Lotto Celebrates 25 Years

A fuss has been made of Pain and Kershaw’s Lotto outlet. Very few other stores in the whole of New Zealand have remained under the same ownership since the launch of Lotto twenty-five years ago and the Lotteries Commission has acknowledged the loyalty of their only foundation member left in the Wairarapa in their birthday celebrations.

When Lotto was first mooted in Martinbrough in 1987, David and his father, Harry, had long discussions about its viability. A lot of space had to be set aside in an already cramped store and the area had to be ‘Lottoized’ with the special machine, counter, advertising, painting and flooring – at considerable cost to the retailer. … Continue Reading

Jonah’s Journey

Many years ago in Martinborough there lived a lady named Norma Chapman and her cat Jonah. Norma had been a teacher at Martinborough School for many years and was now enjoying retirement with her beloved Jonah (named after Jonah Lomu). Jonah was no ordinary cat, he loved going for a walk with a collar and lead and then after a while would just follow Norma on the walk. He loved being groomed and would get quite upset if his daily brush was not forthcoming.

However, Norma’s family were moving to Australia and wanted Norma to move with them, but what to do with Jonah? Someone told her that there was a policeman in Masterton whose cat had just died but did not want a kitten. So off to the Masterton Police station goes Norma and Jonah with a list of instructions of how to care for him. … Continue Reading

From Hau Ariki Marae

Tena Tatou katoa

Mihi tuatahi ki to Tatou matua nui I te Rangi, nana nei I hanga nga mea katoa kia whakapainia te ingoa, mihi tuarua e nga mate haere, haere, haere atu ra 

Kia ora te whanau e nga rau Rangatira ma

I would like to talk about a Whakatauki (proverb) and it is called HUTIA

Hutia te rito o te harakeke kei whia te ko moko e ko

Ki mai ki ahau

He aha te mea nui o tenei au

Maku e ki atu

He tangata he tangata he tangata

Tihei Mauri ora … Continue Reading

Time to plan for the rose show

October’s here already but local gardeners still have time to get ready for this year’s Rose and Flower Show; an annual event which adopted a new name last year. There’s traditionally 100 days between pruning and those first blooms but lots of growth already appearing means 2012 is looking good for some lovely exhibits.

The Show is planned for Saturday 10th November, giving keen exhibitors an extra week to cosset those beautiful blooms. And don’t forget, if roses are not your specialty, there’s plenty of scope in other ‘fields’. Age is no barrier either – the Committee would love to see more entries from our children and young people. … Continue Reading