mullan, a teacher at Hawera's Turuturu School for the past 29 years, is retiring alongside her old mate. Mr Busby has been the school caretaker for 27 years. It is a bittersweet time for both as they look forward to a quieter and more relaxed future away from the place in which each has spent a good portion of the past 30 years. Unable to completely give up such a huge portion of her life, Mrs Mullan plans to fill some of her days relief teaching. For her, a career in teaching has always been driven by the desire to see children grow. "The progress is huge in the new entrant level, you see a greater progress here than you do at any other level in the school," she said. "They come in with nothing and they're little sponges." She said it was satisfying to see how children learnt and discovered in their early schooling years. Education has changed since she began working in the world of growing young minds. Technology has become a huge part of the everyday curriculum. "Every room has computers in, we've got a computer suite which certainly wasn't here in the early days," she said. "It is hard but you just pick it up a bit at a time and you have to move with it." She said technology was a tool and she believed children would always need to learn reading and writing before they would be able to utilise the tools technology provided. But when Mrs Mullan thought back over her history with Turuturu School, she was reminded of family more than the changes in education. Her own children were educated there and she now has five grandchildren at the school. Teaching in one place for 29 years would not have been so special if it hadn't been for the people she worked with. "The kids, the parents, the colleagues, we've had lots of fun, met lots of friends that have lasted with us over the time," she said. Mr Busby agreed. The teachers once had a thriving social life. Mrs Mullan said it was key to a good working environment. "You don't have to be with those people all the time but having a good social relationship helps having a good working relationship," she said. "I think that's really really important in any job." Ad Feedback Mrs Mullan's husband Kerry and Mr Busby's wife Frances have been active volunteers at almost every event. "Generally, the more you put in, the more you get out," Mrs Mullan said. As the fulltime caretaker, Mr Busby has spent years watching the school evolve and grow. Starting his working life as a car painter, he revelled in the opportunity to spend his days out in the fresh air. "When I first came here there were nine classrooms, now we're up 15 classrooms," he said. Two new playgrounds have been built but the students' favourite place to play has always been the pine trees bordering the school. One of Mr Busby's most satisfying moments was building raised garden beds for the kids. He said seeing them plant and then watch the produce grow was a gratifying experience. The overall experience has been one that neither would have wanted to give up. Mrs Mullan said: " . . . if we hadn't enjoyed it, we wouldn't have been here this long. "I always felt I had no reason to move anywhere else." - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 10:04 19/12/2013 http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/9534918/Long-service-ending

Poppa Jim top of the pops

An octogenarian's desire to go back to preschool has inspired a wealth of inter-generational relationships. "Poppa" Jim Battersby, who lives at the Hillsborough Heights Retirement Village, has walked past Roskill South Kindergarten many times over the years. He couldn't see over the fence, but he could tell by the sounds of children at play that it was the place to be. "I decided I'd like to go to kindergarten," he says. Through an intermediary he approached the kindergarten and was duly invited to visit. He's been going there every week since. "We thought it would be great for our children to interact with an older person," teacher Nadine Priebs says. "So many of them don't have grandparents living locally and we figured that they would learn a lot from ‘Poppa Jim' as the children now call him. His presence in the kindergarten has been wonderful." Every Tuesday, Poppa Jim wanders around the playground and interacts with the children at the water-play area and sandpit. He has joined the children on trips to Ambury Farm and inspired them to take an interest in rock ‘n roll when he came to the disco dressed as Elvis Presley. While at the kindergarten Mr Battersby celebrated his 88th birthday. "Yes, there were 88 candles," he says. "But by the time the last few were alight, some of the first-lit candles had burned out, so thankfully I didn't have to do a lot of blowing." The children's birthday present to Mr Battersby was a mosaic paver they made of him with his walking stick. More of Mr Battersby's friends from the retirement village now go to the kindergarten to share their skills, patience and time. "It's a great experience for everyone," Ms Priebs says. "Children and older people are empowered by what is happening here. The relationships are special and they are learning so much from each other." - © Fairfax NZ News http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/9526902/Poppa-Jim-top-of-the-pops

Blue baby made history

Star manager Cliff Hunt went to Taupo to track down Taranaki's Bruce Pike, one of the first "blue babies" operated on 50 years ago by the famous heart surgeon, Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes. Kapuni 6-year-old Bruce Pike became part of heart surgery history 50 years ago. He underwent a hole-in-the-heart operation performed by one New Zealand's leading cardiac surgeons in June 1963. Bruce's parents, Bob and Iris Pike, who farmed on Palmer Rd, said at the time that without the operation their son could not have outlived his teens. They felt there was no option but to consent to the operation and, for the first time in six years, they were able to look to their son's future with confidence. Bruce's surgeon, Mr Brian Barratt-Boyes - he was knighted in 1971 - toiled for four hours over the tiny body in the brilliantly lit Auckland Hospital theatre. Before the operation, he was quoted as saying: "Complications could still arise but I am hopeful the lad will show marked improvement within the next week." Thirty blood donors were standing by. Bruce was born a "blue baby" and within 18 months he had already undergone a major operation. In an effort to ensure an adequate supply of blood to Bruce's lungs, the surgeon joined an artery from the boy's arm to his lung blood supply. "This practice was considered adequate until Bruce was old enough to undergo a further major operation," Sir Brian was quoted as saying. "Then we found, through extensive tests, that Bruce also had a narrowing in the heart muscle leading out to the lung. "Consequently the operation became more essential. Bruce was seriously affected when it was performed on Wednesday. He had a hole between the pumping chambers of his heart, besides the other complications. "As in all cases a heart-lung machine was used for the surgery, but once the hole was sealed excess muscle and fibrous tissue had to be ‘chipped' from the outlet muscle." Sir Brian also told of a little-known procedure which was adopted with Bruce before his operation. He said dozens of pictures had been taken of the boy's heart, primarily through the use of a catheter. This, he explained, was a thin tube which had been inserted into an artery in Bruce's arm and pushed through to his heart. Oxygen tent By Friday Bruce was still in an oxygen tent. Slow progress caused his surgeon to maintain the treatment right up to the following day. He possessed his faculties, however, and could recognise his parents when they called. Ad Feedback "Never had he been able to join in games with his playmates at the Kapuni School. The slightest physical exercise would leave him gasping for breath," said Iris, who also now lives in Taupo. Her husband died some years ago. The announcement of the success of the surgery almost overwhelmed Bruce's mother and father as well his sisters Gail and Karen. For the first time in his life Bruce was a normal colour. "He lay there . . . looking at me . . . and smiled. His skin was pink, his fingernails were pink and for the first time I knew he was really a normal son," Iris said. Six weeks later Bruce was back home from Auckland bringing with him as a treasured souvenir - a small bottle containing the remains of the stitches inserted in his body at the end of the operation. "A nurse told Bruce he had enough cotton to knit himself a jersey. Bruce would be able to walk to school within a few weeks whereas before he would have been gasping for breath within 100 yards. Ten cousins called over the weekend to welcome him home including the Dixons of Kaponga (Helen, Brian, Carol, Trevor and Judith); and the Pikes from Hawera (Gloria, Lorraine and Christine). Now 50 years later, Bruce, a very fit 56-year-old, lives in Taupo with his wife Sandra and three adult sons Robert, Gavin and Denis. Retiring "Taupo has been my home for the last 34 years, and I was looking forward to retiring at 60, but now that has changed to 65. "If I got to 40 years of age I thought I was doing all right and anything after that was a bonus," Bruce said last week. A mechanic, Bruce works for the Stihl dealer in Taupo fixing up chainsaws and lawnmowers. As a 19-year-old Bruce had an accident on his motorbike badly injuring his arm and leg. It nearly scuttled his surgeon's hard work but lady luck has always been on Bruce's side. These days Bruce has done away with motorbikes and is restoring a 1970 Datsun Coupe as well as keeping his home and grounds up-to-date. "I've had no side-effects after the operation, although I did get a bit tired right up to my late teens," Bruce said. "When all the other kids at school were playing rugby and cricket on the weekends, I would be at home with my electric train and model aeroplanes." Bruce is still keen on his model aeroplanes but these days they are remote controlled. He is a keen member of a Taupo model aeroplane club. Sir Brian died aged 82 in 2006. - © Fairfax NZ News CLIFF HUNT- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 14:50 13/06/2013

State of grace(land)

By HELEN HARVEY helen.harvey@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki D


Elvis is not allowed inside the house. Or in the car, at work or down the pub. He is confined to the garage. And Hawera's biggest Elvis fan, Kevin David Wasley KD to his mates is quite happy about that.

He doesn't have tunnel vision. His whole life doesn't revolve around the king of rock 'n' roll. But part of it does ... and has done for more than 45 years.

KD was about 12 when he first heard Elvis Presley sing. But it wasn't until he saw what the singer looked like that he became totally hooked. He saw the cover of an EP record with a black-and-white head shot of Elvis taken side on.

"The way his hair hung down in front motivated me to find out what Brylcream was." Later, KD's parents banned mirrors from the house because he was always combing his hair.

His hair is gray now, but KD still has the same swished-back hairstyle. And he still has the sideburns.

Wife JJ has never known him without the sideburns, though his three now adult sons, David, Greg and Chris, once planned to shave one while their dad was sleeping. Their mother talked them out of it. Just as well, KD growls, or they would have been sleeping out here.

"Pictures From The Past-Taranaki"

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/NEW-ZEALAND/2003-09/1064983329

From: "Carol Spragg"
Subject: [NZ] "Pictures From The Past-Taranaki"
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 16:43:07 +1200

ISBN 1-877327-042
Chris Lonsdale,available at Whitcoulls $24.95

ANDERSON Dorothy, Kiore School via Stratford page 61
ARTHUR Family Beach House Opunake page 48
Avona Tearooms, Stratford page 58
BAKER Clarice Inglewood page 53
BARRY Sylvia Inglewood page 53
BEARD's Furniture New Plymouth page 17
BELL Francis Dillon Bell Block page 32
BRONS L Tailor High St, Eltham page 66
BYRN, STEVENS & Co Motor Mechanic & Engineer New Plymouth page 20
CAMPBELL Family Ihaia Rd, Opunake
CARRINGTON Frederic & Octavius page 8
CHEQUERS Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 13
Clarendon Hotel, Waverley page 84
Club Hotel Waitara page 34
CLOUGH Bert Inglewood Page 53
CLOUGH's Menswear & Drapery Inglewood page 53
Commercial Hotel, Stratford page 58
County Hotel, Stratford page 59
DENBIGH Road School via Midhirst page 51
DIXON Mr Hawera page 80
Dominion Hotel, Kaponga page 72
DUDLEY Mr Butcher Opunake page 44
"Egmont Post" newspaper, Stratford page 60
EATON Hilda Hawera page 80
EUSTACE Miss Rahotu page 41
EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
FAWCETT & HENDERSON Grocers Inglewood page 52
FORD Misses Hawera page 69
FRANK Ernie, Eva, Huiakama, page 9
FREWIN J Boot Importer Inglewood page 52
GRANT & Co Hawera page 76
GRANT George & Jane Kakaramea page 85
GRANVILLE V Bell Block page 32
HARROP's Clothiers Hawera page 81
HENDERSON & Fawcett grocers Inglewood page 52
HOPKINS Land Agent New Plymouth page 13
HUGHSON Thomas Pole Rahotu page 41
HUGHSON Geofrey Rahotu page 41
Huiakama School swimming pool via Stratford page 62
Huiroa school swimming pool via Stratford page 61
JACKSON's tank cleaning company page 47
JUDSON J Blacksmith Opunake page 44
KAKARAMEA Hotel Sth Taranaki page 85
KING A E Kaponga page 70/71
KING H C Albion Douglas Saddle via Stratford page 64
Kiore School, via Stratford pages 61 & 62
LARMAR Mary Inglewood page 53
LEPPER Maxwell Lepperton page 33
LIDDINGTON T G Art China & Crystal, Hawera page 80
Manaia Hotel, Manaia page 75
Masonic Hotel Waitara page 35
MASTERS E L & Co Toko, via Stratford page 63
McCORMICK & Co Funeral Directors, Hawera page 76
MERRION T Lepperton page 33
MOSS Pearl,Henry,Owen,Elizabeth, Keith Tataraimaka page 40
NGAIRE/NGAERE Gardens Stratford/Eltham page 65
NOLAN L A & Co, Auctioneers New Plymouth page15
Okau school North Taranaki page 37
Presbyterian Manse (1st) Stratford page 58
REESBY Bros, Butcher Westown, New Plymouth page 21
ROBERTSON Mrs Rahotu page 41
ROCHE Newton Inglewood page 53
ROGAN John page 8
SALTER T B car for hire, New Plymouth page 20
SARGOOD & EWEN New Plymouth pages 15 & 16
SHEPHERD's Tea Rooms New Plymouth page 15
SPENCE W Kaponga page 72
STEVENS, BYRN & Co Motor Mechanic New Plymouth page 20
Trocadero Hotel, Stratford page 58
SUTHERLAND Nip,saddler Inglewood page 54
Tarata Dairy Co via Inglewood page 54
TARRY James Inglewood page 54
Toko via Stratford page 63
TRIMBLE Robert Inglewood page 51
VINNICOMBE Mr piano tuner, Hawera page 80
WESTFIELD House, Eltham page 69
WESTWOOD G H Chemist Hawera page 81
WILKINSON C A General merchant Eltham page 67
ZINSLI Thos, Saddler Inglewood page 64

A century's worth of life well-lived

A Hawera centenarian celebrated her birthday in style last week. Margaret McNeil-Adams spent two days toasting her 100th birthday with family and friends. Born Margaret Isobel Morrison in Stratford on May 10, 1913, she spent most of her life in south and central Taranaki. The eldest of seven children born to Joe and Jean Morrison, Mrs McNeil-Adams dreamt of becoming a teacher. Training at the Auckland Teachers' Training College before the war, she returned to Taranaki to teach at many country schools including Auroa, Manaia and Otakeho. "During the Depression in the 1930s Margaret spent some time at Matemateaonga, east of Eltham, acting as a governess to two children," her sister Betty Morrison said. It was there that Mrs McNeil-Adams met her late husband Murray. Ms Morrison described her sister as a keen hockey player with plenty of energy. The couple had three daughters, Jennifer, Marion and Allison. The couple's youngest daughter, Allison, died in a Burmese plane crash in 1978. Allison and her husband Hugh Taylor were on a teaching sabbatical travelling the world. "What Murray and Margaret did was establish a lodge, Pokaka, near Tongariro," said Bill Morrison, her brother. "It's a place that secondary students can go and do skiing in the winter time." The legacy helped the family get through an otherwise traumatic and devastating experience, he said. She has seen four generations of her family and is a grandmother to five children and great-grandmother to seven. "Her granddaughter, Katherine, with her two small boys, have come over from Perth for the occasion," Ms Morrison said. Mrs McNeil-Adams is now a resident of Annie Brydon Rest Home but lived alone until well into her 90s. - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 10:40 16/05/2013

Local operators in tune

Ham radio operators will be setting makeshift camps nationwide this weekend in a bid to prove themselves the most skilled communicators. The "Jock White Field Days" are an annual emergency practice run for amateur radio operators throughout New Zealand. The two-day event sees about 50 teams set up temporary shelter and contact one another by ham radio voice call and morse code once every hour, explains Graeme Bateman, amateur radio operator. After the Hawera Amateur Radio Club won the event last year, Mr Bateman and fellow radio operator Gary Legge are confident the club is in with another chance this time around. "The most contacts you make, win the competition," Mr Legge said. "You've set up the best station." It is an important training process for potential disasters. "We are responsible for mountain communications and stuff like that, when climbers are in trouble on the south side of the mountain (Taranaki)," he said. "And naturally we can be responsible to provide radio communications in disasters when all other means have failed." Mr Bateman agrees. "In situations like Christchurch, they made great use of amateur radio operators because it was fairly difficult to get information in or out (of the city) for a while," he said. And besides, it is all great fun. "One of the advantages is that we can operate out of anywhere as long as we get access to a 12 volt battery," Mr Legge said. For the past 25 years, Hawera Amateur Radio Club has operated out of the Kakaramea School grounds and used their facilities for sleeping. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER -SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 11:05 20/02/2013

Friendly welcome home for couple

Robin and Kathy Bloor are home to roost after more than 40 years out of the region. A former racing journalist, Robin moved into hospitality about five years ago. The opportunity to head home to Taranaki appeared recently and it was too good to pass up. While Hawera is a bit smaller than their previous hometown of Petone, Wellington, they say it's proving to be just as warm and welcoming. "It had to be a business decision and Taranaki seems to be advancing in the recession, more so than a lot of other provinces," he said. A bit of research quickly confirmed that for the Bloors. "Taranaki ranks about third after Auckland and Wellington, so we know we had good occupancy figures," he explained. It helps that there are family and friends, including Mr Bloor's mother, that live in Hawera. A surprising number of guests have been old friends. "The town hasn't changed much over the years, it's got more supermarkets which is the most noticeable difference," he said. Another thing Mr Bloor has discovered is the way Glover Rd has become Hawera's second business hub. Mrs Bloor, a city girl at heart, is getting used to not having everything on hand 24 hours a day. "Everyone is so friendly. I've called in at shops and mentioned that I've just arrived and they are really friendly and helpful," she said. "It's been a great experience so far." - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER -SOUTH TARANAKI STAR

LAIRD HARPER Local and proud: Croucher & Crowder’s Bernie King has notched up 60 years at the engineering firm.

60 years not long enough for engineer

Spending close to a lifetime at the cutting edge of engineering isn't long enough for Bernie King. The 75-year-old has spent 60 years working for Hawera firm Croucher & Crowder, and given half a chance he would offer them 60 more. "I was here for the 25th, 50th and 75th anniversaries," he said. "I had offered my apologies, in advance, for the 100th. I am reconsidering that now." Starting out as an apprentice in 1952, at 15 years old, Mr King soon became a key figure in the company's success, including 25 years as managing director, as it expanded from 10 staff to 70 and became a nationally recognised enterprise. He was instrumental in erecting the vent stack on the Maui platform in the 1980s as engineers grappled with crane barges that couldn't reach. "For some years prior to the Maui oil field development we erected oil rigs for Shell Todd. They asked us to come up with an idea, so I designed a method which used the vent as the tower crane and built it up." It is these simple, yet sound, engineering principles which still hold Mr King's attention. "I just enjoy the challenges we have here." He has also designed and patented a golf hole groomer which has been patented in Britain, New Zealand and the United States. But his greatest legacy will be the 100 or more apprentices he has helped mould. "The most rewarding thing is to see what those apprentices have achieved elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas. "They hold very responsible positions in industries around the world. "It gives you a lot of pride." When he's not tinkering out back Mr King can be found on a golf course or with a fishing rod in his hands. He said his wife, Maureen, was more than happy for him to be at work and saw no need for him to retire just yet. As for that golf handicap - don't ask. - © Fairfax NZ News "I just enjoy the challenges we have here." LAIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 31/10/2012

THE history of Eltham

Caretakers of a district’s past Ray Cleaver | Thursday, September 30, 2010 12:28 THE history of Eltham and surrounding districts is in good hands but there’s a search on to find volunteers interested in preserving the past. In the iconic old Bank of New South Wales building on Bridge St, there is a massive repository of historical records, newspapers and photographs that chart the history of the area since early pioneering days. For 38 years a small group of dedicated people have assembled and stored a number of comprehensive and important collections of local people, buildings and events. Many people use the services of the society to search family history or learn more of the past. Even authors use the facilities to research for books. So lets look back at the history of the historical society. In 1972 the founding members decided to set up an organization, planning ahead to the 1982 centennial of the town. The founding members included Hazel Jenkins, Audrey de Jong, Jack Worthington, Joan Cherry, Dave Birchler, Jim Best and Russell Standish. They met at various venues around Eltham until 1974, when the Eltham Borough Council gave the society a home – rooms above the council chambers on Stanners St. They were housed there until 1999, when due to a generous grant from Taranaki Electricity Trust, they moved into the old Bank of New South Wales, where they reside today. The old bank was built in classic style in 1911 and is a fitting historic home for the society. The society’s collection of newspapers is impressive. In the 1970s the society became caretakers of the bound collection of Eltham Argus newspaper, dating from 1904 to 1967. These are an invaluable resource of information on the history of Eltham and are frequently referred to. They belong to Ian and Pauline Turpie. They have copies of the Taranaki News from 1875 to1882 and The Budget and Taranaki Weekly Herald of 1899 and from 1926 to 1932. They have a huge collection of Photo News magazines, from 1957 to 1974. About eight years ago they were given a collection of bound copies of Daily News newspapers, dating back from 1911. They are also caretakers of the Connell photographic collection. This contains about 300 glass plates, many of World War I soldiers plus hundreds of thousands of film negatives, Founder Nigel Connell began the collection in 1904 and Sheila and the late Paul Connell donated the collection in 2004 to be kept for posterity. The society has also amassed thousand of local photographs of local people and buildings, given by people and donated from estates. The fireproof vault in the bank contains school records of the district and many other precious documents. Over the years volunteers have spent countless hours putting together files, with photos, of thousands of World War I soldiers, of those who died, went missing in action or were wounded, soldiers from all over New Zealand. History is preserved on card files, microfiche, computer files, with obituaries and lists of early settlers, and almanacs from the 1800s. The most common enquiries come from people seeking family history. The society charges a modest $20 research fee and has a number of genealogists with wide experience of local and even worldwide research on family history. Some members belong to the Stratford Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists. There are 30 current members in the society and 10 of these work actively at the rooms. They are seeking more members to spread the work and make sure is it maintained, so if you are interested in history and expanding your world, phone Maureen, 7647172. The rooms are open every Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 3,30pm.

Sports ground lands grant

An uneven concrete wasteland is being turned into a multi-use sportsground at Hawera High School with the help of a $100,000 grant. A recent application to the Pelorus Trust has been approved, causing the allocation of one of the largest amounts the group has ever awarded. It is hoped that the work will start on the Bayley Park tennis and netball courts next month. HHS deputy principal Wendy Armstrong said it was hoped that the four netball courts, five tennis courts, two half-sized hockey pitches, which were perfect for training juniors, and the 200-metre practice running track will be open by the 2013 school year. "It will be good to use the facility again, it will be quite a good community asset," she said. The idea came from a conversation between the HHS sport head Pauline Hurley and sport and arts co-ordinator Jan Roberts about ways to better use the grounds. "There's no junior hockey in Hawera at all, so hopefully this will help the local hockey club," Mrs Hurley said. "We're delighted to have received this money." Pelorus Trust chief executive Scott Simmiss said it was important to the funding provider to ensure that funds raised in a local community are returned to that area. "This project was a perfect opportunity for us to make sure the money could go back to the local area," he said. The Pelorus Trust is a charitable trust based in Wellington that raises funds for charitable, philanthropic and sporting purposes with the operation of gaming machines. PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 09:54 18/10/2012

END OF AN ERA 106-year-old school closes after falling enrolment

Halls that once echoed with children's laughter fell silent as Ohangai School finally closed its doors for the last time on Saturday afternoon. The poignant moment was not lost on principal Liz Stewart who said writing the final chapter in the 106-year-old school's history book last weekend proved a difficult experience. Local iwi welcomed about 50 ex-students, families and residents to farewell what has always been far more than just a school to them. Ms Stewart said that it had always been a meeting place for the Ohangai community and would be sadly missed. The final student left the school on May 18 this year. Now moving to Ramanui School, Ms Stewart is excited to be teaching again. "It will be quite nice to get back into teaching to be honest, it's been too long without kids." She said the hardest part of the closing ceremony wasn't listening to old students, handing out certificates to the youngest and last students at the school or returning the old memorabilia to families who have donated things over the years. It was locking the gates. She said that was really tough. Ohangai School board of trustees chairperson Peter Carver said that while it was an emotional experience, the board's duties at the school were now finished. "I think the common theme from the day was that it's a bit of a sign of the times. "Really the future for the school is, if we can find someone else to occupy the building or try and make sure it's not going to become an eyesore and a constant reminder of what could have been," he said. He credited Ms Stewart for her work wrapping up the school over the past months. His greatest hope for the building is that it will now be used by another facility instead of being left to waste like so many other abandoned school buildings in Taranaki. "Hopefully ours doesn't follow the same path". Margaret Springett, a teacher aide at Ohangai School since 2000, said the experience has been "rough". "It's just sadness really, sadness that it's had to happen. "But, you do what you've got to do," she said. "You can't produce kids out of thin air." The process of cleaning up and preparing the school for closure has taught both Mrs Springett and Ms Stewart more about the school than they ever expected. Mrs Springett has found the experience humbling. "When you look through the photographs, you know that it's been a big and deep part of the community and you are grateful for that but the world is changing," she said. Ad Feedback She said while the community was upset, without enough children, there is no school. It is a problem many country school's are facing in modern times, Mrs Springett believes. "It's a real dilemma for parents, about whether to go with the modern trend or to bring your kids up individual." - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER- SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 10:01 18/10/2012

Citizens recognized for Community Contribution

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Last Wednesday (12 September) the Council held its biennial Community Awards ceremony at the Memorial Theatre in Hawera. The Awards, presented by Mayor Ross Dunlop and the Community Board chairs, are held to recognise the individuals and organisations in South Taranaki who, through their personal leadership, inspiration and devotion make a significant contribution to the well being of their communities. In opening the evening Mr Dunlop said one of the best things about being Mayor was the opportunity it gave him to meet so many citizens who are involved in doing good things for the community. “This is a caring community and I am always astounded by the many, many residents throughout our district that everyday are voluntarily helping in some way. It really is inspiring,” he says. And the statistics for the South Taranaki District confirm this. A survey of South Taranaki showed that 26% of our residents are involved in voluntary and community work. This compares with a national average of 11%. “I’m very proud to be a Mayor of a district that has so many community minded citizens,” says Mr Dunlop. This year the Community Awards were presented to: From Egmont Plains: Individual Volunteers - John Hosie, Ann Hickey, Lorna Katene, Josie Hinewaito Bigham and Matt Lash; Achiever – Tom Gibson, Initiative Community and Environment – Barbara Williams; and Volunteer Organisation – Opunake Board Riders Club. Hawera:Individual Volunteers - William Rumney, Bev Phillips, Jenny Kerrisk; Initiative Community and Environment – Ngairie and Gary Olsen; and Volunteer Organisation – Altrusa Hawera. Eltham: Individual Volunteers – Judith Rogers and Olwyn Duthie; Initiative Community and Environment – Eltham Community Action Group. Patea:Individual Volunteers – Grant Hurley, Gloria Tui, Dianne Frewin; Achiever – Peter Crawford; Volunteer Organisation – Patea Fire Brigade.southtaranaki.com/Council/News-Publications/Press-Releases---News-Articles/Citizens-recognized-for-Community-Contribution/

FORSYTH, Margaret Grace.

Margaret Grace FORSYTH Obituary FORSYTH, Margaret Grace. Died Sunday September 23rd 2012 surrounded by her family. Aged 84 years. Lifetime friend and wife of the late Athol, loved mum of Rachel and Alberico, Irene and Rob, the late Christine, and Bruce and Wendy. Treasured grandmother of Leandro, Amanda, Andre, Danica, Emma, Trent, and Samantha. Great grandmother to Grayson. Gone to be with her Lord and Saviour. A service for Margaret will be held at the Founders Chapel of Remembrance, Rickit Street, Taupo tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1.30pm to be followed by private burial. Messages to the Forsyth family, C/- PO Box 940, Taupo. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ Published in The New Zealand Herald on September 25, 2012 Athol was a maths teacher at Hawera High in the 60s.

Kindergarten a family tradition

One of Hawera's oldest kindergartens is celebrating it's 60th anniversary next month. The Hawera Kindergarten is hosting a weekend of fun to honour the achievement on October 19 and 20. Kindergarten committee treasurer Jo Hurley said she chose to send her children there for early childhood education because of her own treasured childhood memories formed at the Kauri Cres facility. "I had good memories of it," she said. It was a given choice for her family. Her mother Sue Taylor was a committee member there when Mrs Hurley was a small child. "We were here from 1977 to 84, I think it was the only kindy in those days," she said. While the facilities and toys have been updated over time, the place is still much as she remembers it. Sisters Charlotte and Hayley Quinn both have children now attending the facility, having also attended themselves during younger years. "It's easy, we share the load, I pick her children up and she picks mine up sometimes," said Hayley Quinn. Mrs Hurley and the Quinn sisters are hoping to see some of their old playmates turn out for the anniversary celebrations on Labour Weekend. The events start with an adults only quiz night on Friday, October 19, with a 1950's theme followed by a fun day at the kindergarten the next day. There will be a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting and a plaque unveiling. To register contact Tania Meyer at tania.rieg@gmail.com. - © Fairfax NZ News Kindergarten a family tradition PETRA FINER SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 12:10 19/09/2012 Never-ending fun: Jyle Meads, 4, in the sandpit at Hawera Kindergarten.

WILSON, JOSEPHINE ALICE (JOSIE) nee MacDONALD

Josie MacDonald was born on the 26 November 1932 at Hawera, the daughter of Robert and Grace Eleanor MacDonald nee Kivell. In 1945, Josie worked in Irene Rota (Powdrell)'s photography business as an after school job. Upon leaving school, she worked there full time until 1955 when her and a co-employee, Doris Watts, bought Irene out. Josie operated this business until 1965. On the 3 March 1959, she married Kevin Alexander Wilson, known as Bill, and were partners in a sportsgoods and bag shop in Hawera. Josie loved whitebaiting and fishing, and with Bill, spent many happy hours surfcasting at Kaupokonui Beach and trout fishing from their small boat on Lake Rotorangi. The Hawera Pony Club played a major role during their daughter's teenage years. Their pony, Hi-San giving them all much pleasure in and out of the showring. Josie was a member of the Hawera Astronomical Society and was often out "star gazing" from her back yard or at the observatory. She was also a very keen wine maker, and had won many prizes at local shows. Josie was a charter member of the Altrusa Club of Hawera. She was a quiet unassuming lady who went about her tasks in the same way - always willing. Josie had battled cancer for many years, with major and minor surgery and through her early traumatic experiences found the Cancer Society was in need of a support network for patients and so set the ball-rolling. Through her efforts, the New Zealand Cancer Support Group was put in place. Josie Wilson died on the 30 October 1992 at Hawera aged 59 years. SOURCE Val Stokes, Hawera (friend)http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sooty/josie.htm

Spoilt rotten' in quest for answers

A wave of public support has overwhelmed a Patea woman trying to right a 70-year-old family wrong. Topsy Gardner is heading to El Alamein this year after finding long-lost letters from her father from the frontlines of World War II. The 71-year-old never knew William Wereta, who died on the battlefield of El Alamein when she was nine months old. She, along with her family, believed he had died without writing them a single word. Her story in the Taranaki Daily News last week prompted an outpouring of financial support throughout the country. Mrs Gardner said she felt "spoilt rotten" by the generosity of so many strangers. "People have been ringing me and offering help but I don't know them," she said. "I want to cry every time they talk about those letters." For reasons taken to the grave, her mother's younger sister hid a dozen letters written by Mr Wereta from North Africa. Her mother died without knowing he had written to her. When the letters were found in her aunt's belongings two years ago, Mrs Gardner was left with more questions than answers. Now, she can find closure. "I will be able to bring those letters back to him." One man, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily News he wanted to help because he had made a similar pilgrimage a few years ago. He said her story had touched him and she deserved to go. The $7000, 16-day trip is being funded by the Patea RSA. It was hoped the community would also offer some assistance. Member Jim Baird said so far they had received "a very pleasing amount of money" from the community and Mrs Gardner would be well looked after. Mr Wereta was killed on October 26, 1942, while he was serving with the 28th Maori Battalion in one of the crucial battles of World War II. - © Fairfax NZ News LAIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 24/08/2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7538722/Spoilt-rotten-in-quest-for-answers

'Sleepy' Eltham waking up

A trip to Eltham is like taking a step back in time. Historic buildings line the town's two main streets and murals of times past decorate public places. Some buildings have been lovingly restored to their former glory but many sit empty and neglected. An informal survey of the main streets showed roughly 30 shopfronts were open and 20 were empty. Until recently this ratio was even worse, Eltham Business Association president Judith Rodgers said. "The place was looking quite dead," Rodgers said. But Eltham had transformed itself into a haven of boutique secondhand and craft shops in recent times. "It just did its own change into this lovely, crafty, recycling treasure trove of shops," Rodgers said. While this unique town identity was important, Eltham industries were the glue holding the town together, she said. "The industry here is great. "That's what keeps it all together I think." With two huge cheese-making plants Eltham is regarded as the cradle of the Taranaki dairy industry. Fonterra is the town's biggest employer with 700 staff, followed by the Riverlands freezing works which employs about 500. In the 2006 Census Eltham had a population of 1980 - two less than its 1951 Census population. Eltham Business Association president Rodgers said of the 92 businesses around Eltham 51 were members of the association. After eight years as president of the association Rodgers was now stepping out of the role. Eltham likes to think of itself as a town of firsts. It was the first town in New Zealand to have tarsealed roads and the first place to export butter to England and claims to have held the first ever World Axemen's Carnival. And now it's about to have another New Zealand first - a cheese-themed toilet block. Architect Bill Jackson said the concept was a homage to the town's cheese industry, arts culture and heritage. Another person preserving the heritage of Eltham is The Bank owner Barbara Valintine who owns an "eclectic vintage and retro chic" shop - one of many in Eltham. The former New Plymouth woman was drawn to Eltham by the building she now lives and works in. "This building seduced us," Valintine said of the bank her and husband Mark Bellringer restored. Built in 1916 the grand old bank was like "living in a little chateau", she said. Eltham was very much a destination town recognised for its secondhand and vintage boutiques, she said. Ad Feedback "I suppose it's a different style of shopping." Where that "style" came from she couldn't say. "I think it's just evolved somehow." Business had been steady since opening The Bank four years ago, she said. "This is the first winter I've noticed there has been a bit of a downturn in number of people but it's still ticking over." Like Valintine, Rhubarb Cafe owner Annette McGregor was also lured to Eltham by an old house she fell in love with and turned into a bed and breakfast. She then opened Rhubarb in June last year, shortly after her son, Brett, won MasterChef New Zealand, she said. Rhubarb's location on Eltham's High St was the perfect possie for a cafe, she said. "Foot traffic is amazing," McGregor said. Her only gripe was a lack of parking in Eltham. Eltham residents and New Plymouth visitors made up the majority of her business but there were also many from outside the region, she said. Winter was far busier than the summer months with Rhubarb's homely atmosphere and old fashioned baking enticing customers through its doors. About 90 per cent of the food sold at Rhubarb was made on site, she said. "It's just a nice warm atmosphere to come into and I think most of the shops reflect that in Eltham." She loved the current vibe of the town. "Eltham has a great spirit and we have some funky shops. "It's just a small town but it's a lovely town." While many shopfronts on the southern side of Bridge St may appear empty there is actually a hive of activity going on behind the paper-covered windows. Carac Couplings LaserJet NZ managing director John Burling has transformed numerous buildings into parts cutting and production plants. He now owns nearly a whole block of Eltham, slowly buying up the old buildings. Burling said Carac Couplings has the largest collection of presses in New Zealand and has 3500 products and parts in its production range. "We export all over the world," Burling said. "I would say there's no-one set up like us in Australia or New Zealand." He supplies metal parts to all sorts of industry from motor to services to dairy to oil and gas, he said. "We're purely into mass production and engineering." After 24 years in Eltham Carac Couplings now employs at least 40 people. Another two started last week "but we're always looking for more", Burling said. Burling's wife, Yvonne, and his three children help run the business. The best thing about working in Eltham was the low overheads, he said. "Overheads are always much less in a rural area." Property was cheap, transport easy and distribution to the rest of New Zealand fast and efficient, he said. "Everything for everybody is a lot less hassle." The downsides of living in Eltham - none according to Burling. "There's no disadvantages." Burling said he could not see business at Carac Couplings slowing down any time soon. "We've got huge growth rates for the next three to four years." Viv Scott, of McDonald Real Estate Eltham, said the house market in Eltham was slow at present with the average house priced between $120,000 and $130,000. But things were looking up with a few new faces about town. "There's still quite a bit of activity in Eltham," Scott said. "We're seeing a lot of strangers in town which is really cool. Things were a lot more positive in the village now than they had been for some time, she said. ELTHAM STATS Town population: 1980 (2006 Census) Number of Taranaki Chamber of Commerce members: 4 Shop fronts on High St and Bridge St: 30 tenanted, 20 empty Average house price estimated by McDonald Real Estate: $120,000 to $130,000. - © Fairfax NZ News JOHN ANTHONY Last updated 07:41 20/08/2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/business/7508324/Sleepy-Eltham-waking-up