FROM THE ARCHIVES
Every week the South Waikato News delves into its archives to see what was making the news 10, 25 and 50 years ago. This week we found stories on a local film-maker producing a film in his own backyard, dumped puppies repulse local SPCA and a housewife kn
10 years ago Perfect set is home for film-maker Welby Ings
January 15, 2003 Holed up in a half-round hay barn in the South Waikato is not exactly where one would expect to find a film-maker at work.
But for Welby Ings, it makes absolute sense.
There’s plenty of talent and the location and scenery are perfect, said Mr Ings. But most of all, it’s home. Raised in Arapuni and Puketurua, and now living in Auckland, Mr Ings is thrilled to bring home his latest project, a 15-minute silent film entitled Boy.
‘‘Why should people from the cities have all the opportunities?
‘‘There are many talented people down here,’’ he said.
Mr Ings has written several films for British television including Waikatomade The Coopers, published several short stories and educational books, written for Radio New Zealand and exhibited his art work.
But this is his first film made with an all New Zealand cast, crew and location, and one he is very proud of.
Local amateur actors include John ten Velde, Matt Risbridge, John Hendrikse, Auriol Farquhar and students from Putaruru High School.
Scenery will include Arapuni’s Hora Hora Road and Putaruru High School. 25 years ago Puppy abuse July 5, 1988 Tokoroa SPCA officials have been disgusted by the dumping of four abused puppies at the Kinleith wood dump yesterday.
The four 5- week old puppies were found at the dump yesterday morning in a paper bag.
The doberman-cross puppies were suffering from severe ringworm and were emaciated.
SPCA president Mrs Shirley Croxon said the abuse is inexcusable. ‘‘We’re very angry. ‘‘It’s one of the most cowardly and disgusting ways to treat an animal,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s absolutely horrific.’’ She believed the puppies had been left to die, and if they had not been found they would have suffered a slow, painful death.
Three of the puppies were black and one was brown, she said.
Because they were so ill, the puppies have since been euthanased.
Had the SPCA known that the puppies were not wanted, efforts could have been made to find new owners, she said.
50 years ago Woman disturbs prowler
March 28, 1963 A prowler discovered on an Inveresk Pl property at about 8.30pm on Sunday night knocked a woman to the ground with a blow on the head before making off into the darkness.
The woman, a housewife, was bringing in milk bottles when an unidentified man stepped out of the shadows and struck her with his fist.
The Tokoroa Police are making inquiries and are anxious to receive information from anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity of Inveresk Pl at that hour on Sunday night.