Father Don

Father Don Morrison, ‘retired’ Catholic priest of Featherston and Martinborough had plenty to celebrate on 22 July. He was guest of honour at a community luncheon put on to recognise the Diamond Anniversary of his ordination as a Diocesan Priest.

Father Don was joined by his family, Cardinal John Dew, Mayor Viv Napier and around two hundred people, from all walks of life, to celebrate his remarkable achievement of serving the community for sixty years, the last twenty seven of these based in Featherston. The broad spectrum of people present was testament to the fact that Father Don is a very special man. … Continue Reading

Book review – Breaking ranks

Breaking Ranks is James McNeish’s final book, the manuscript being completed shortly before he died. This is an unusual book as it has three distinct stories, each of a New Zealander of a different time in the twentieth century. The connection being that each stuck out for what the believed to be right regardless of the considerable political and bureaucratic powers lined up against them.

The first is of Dr John Saxby who revolutionised New Zealand psychiatry. In the 1930s he set about transforming the psychiatric hospital he was given charge of introducing humane and world class mental health treatments. … Continue Reading

Country Dog City Dog

 Library news

First off I must apologise for the small disruption in services during the major flooding incidents we had a few weeks ago.  It is difficult when all our regular staff live outside of Martinborough.  It took me an hour and a half on the Friday morning to get in through Western Lake Road and wasn’t that an eye-opener.  Such a lovely drive, well in good weather I imagine it is, but not if you want to get somewhere in a hurry!   … Continue Reading