FROM THE ARCHIVES
Every week South Waikato News delves into its archives for what was making news 10, 25 and 50 years ago. This week we found stories on a wearable arts fashion show, a compromisereached on council structure, and Santa rides elephant through town.
10 years ago Wearable art impresses crowd September 25, 2002 St Mary’s Wearable Art Competition was the most successful yet for the Putaruru show.
Thirty- seven entries delighted the crowd of 200 in the St Pat’s hall for a stunning and enjoyable night, competition spokeswoman Sheryl Van Dyk said.
Junior classes modelled their mask creations as proud parents cheered them on.
Judges Kelly Rugg, Anne Waterworth and John Martin had their work cut out for them choosing the winners in all four sections, making the most of extra time to make their final decisions.
‘‘ Most people commented that they were glad they were not judging and this in itself proves the high standards the students achieved,’’ Mrs Van Dyk said.
25 years ago Compromise on Council
structure August 25, 1987 A compromise has been rea- ched to clear the way for the establishment of a new South Waikato District Council.
In a significant concession the Tokoroa Borough Council agreed to a council make-up of eight seats while Putaruru township has three and the rural ridings four.
It took two-and-a-half hours for the Tokoroa Council to agree to an earlier proposal from Matamata County Council that a 8-4-3 ratio be adopted.
Earlier plans had a 7-4-3 ratio but Tokoroa insisted that this should change in its favour after agreeing to proposals for a community council to be based on Putaruru.
The new South Waikato District Council will comprise 16 members, including a mayor elected at large.
Following yesterday’s debate on the issue Tokoroa mayor Jim Elder, issued a three-page statement backing his council claim for greater representation on the new council.
He said Tokoroa had been opposed to the Putaruru proposal for a District Council.
‘‘If this is left unchallenged it will become a serious handicap and a deterrent to the development of a district council with district representatives and staff who think in district terms and make district policy,’’ Mr Elder said.
‘‘In the matter of district community councils, my council really wants no part of them.’’
50 years ago Santa to ride Elephant
through town December 13, 1962 The proverbial bull in the china shop tale will take a novel twist at Tokoroa next Monday afternoon when the Farmers Trading Company in Leith Place will have an elephant on display inside the shop.
The elephant, one of a team from a visiting circus, will carry Father Christmas in an elephant parade through the town and will later sit beside Father Christmas’ throne in the trading store.
Seven elephants will take part in the parade which will leave the government block at about 3.45pm and wend its way past the post office through Bridge and Roseberry streets and back to Leith Place.