TripAdvisor awards Tawhiti Museum top 10 travelers choice spot

Tawhiti Museum owner Nigel Ogle examines some of the figurines he is creating for an upcoming display, the recreation of images of troops traveling from Whanganui up the Waingongoro River in 1865 as painted by officer Edward Arthur Williams. Hawera's premier museum has proven itself popular on the world stage. Tawhiti Museum placed sixth in the TripAdvisor South Pacific top 10 travellers' choice museums list. Announced on September 16, museum owner Nigel Ogle said he was surprised but delighted to be named in the list, which includes mostly large budget museum's such as Wellington's Te Papa and Australia's MONA museum in Tasmania. "We do get some wonderful comments," he said. "They arrive and it obviously exceeds their expectations of little old Hawera and a little museum out in the country." The world's largest travel website, TripAdvisor identified 591 museums in the latest awards list using reviews and opinions posted on the website by travellers. Website chief marketing officer Barbara Messing said "these world-class museums provide an enriching experience that can be both inspiring and educational for travellers around the globe." Ogle said it was gratifying to know his museum stood out because he aimed for it to be both an art and history project. "Through the building of the life size figures and the scale figures, interpretation is the art part of it," he said. "Because it's only ever had one person at the helm from the day it opened until now... it looks cohesive." Ogle's displays were his vision of how history could and should be told. He said the goal was to present history in a way that people could relate to, that was interesting but still informed. "The figurines give it a social feel," he said. "The things in the museum are only of interest because they've been used by people." - Stuff http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/72304112/tripadvisor-awards-tawhiti-museum-top-10-travelers-choice-spot

Community minded Cunningham man of honour

In 2003 Hugh Cunningham set out to save Hawera's beleaguered Community Board. David Bruce Hugh Cunningham was a man of honour and integrity. The Hawera JP and former community board member died on Sunday. Friend Ross Corrigan said Cunningham's integrity was beyond question. "I had the highest respect for Hugh Cunningham." His friend was straight up, Corrigan said. "If he said that was a deal it was done. He was one of the old school, if he said something that was it." The Cunningham family business was AB Cunningham and Co in Waverley. Cunningham moved to Hawera and took over Lewis Motors in the early 1960s, Corrigan said. "My father and I had a really good relationship with him and bought a number of vehicles and tractors from him." Cunningham became a Justice of the Peace in September, 1980, and for a time Corrigan was president of the Association, he said. "During the time I held office there, there were a number of confidential things I chose to discuss with him and his wise counsel I very much appreciated. Hugh's knowledge of the role of JPs was excellent. He was very much involved on the court panel and served on the bench." Cunningham was highly respected by everyone, he said. Former South Taranaki mayor Mary Bourke said Cunningham was a committed member of the community with a strong sense of justice. "The thing I've always respected about him was he was a decent man with a just a fundamental sense of honour. He had extremely high standards which he maintained himself and his family, but he also recognised those things in other people." Cunningham was on the Hawera Community Board from 1995 to 2004, and was the deputy chairman from 1998 to 2001, and chairman from 2001-2004. "He was totally committed to maintaining a recommended standard and level of health service and was a regular submitter on that to the DHB," Bourke said. He was also active behind the scenes nominating others for recognition, she said. "All of those people from South Taranaki who won New Zealand awards could almost guarantee Hugh was behind it somewhere." South Taranaki JP Association registrar Nicki Luxton sent a letter to members saying Cunningham's wisdom, friendship, and huge contribution to the association would be missed. "He was responsible for the peer review of our Judicial Justices. He would sit in the court room and watch those of us on the bench at that time. Hugh's written comments were always helpful and constructive. "His knowledge and understanding of the application of the law meant that he was an excellent mentor to those studying to become a Judicial Justice, another role he undertook." http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/72540440/community-minded-cunningham-man-of-honour - Stuff

Johanna Mary (Joan) KAVANAGH Notice | Condolences Johanna Mary (Joan) KAVANAGH Notice KAVANAGH, Johanna Mary (Joan). Passed away on the 4th June 2015 at Trinity in her 95th year. Dearly loved daughter of the late Laurence and Margaret Kavanagh. Loved sister and sister-in-law of Margaret Gutierrez, Brendan, Patricia, Marie and the late Bishop John, Patrick, Catherine Mahony, Robert, Timothy, Desmond and Sr Maria. Cherished Aunt of her loving nieces and nephews. Requiem Mass for Joan will be celebrated at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Hawera on Monday 8th June at 1.00pm followed by interment at the Hawera Lawn Cemetery. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 6.30pm Cleggs Funeral Services FDANZ Hawera South Taranaki - See more at: http://notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary.aspx?n=johanna-mary-kavanagh-joan&pid=175006879&fhid=12733#sthash.luzC8LHW.dpuf

Mary Cook

Mary COOK Death(Archived) Published in Taranaki Daily News from Mar. 12 to Apr. 9, 2015 First 25 of 75 words: COOK, Mary: SOUTH TARANAKI PAKEKE LIONS It is with much sorrow we learned of the passing of Social Member Mary Cook on Sunday March 8,... COOK, Mary: On Sunday 8th March 2015, peacefully at Trinity Home and Hospital Hawera, in her 92nd year. So dearly loved and loving wife of Ray (d. Oct. 2009), and loved mother and mother in law of Marie McLeod (Nelson), Freeman and Lesley... Share Memories and Condolences + Read Obituary Published in Taranaki Daily News from Mar. 11 to Mar. 12, 2015 Create a Memorial Website - See more at: http://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/obituary-search.aspx?daterange=180&countryid=12&stateid=217&affiliateid=3333#sthash.PFDfCaFO.dpuf Ray and Mary had the hairdresser shop next to our shop - High St Hawera 1950s-60s

Bhanumati Govind Sukha RAVJI

Bhanumati Govind Sukha RAVJI RAVJI, Bhanumati Govind Sukha. It is with much sadness in our hearts that we said goodbye to our loved mum, mother-in-law and Dadi/Nana who passed away peacefully on 15th May 2015 at Te Hopai Home and Hospital, aged 83. Formerly of Hawera, Palmerston North and currently of Wellington. Loving and devoted wife of the late Govindbhai Sukhabhai Ravji, and mother and mother- in-law of Savita and Chhotu (Joe) (Hawera), Gita (Stratford), Tara and Gerish (Huntly), Rajesh and Luana (Wellington), Chandra and Nayna (Hawera), Kusum (Wellington), Vanita and Khandu (Wellington), Sunder and Dean (Wellington). Much loved Momai, Nana and Dadi of Krishna, Nikhil and Daksha, Brendon and Kim, Anita and Brendan, Mahendra and Anita, Rakesh and Rosa, Jayshari and Andrew, Pritika and Dhermesha, Tejas and Malika, Grayson and Cody. Great Grandmother of her 10 great grandchildren. Much loved Ben of Nanubhai and family (England), Pyarelalbhai and family (Canada), Jayntibhai and family (England), Bhagwatiben and family (England), the late Santiben Gosai, Keshiben and family (India). Rest in peace. Om shanti, shanti, shanti. No flowers please. Donations to Te Hopai Home and Hospital would be appreciated. All communications to the Ravji Family, P O Box 12526, Thorndon Wellington. 96 Onepu Road, Lyall Bay Wellington. A service will be held at the Cockburn Street Chapel, corner Onepu Road and Cockburn Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington on Tuesday 19th May 2015 at 11.00am, followed by a private cremation. logo Published in The New Zealand Herald on May 18, 2015 - See more at: http://notices.nzherald.co.nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/obituary.aspx?n=Bhanumati-Govind-Sukha-RAVJI&pid=174879255#sthash.5pK3aMXg.dpuf

SAVAGE, Adrian (Garth)

Adrian SAVAGE SAVAGE, Adrian (Garth): Passed away this day 2 years ago 13th May 2013. Still hard to believe you have left us, would love to have a chance for one more beer and a laugh with you. So often during my day to day chores I do things that remind me of you in so many ways, thank you for all the everlasting memories. - Miss you ~ love Gary and Lyn, Carl, Corey and Kayla. Published in Taranaki Daily News on May 13, 2015 - See more at: http://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/obituary.aspx?n=adrian-savage&pid=174842638#sthash.u3W3Wzig.dpuf Memories of Hawers Main 1960s

Raymond George BURT

Raymond George BURT "Having grown up next door to Ray and Olive, they were like..." - Sarah & Richard Underwood BURT, Raymond George (Ray): Peacefully at Telford Rest Home on Sunday 10th May, 2015. Aged 101 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Olive Lorraine for 76 years. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Noeline and Stan Hawkins (both deceased), Betty and the late Ron Parker. Loved father and father-in-law of Lorraine and Athol Gordon (Mt. Maunganui), Derek, Dawn and Geoff Evans, Kearrin and Robyn (all of Bell Block). Dearly loved PopPop of his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations to Telford Rest Home would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages can be sent to the Burt Family, C/- PO Box 4016, New Plymouth or to www.heavenaddress.com A celebration of Ray's life will be held in the Chapel of W. Abraham, 366 Devon Street East, New Plymouth on Saturday 16th May, 2015 at 10.00am. Interment to follow at Hawera Cemetery. logo Published in Taranaki Daily News from May 13 to May 15, 2015 - See more at: http://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/obituary.aspx?n=raymond-george-burt&pid=174842604&fhid=12705#sthash.WJDSXey2.dpuf Friday, 15 May 2015 Having grown up next door to Ray and Olive, they were like second grandparents to us. Have many fond memories that will forever be remembered. Thinking of all the family at this sad time xxx From the Underwood (nee Froome) ~ Sarah & Richard Underwood, Matamata, Waikato Contact Me Thursday, 14 May 2015 Sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of your dad. ~ Robin Bloor, Hawera Wednesday, 13 May 2015 Our thoughts are with you. Love from Ross, Marilyn, Bradley and Kelly. ~ Ross & Marilyn, Victoria Wednesday, 13 May 2015 Fond memories of Ray, a true gentleman. ~ Alison Turner, New Plymouth, Taranaki - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/taranaki-daily-news-nz/raymond-george-burt-condolences/174842604?cid=full#sthash.XRlbWmxS.dpuf

Mary Frances KAVANAGH

Mary Frances KAVANAGH KAVANAGH, Mary Frances (Maria): Loved daughter of the late Laurence and Margaret, 60 years with the missionary sisters of service in Australia, died recently in Melbourne. Beloved sister of deceased Bishop John and Patrick, Catherine Mahony, Robert, Timothy and Desmond. Cherished sister of Johanna, Margaret Gutlerrez, Brendon and in-laws Patricia and Marie. Much loved aunt of all her nephews and nieces. The faithful servant now abides with the Lord. Published in Taranaki Daily News on May 8, 2015 - See more at: http://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/obituary.aspx?n=mary-frances-kavanagh&pid=174806818#sthash.crld3ZUX.dpuf Memories of the Kavanagh Family mid 1960s - RIP

LATTA, Jocelyn Ruth:

Jocelyn Ruth LATTA "Stevie,Sharon and Milton. sorry I couldn't be there. Pete" - Pete Walker LATTA, Jocelyn Ruth: At Chalmers Rest home on 4 May 2015 aged 82 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Ralph Latta. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sharon and Peter, Stephen and Carol and Milton and Suzette. Dearly loved Grandmother of Kelly, Aaron, Amber, Celeste, Nicole, Tyler , Grace and Sienna and loved great-grandmother to Ayla. In lieu of flowers, donations to New Plymouth Stroke Support Trust would be gratefully appreciated and maybe left at the service. All messages to Sharon Bevins C/O PO Box 4016 New Plymouth or you can visit www.heavenaddress.com and share your message for the family. A celebration of Jocelyn's life will be held in St Andrews Presbyterian Church New Plymouth on Saturday 9th May 2015 at 1.30pm, this will be followed by a private committal service. Published in Taranaki Daily News from May 6 to May 9, 2015 riday, 8 May 2015 To Steve and Carol and the extended family. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.We have fond memories of many great times spent together in our youth and with Jocelyn . Greg & Jude Keegan and family ~ Judith Keegan, Stratford, Taranaki Contact Me Friday, 8 May 2015 Please accept our deepest sympathy in your sad loss Peter, Sharon and family. Loving thoughts and hugs to you all, from Marg Clare & family, Stratford ~ Margo Clare, Stratford, Taranaki - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/taranaki-daily-news-nz/jocelyn-ruth-latta-condolences/174788827?cid=full#sthash.AWgfdUCe.dpuf - See more at: http://deaths.taranakidailynews.co.nz/obituaries/taranaki-daily-news-nz/obituary.aspx?n=jocelyn-ruth-latta&pid=174788827&fhid=12705#sthash.WO3Dktc2.dpuf Fond Memories of brownie/girl guide days of the mid 1960s. 50 years have passed by RIP

Harvests of past being re-enacted

A live museum of harvesting and farm life from early last century, including equipment from Central Taranaki, will be in action at Brixton this weekend for vintage hay day. The event is held every two years by the Taranaki Vintage Machinery Club, and this year the Huirangi School community is helping host the event and provide the traditional country hospitality. The weekend is set back 60 or 70 years, to show what farm life was like at harvest time in the 1930s to 1950s, said club president Dave Hunger, Stratford. "It's for families, an opportunity for grandparents to bring grandchildren to see what farm life used to be like." The hay day is being held on Colin and Viv and Peter and Brenda Honnor's farm at 300 Waitara Rd. It will be signposted from the corner of SH3 and Waitara Rd at Brixton. They had sown and grown a paddock of oats which would be reaped, stacked in sheaves and threshed over the weekend, he said. There would also be plenty of hands-on experiences for children, who could have a go at turning various handles to shuck corn, grind grain and pat the Clydesdale horses. There would be craft demonstrations, various rides and plenty of food stalls. Other attractions include maypole dancing displays, coal ranges fired up to bake scones and demonstrations of haystack making. "Building a haystack is a skill that is only known by a few older men now," he said. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/66380220/Harvests-of-past-being-re-enacted

Last calls at the Railway Tavern

We lived behind the Railway Hotel in the 60s - and it was always noisy - 6 o'clock closing in those days. RIP Railway Hotel. Last calls at the Railway Tavern PETRA FINER Last updated 05:00 18/10/2014 A century of pulling-beers will end today as an old Hawera watering hole closes for the final time. The 133-year-old Railway Tavern has been sold, taking it out of the hands of the McLeod family for the first time in 100 years. Tavern manager Alison Judkins said some very teary-eyed customers had crossed the pub's doorway during the last week of trading. "It's like a big family splitting up, they'll all be going in different directions. It's been a real meeting place for the elderly," she said. Peter McGlinchey has visited the establishment three times a week for more than five years. He said many a world issue had been solved over a beer and a chat. "I renamed this place the ‘house of knowledge'," he said. "If somebody has a problem, they come in and tell someone and it's not just their problem anymore." Tavern owner Mary McLeod, Wellington, said it was an emotional time. "I feel the responsibility of closing a business that has been in the family so long," she said. "I just think it is the end of an era not for me personally but for hotels as they used to be and no longer are." McLeod's grandfather John Comber Harrington bought the hotel in 1913 after inheriting half a million pounds. He died in 1924 and his wife took over until her death in 1947. Their son Jack took over until 2007, changing it from a hotel to a tavern. It has had 15 owners. The tavern is holding a last hurrah today and will host a cash-and-carry chattel auction on Wednesday, October 22. The facility's new owner, Hawera's Roydon Collingwood, was not prepared to say what was next for the building. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/10632148/Last-calls-at-the-Railway-Tavern

Aiming for top at 81

An octogenarian is breaking down barriers and paving new pathways. Hawera's Daphne Keighley is the New Zealand Savage Club's first dominion executive, gaining the hot seat at a recent national annual meeting. Keighley has her eyes on the presidential badge and estimates that she should be the country's first woman to make it to the top. It has been her goal since 1975 - long before women were even allowed to be members of the group. "It'll be great if I can," she said. Keighley's husband George, now deceased, was rangatira (Taranaki-wide president) from 1976-77 and dominion president (New Zealand-wide) from 1990 to 1992. Not wanting to miss out on all the fun, Keighley and some of the other wives of Savage Club members had formed their own Wahine Club in 1975. Based on the same principles of performance, fellowship and charitable works, the Wahine met every month for 25 years. In 2001 they disbanded; the Savage Club had changed its policy to allow women to join during the 1990s and Keighley felt it was her time to shine. She joined both Hawera and Eltham's Savage Clubs and worked her way through the ranks. In 2009 she became Taranaki's first female rangatira, an office she held until 2012. As dominion executive, the 81-year-old has to work her way through junior vice-president and senior vice-president roles before she can take her place as the country's first female Savage Club lead. Keighley said she should be on track to take office when she is 88 years old. "It takes you about six years or so, you've got to work yourself up," she said. But she has never shied away from the work it takes. The friendship, opportunities to perform, and the chance to be a part of something special have always drawn her towards the Savage Clubs' structure. - Taranaki http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/10433396/Aiming-for-top-at-81 PETRA FINER PETRA.FINER@DAILYNEWS.CO.NZ Last updated 11:33 28/08/2014

Church to celebrate centenary

Waitara Knox Church centennial celebrations organing committee members met yesterday to discuss plans for the church's 100 year celebrations being held over Labour Weekend. From left, Janet Finer (committee member), Lynette Hodge, (Elder) Ian Finer, (Elder) John Hodge (Elder) and Graham Armstrong (Elder) and Session clerk. Waitara's Knox Presbyterian Church is ringing up 100 years next month and will celebrate with three days of festivities. The world was at war when the church opened its doors for the first time on Waitara's Grey St on October 21, 1914, and the wooden building weathered time and the elements until earthquake concerns required its replacement. The modern building now on the site, which opened in early 2013, is much more than a church. Boasting a basketball court, gym, childrens' play centre, offices, a conference room and a large auditorium, the church elders look on it as a a community hub as much as a place of worship. Labour Weekend, just a couple of days after the actual anniversary date, has been selected as the time to stage the celebrations. After an informal meet and greet on the evening of Friday, October 24, things kick off in earnest Saturday morning with the cutting of the anniversary cake followed by lunch. In line with the church's support of democracy in all things, the events for Saturday afternoon will be decided by a vote. Options might include egg and spoon races, things the whole family can enjoy or maybe a bus tour. A dinner dance will follow on Saturday night, and the usual Sunday morning church gathering will see ministers who served the church in past years taking part in a special thanksgiving service. Those interested in attending the centenary celebrations or getting further information can contact Lisa Parsons at lisa@waitara.org.nz or phone the church at 06 754 4356. Jeff Stone is a Witt journalism student - Taranaki Daily News http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/10462674/Church-to-celebrate-centenary

Maori Quartet brings past flooding back

On Thursday night I spent an evening with The Modern Maori Quartet. And by the time I left the TSB Showplace Theatre I felt I had stepped out for an evening with my grandfather, father, uncles and cousins. A nostalgic couple of hours being swept away by the melodies, harmonies, a degree of suaveness sprinkled with a healthy dose of humour that epitomised those gentlemen whose memories linger in my heart. I was expecting a revamped version of the Kontikis or Howard Morrison Quartet, and was pleasantly pleased to be transported back in time by classics that paid tribute to some of my childhood musical heroes. When I closed my eyes I was half expecting my father to be holding out his hand ready to sweep me into a slow waltz on the dance floor. Crooning is an art that many young musicians today have yet to fully value, but when it gets delivered with the panache of seasoned performers I'd suggest they should take notice. With a combination of 20 years' acting, song writing and musicianship, The Modern Maori Quartet have got that entertainment appeal that goes beyond just good singing. Described as fried bread with golden syrup, for that first-bite, yummy sensation, they definitely bring that good vibes factor into their performance. But it would be unfair to say this show is just based on past Maori Cabarets acts. Filtering through their programme were more modern, familiar tunes; Baby I've been watching you set the scene for original songs that have the potential to be iconic for a new generation; that lazy Sunday afternoon kind of feel that has your cousins reaching for their guitars. Hitting our screens tonight as part of the TVNZ variety show Happy Hour, The Modern Maori Quartet will be the show's resident act. No doubt their obvious entertainment value will increase, but I suspect the show will only give the viewers just a sample of their talent. And being at a Maori party might just become fashionable. But if you want a night out with your dad even if he is no longer around, get to one of their performances. You will hear him humming along with you. - Taranaki Daily News AMOKURA PANOHO Last updated 05:00 06/09/2014

Fallen locks show teens' priority

A group of Hawera High School students will feel the cold in the next few weeks as they get used to their new looks. Nine students agreed to have their heads shaved, and one decided to wax his legs, for donations from friends and family for the school's annual Shave-a-thon to raise funds for the cancer society. Year 12 student Ethan Arbuckle dedicated his falling locks to his granddad, who was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago. Arbuckle was "a bit more comfortable" shaving his hair for a second year running. While, Riana Robinson's effort last year inspired Nikita Barry to get in behind the event this year. However, when the clippers were going through her hair, she wasn't too sure what she had committed herself too. "I was thinking what have a put myself into. I'm going to have no hair for a while," she said. Crowd favourite, Stewart Melrose was too in love with his hair, so decided to wax his legs. "I waxed my legs instead because I figured it would be a laugh and deep down I couldn't part with my hair." Although the 17-year-old wasn't laughing as the wax strips came off. He was in tears of pain, leaving him thinking, "what am I doing with my life." "I honestly have full respect to anyone who waxes their legs 'cause that stuff hurts," he said. Melrose said the pain he put himself through was worth every cent he made. "It's for a really good cause, and it was all worth it to raise money for cancer." Melrose raised $600 for the event with the help of friends, family and teachers who paid as much as $50 to pull a wax strip from his legs. It was his first time involved with the shave-a-thon, but he is considering doing it next year, when he may even part with his hair. Teacher-in-charge Anna Campbell said each year the event gets bigger and better. "I'm super impressed with how the whole school has got in behind everyone." We already have kids asking ‘can we sign up for next year'." The school set a fundraising target of $4000, which doubled with door sales of more than 350 students who filled the school hall to watch and other fundraising. - TaranakiOLIVIA WATT Last updated 09:57 04/09/2014

Murray loves to roll up sleeves

Murray loves to roll up sleeves CLIFF HUNT- TARANAKI STAR Last updated 11:44 28/08/2014 Star manager Cliff Hunt , who worked his way up from the shop floor, talks with people who don't mind getting their hands dirty - the kind of people who make South Taranaki a great place to live. -------------------- Forty-five years is a long time at one place - and still loving every minute of it is local joiner Murray West of Arthur Brown Construction. "I can remember two dates," Murray said, "May 8, 1967 when I first started work for Waipari Timber; and August 4, 1969 when I started with Browns." Murray has had two jobs, starting his apprenticeship with Waipari before he was transferred to Arthur Brown Construction, and has been to two schools - Manaia Primary and Hawera High School. In the early days, Murray, whose parents farmed on Roundbush Rd, Manaia, had to get up early to bike to Manaia, catch the Egmont Tourist Bus to Hawera. And then do the same to get home. After bussing and biking for a few years Murray bought his first car- a 1967 Volkswagen. In 1969, when he first started work for Browns, the joinery manager was Bruce Oakes and 14 years later, when he retired, Murray took over his job. He held the position for the next 27 years before he stepped down to go back to the shop floor. Now the joinery manager is Jason Cameron, who was one of Murray's apprentices. "I just love being back on the ‘bench' - working with my hands again. A lot of solid timber was used in the early days but now Melteca, custom-wood and aluminium is used. But it has made the job a lot easier," Murray said. These days Murray, besides working for Browns, runs a Bed and Breakfast on Waihi Rd with his wife Christina. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/10433395/Murray-loves-to-roll-up-sleeves

Band brassed off Building full of borer

Band brassed off Building full of borer LAIRD HARPER- TARANAKI STAR Last updated 09:13 31/07/2014 Hawera's Brass Band is refusing to go quietly into the night after a seismic report found significant deficiencies in its building. An investigation, commissioned by the band, found the building had a seismic capacity of just 3 per cent of the new building standard (NBS). All public buildings need to be at least 34 per cent of the NBS. Band chairwoman Christine Cameron said the report was a significant body-blow as the club's future was now on a knife edge. She said having just pulled the club out of a rut that saw the club struggle to find members, they were nothing short of "despondent". "We work so hard to do concerts and raise enough money so we can pay our rates, gas bills and musical director, and then this goes and happens." Cameron said it was a pivotal moment in the club's history and they would not go quietly into the night. She said their only choice was to knock the building down, which could cost up to $18,000, and start again. However, in the short term they needed to find a place to rehearse and store their gear because many members were unwilling to enter the building. "Unless someone hands us a cheque for $250,000 I don't know what the long-term prospect will be. "Obviously we are going to have to fun raise and work hard to secure some solid foundations again." Cameron said no matter what their plan was they needed to get out of the building they had owned since 1979. "We have to leave the building for the safety of ourselves and public liability," she said. Cameron said the "beams were so full of borer" the engineer "wouldn't even touch one", and members of the public had seen the walls flex in a strong wind. "With those two recent earthquakes the cracks on the exterior have also opened up." Cameron said the building remained open to the public but they had hung a "enter at your own risk" sign. South Taranaki District Council's building control manager Andre Phillips said they were yet to receive the report or see any of the recommendations contained within it. "Once we have received a copy of their engineer's report, council will be in a position to advise the Hawera Pipe Band on possible options and actions going forward." He said much like Everybody's Theatre in Opunake they will work with the group. Cameron said there was a flicker of light at the end of the band's tunnel as they were currently going through the process of securing a new musical director. She said if it wasn't for that negotiation process all would be lost. http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/10331666/Band-brassed-off

Katrina's Pop Snapple Crack

Katrina's Pop Snapple Crack (Honey Crackle) We have made honey crackle in our family ever since i was a child. Mum use to let us help her make it always, so i like to now make it with my kids :) Ingredients 100grams of butter 1/4 cup of sugar 4 to 5 heaped table spoons of honey 4-5 cups of rice bubbles Method Put the butter, sugar and honey on the stove until all dissolved together on a medium heat. When it is all dissolved turn off stove and add your cups of rice bubbles. Mix together and lay in a buttered tray and put in the fridge until firm.

The Pictures At OKato

Hi, have some stories to share from a lovely lady called Lois Le Bas (nee Moorby) from round the coast. A few years older than us but her stories still the same a few years later than we can relate to This is priceless The Pictures At OKato Thursday nights were special. Thursday night was ‘Picture’ night. The ‘Flicks’ as the boys as school called it. This was our weekly treat. Very rarely did we not go. It was hustle and bustle to get milked and the tea and the dishes done and get dressed up and get going. Half past 7 we were in the car and by a quarter to 8 we would be sitting in our seats – waiting!!!! It was a wonderful feeling when you were small – the waiting. The hall was all set up with long wooden moveable seats, which were dragged into rows from around the edge of the hall where they were usually lined. When I was younger I used to sit in the front row of backless forms but each year I moved back a row as other smaller kids came to the front. And the third row back had backs on the seats. We made for our friends and we always sat in the same place but back a bit every year. This is where we would head for as soon as we got into the hall. This was the Hempton Hall. It was built in 1906 as a memorial to a Captain Hempton who died in the Boer War. The land that the hall sits on was given to Okato by his mother. It always was a beautiful big hall and over the years it has been meticulously maintained and I am sure it is the biggest country hall in Taranaki today. Mum and Dad would sit in the centre seats, right in the middle of the hall. If I turned around I could always see Dad sitting on the end of the seat. And so that was how people sat. The young ones in the front. The Mum’s and Dad’s in the centre so they could keep an eye on you. And as you got older you ended up in the back portion. This is where all the young couples sat. There was one couple who always used to sit in the back row. They were a young married couple and they were always canoodling. When the lights went off the music of “God Save the King” came on and everyone stood up while it played. At every function back then, the Anthem would be played. And then the ‘Pictures’ would begin. All the waiting – all the excitement – at last!!!!!!! There was always a newsreel first. Always covering the World News. And all black and white of course. Then there was always a serial. Oh these were exciting!!! Just 5 minutes and then it would all be over. Always leaving you on the edge as something awful was going to happen to the heroine or the Star of the show. There was Tarzan! There was The Lone Ranger! There was Jungle Man! It was exciting stuff and we just couldn’t wait for the next week to see what happened. After the serial we usually had a Cartoon. We thought these were so funny. Mickey Mouse and Pluto and the like. And then half time. There would be a rush outside and over the road to Durdle’s dairy on the corner. The little shop would be crammed full, and people would all be wanting an icecream. Picture night was not picture night unless you had an icecream at halftime. And so great big boys and little wee girls like me would be pushing their way to the counter wanting to be served. It was the same every picture night. There were only ice creams in cones. For twice the money you could buy a Chocolate covered one on a stick. And there were iceblocks on sticks. After a while Mr Durdle used to scoop the ice creams before the rush so that he could serve the first rush quickly. When I was older a lady from the school tuckshop set up a lolly stall in the cloak room every picture night and you could buy icecreams on sticks from her so it wasn’t such a mad rush to Durdle’s any more. And so once again we settled into our seats for the main feature. There was no colour until I was 12 or so and then not always. Colour was a novelty. No matter what film was on we enjoyed them. It was just the novelty of having a night out. One night there was a story about the dog Lassie. Lassie was in strife and was hurt and was just lying there looking dead. My cousin Paul was with us that night. He would have been about 6. In the dark with only the light of the picture to guide him he got up out of his seat in the front and walked out. As he passed Dad on the end seat further back, Dad recognised Paul and grabbed his arm. “Where’re you going?” says Dad. “Dog’s dead. I’m going home!” was the reply. That story will never die!!! It has been told and told over the years. Often there would be breakdowns. All of a sudden the hall would be pitch black and nothing on the screen. This is when the feet would start clattering on the floor. Everyone would be showing their displeasure by clattering with their shoes. No rubber soles and sneakers then. Always leather shoes with heel plates to make the soles last longer. So the clattering was pretty loud!!! And why the break down? Well, the films came on big reels and the same reels went around all the country halls and so sometimes they would break. Then the projectionist would have to splice it together somehow and get it running again. Sometimes the film would start running back to front. Clatter Clatter Clatter again!! This would be because the previous projectionist had not rewound the film before sending it on to the next hall. With the advent of Television – the Thursday night pictures drew to a close in the early 60’s.

HHS

photo taken at the 75th HHS jubilee with Hilary Goodall who left HHS at the end of 1970. She taughtFrench and was the Senior Mistress at HHS. She left to do missionary work in Africa. "Elise Foreman, Mary O'Donnell kneeling next to Hilary with Mary Instone (O'Donnell) on the other side. Behind her is Audrey Young who is a senior political reporter for the NZ Herald and Mairi Paige (Stockwell) who now lives in South Australia.