Farewell To Photo News

To mark this last issue of "Photo News" we are including this pictorial parade of highlights from 21 years of publication. Some photos depict progress while others show happenings. Still others record the news but all involve people and, over the years, "Photo News" has been involved with people who are, after all, what life is all about! The first issue of "Photo News" went on sale on June 3,1954, and even then people created history in that very first instance. (Please note that all periods stated are those in which the picture appeared in "Photo News", not necessarily those on which the event happened).

First Issue . . . First Cover . . .

The Hunt Club Ball debutantes were pictured on the cover of that first issue and this picture has been reprinted, with the original copy.

"The social season in Gisborne started with a swing on Friday, May 21, when hundreds of dancers thronged the Army Hall for the annual ball of the Poverty Bay Hunt Club. Seven debutantes were presented at the ball to Mrs H. H. Dods, whose husband was Master of the Hunt from 1933 until this year (1954) Our photograph shows: Front row, left to right, Miss Robin Shanks, Mr and Mrs Dods, the Master (Mr M. R. Moore) and Mrs Moore, Miss Daile von Pein. Back row: Misses Estelle Williamson, Dianne Trafford, Natalie Smith, Juanne Mossman and Loraine Kingsford. Following on are other pictorial selections from that issue until the present day.

June 1954—Work progressing on the new wharf for lighters outside the freezing works. A total of 300 steel piles were used on the work.

June 1954—Gisborne's All Blacks receive a warm welcome On their return home with the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker, shaking hands with R. A. "Tiny" White. Between them is K. P. Bagley and on the left is B. B. J. Fitzpatrick. With Mr Barker are the Mayoress and Mrs White. The picture was taken in the foyer of the Regent Theatre where the civic reception was held.

June 1954—The William Pettie bridge seen during a winter fresh in the Waimata River. The bridge was closed earlier that year and a report by the Borough engineer indicated major repairs uneconomical, and that the bridge should be replaced. It was — 14 years later, being opened on November 9,1968.

August 1954—"It's In The Bag" was big time radio entertainment — and even bigger on the local scene when the show "came to town."Jim Siriett takes the bag at $22. In those days the top prize was worth $300.

August 1954—Mrs Mary Hutchinson, Manutuke, leaving to captain the New Zealand women's golfing team in Australia for the Tasman Cup matches. With her are her husband Roger and daughter Annette.

September 1954—Work was at its height during the Waipaoa River flood control scheme. Massive machinery was constantly on the move to end once and for all the disastrous effects of river flooding over the Poverty Bay flats. Two huge diversion cuts in the river's course, immense stopbanks, and a new bridge over the river at Matawhero were all part of the giant $1,600,000 scheme.

This map shows the location of the two cuts, and the new bridge. The criss-cross network shows the areas affected by the 1944 and 1948 floods.

October 1954—One bull-dozer gets stuck in the mud in the giant hole which was soon to be part of the new lighter wharf at Kaiti. As each stage of the work progressed, the contractor, Mr W. Owen, was faced with the removal of thousands of yards of mud and blue pug in which it was all too easy for a bull-dozer to become bogged down. The hole was filled with more solid material then surfaced with concrete. On this occasion a great deal of the waste material was removed by the harbour board dredge and dumped out to sea!

October 1954—Interest was running high in the forthcoming general election. National Party candidate H. Dudfield (left) was challenging the sitting Labour member R. Keeling (right). Mr Keeling, who was also deputy mayor, and a member of the Cook Hospital Board, retained the seat on a preliminary count of 641. (The narrow margin dividing electors always makes Gisborne an interesting seat to watch during elections).

November 1954—Even more interest appeared to be shown in the controversial issue of the removal of the poplar trees by the river bank in the Botanical Gardens. It was most regrettable but the trees had really come to a dangerous stage and were eventually cut down.

November 1954—The big Operatic show this year was "Sally" and the production was a resounding success. Here is the chorus from that show and if you look carefully you'll be surprised how many people you know! Back row, from left: Des Johns, Hans Kwak, John Alderlieste, Allan Woodward, Bruce Stichbury, Doug Upton, Terry Patterson, Malcolm Cameron, Keith Stichbury. Front row: Joe Hills, Oonagh Rawcliffe, Norma Wood, Elaine Murray, Rosalind Pollard, Jan Halstead, Richard Ellmers, Diane D'Arcy, Eve McDonald, Merle Gardiner, Pat Upton, Flo Fahey and Trevor McCreedy.

December 1954—The Gisborne Motor-Cycle Club meetings were very popular even then. Regular meetings were staged along with championship meetings at the showgrounds. Top riders Maurie Dunn and Hec Mayhead taking the lead during one of the races.

By the end of this year of 1954 "Photo News" had become well and truly established as part of the Gisborne scene. "Inflation" was just a word then and "rising costs" didn't have a great deal of particular meaning at all!

December 1954—Summertime, beaches and Gisborne were synonymous, then as now! The Howard sisters were featured on the cover of this particular month's Photo News and everyone went down to "wonderful Waikanae." From left, Frances, Noleen and Margaret Howard.

December 1954—A black mark to the weather however, for on the day of the official opening of the Waikanae Beach Pavilion it rained — even if it was only a passing shower! Mr A. J. Nicol, president of the Waikanae Beach Society, makes his speech before handing over the keys of the pavilion to the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker. The Borough Council also took over all the assets of the society which were worth $80,000.

July 1955. As well as prolific sunshine Gisborne has had its share of Nature's fury and this includes snowstorm and flood. The worst snowstorm for 60 years occurred this month with the Waerenga-o-kuri Hotel and the surrounding country mantled with snow at the height of the storm.

July 1955—Torrential rains followed closely on the heels of the above snowstorm with floodwaters almost reaching the disastrous levels of 1948. Water flooded through the incompleted stop banks on the Waipaoa River Flood Control Scheme and spread over large areas. Part of this spread is seen from near the Matawhero Bridge looking south-west.

July 1955—The Poverty Bay Rugby Union's new ground at the Park Domain was officially opened and a grand game between Poverty Bay and the Barbarians marked the occasion. A lot of hard work went into what is one of the finest rugby grounds in the country and where on that 1955 occasion the Barbarians defeated Poverty Bay 39 to 26. The Poverty Bay players kneeling in the front row are, from left, R. Preston, G. Duncan, K. Williams, J. Penny, T. Donovan, W. Cooper, D. Mahai, A. Rowlands, J. Coulton, S. Rutene, W. Atkins, T. Riley, J. Paea, M. Wooster, and R. A. White. At right is the referee, Mr B. Wolstenholme, president of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union.

August 1955—Sandbank erosion is nothing new for some Wainui Beach residents. Southerly storms 20 years ago created the same havoc as they sometimes do today.

January 1956—The celebrations of Gisborne's attainment to City status were highlighted by the parade of floats down Gladstone Road on January 3. Huge crowds filled the main street for the parade which went the distance from the Post Office (now Endeavour Park) to the Childers Road Reserve.

East Coast Railway Deviation

April 1956

About a mile south of Beach Loop, on the East Coast railway, three bulldozers and a team of men are working night and day on a big contract, Their job: to shovel 150,000 cubic yards of hillside into the Pacific Ocean to make a new railway deviation. The plan will eliminate a short tunnel which is threatened by earth movement. High above the sea men working the machines enjoy one of the most beautiful seascapes. But they have little time to admire the scenery, for the job demands unceasing concentration. One false move would be enough to bring disaster, as the pictures indicate.

South portal of tunnel, shoving bulldozer at work on shelf. The new line will be at right of tunnel, on seaward side.

Looking south from the job, showing two of the bulldozers at work.

June 1956—Thousands thrilled with rugby fever when the famed Springboks visited Gisborne on their New Zealand tour. They beat the Combined team 28 to nil but that didn't detract from the enjoyment of the game one iota.

Part of the 15,000 crowding Rugby Park.

Jimmy Duncan works the blind side as he gets a pass away to Cossey.

"Tiny" White is bent like a bow as he reaches for the ball in a line-out.

August 1956—Gisborne badminton players avenged their defeat at the hands of Whakatane by winning the return match by 19 games to 13. The team, photographed in the Army Hall is — wait for it — from left, in front: Merle Bell, Noeline Lawence, Peggy Alexander, Janette Robb, Marion Williams, Judy Oakden, Eileen Dixon and Annette Hutchinson, At back: Stuart Robb, "Bub" Wehi, Doug Carswell, Jim Taylor, Stewart Gibson, Brian Walters, Trevor Williams and George Taylor.

September 1957—The new War Memorial Building was officially opened and dedicated on Sunday, September 22, at 2.00pm,

October 1957—Three times British Open Champion Peter Thomson, and partner David Thomas, gave an exhibition golf match at Awapuni against local open-title holder Len Roderick and P.B. Club professional Eddie Fennell. From left, Roderick, Thomson, Fennell and Thomas.

After half a century of show business including 25 years as manager of the Majestic Theatre Mr Will Keany retired. A farewell function and film premiere was arranged for him at the Regent Theatre by theatre manager Cedric Brittenden. It was packed to the doors. From left, Kerridge-Odeon general manager Trevor Townsend, Mr Brittenden and Mr Keany.

Frank Hollis was still plying his trade as blacksmith at Matawhero — but he was the only one in all the district from Napier across to Matamata. His forge was fiery and the premises rang to the hammering of horseshoes on the anvil.

This October of '57 also saw the New Zealand Players' production of "Free and Easy" featuring the future "Forsyte Saga"star Ngaire Dawn Porter, along with Bryan O'Leary

Dodge—Phillips. At St Mary's, Patricia Claire, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs J. W. Phillips, 30 Churchill Crescent, to Ian Bruce, only son of Mr and Mrs B. Dodge, 536 Gladstone Road. The attendants are Mr Barry Preston and Miss Judith Walters, Mr John Turnbull and Miss Pat Dodge, sister of the bridegroom. The flower-girl is Susan O'Rourke, Napier, niece of the bride. Future home, Gisborne.

March 1958— In those days weddings were were just as important occasions as they are today with fashions changing just as much. This is the Dodge—Phillips wedding, reprinted here with the original copy.

May 1958— This was the year of the worst drought in this area since the summer of 1925-26. Only 11½ inches of rain fell from September 1, '57 to April 30, '58. The cattle seen here are on their way to greener pastures.

October 1958— And an all-consuming early morning fire totally destroyed the pleasant and peaceful Muriwai Hotel. All those in the hotel had no time to save anything — not even personal belongings!

March 1959—The scheduled freight train on the Gisborne to Moutohora line made its last run on March 14. With it went Gisborne's hope of a through railway connection to Auckland.

April 1959—Construction of residences for Gisborne's first "Parade Of Homes" was well under way in the Fitzgerald Block. Since then, of course, the whole area has been well and truly covered with houses.

June 1959—Keith Redstone, Allan Moore, Stewart Robertson, Willie Peach, Garry Moles and John Robertson created a new sight on Waikanae Beach when they built and 'sailed' their Land/Sand yacht.

June 1959—Thousands of rugby fans once again packed Rugby Park, this time to watch Poverty Bay "cut the Lions down to size." It was a great game with Poverty Bay losing 23 to 14 — a good indication of Poverty Bay's strength that year.

Marques just beats Green to the ball in a line-out.

Reedy and Thomas collide as Watson takes Waddell (with the ball) from behind.

Both teams line up, with referee A.L.P. Fleury at left.

September 1959—A disastrous fire meant the end of this city's dignified and beautiful kauri built Courthouse. Unique in the annals of court history was the action of the local Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr L. N. Ritchie, in holding a Session of the Court on the footpath, outside the fire wrecked building, on the following morning.

September 1959—The reformation of Butler's Wall was well ahead of schedule and was due for completion the following March, a year ahead. This detailed photograph shows the various stages of the wall under construction.

April 1960—Kura Beale of Te Puia was the best known deep sea fishing personality on the East Coast. This year she claimed the world record for a Blue Pacific Marlin, caught out of the Bay of Islands, at 432lbs.

May 1960—The 100 year search for oil in the Gisborne district continued with the erection and "spudding in" of the B.P., Shell and Todd Petroleum Development Company's drill in the Mangaone Valley near Morere.

December 1960—Delegates to the N.Z. Harbour Boards' conference were treated to an aerial top-dressing demonstration at Enfield Station. This is also our tribute to those who have contributed in no small way to Poverty Bay's prosperity.

January 1961—Building progress on Gisborne's new Lytton High School was good with the first pupils scheduled for entry on February 1.

January 1961— Gisborne must be a lucky lottery place. Mrs Florence Anderson (of Grafton Road) won $20,000 in an overseas lottery. She was the second resident in 12 months to collect the big prize.

April 1961—The Whangara Hotel lost its licence at a meeting of the Licencing Committee and the cars here have brought bidders to the closing auction of the hotel's chattels. The building was mysteriously destroyed by fire some time later.

April 1961—The Tolaga Bay Dog Trial Club staged its 50th jubilee with a three-day meeting. Club veterans present were, from left, front row: B. Lincoln, A. Donald, P. Tombleson (president), R. Berry, J. Mcintosh and K. McIntosh. Back row: J. T. Dunlop, O. James, A. Cranswick, J. Bishop (secretary), B. Sayers and F. Hooper.

July 1961—The Gisbome Aero Club's new Cessna was put through its paces as an air ambulance before a large crowd. Taking part in the demonstration are, from left, Sue Holden, Guy Smith, Roy Williams, George Howchow, Peter Kearins and Laurie Stockdale.

July 1961—Carolyn Dixon won the "Miss Industries Fair" contest from 21 other entrants. The fair was a very popular attraction and a crowd of thousands gathered to hear the winner of the contest announced.

August 1961—Gisborne racing cyclists proved their superiority by beating Hawkes Bay for the premier Hope-Gibbons Shield against stiff opposition. From left, Ray Brown, Kevin Muir, Bruce Ball, Neil Robinson, Barry Tims and manager Ray Timms.

November 1961—The 100th anniversary of the Bank of New Zealand was celebrated throughout the country with special functions. In Gisborne a dinner was held at Ulverstone to mark the occasion and enjoying themselves at the function are Margaret and Ian Duncan and Laurie Ashwell.

1962 was an eventful year in Gisborne with a number of notable events taking place.

January— M. P. Esme Tombleson congratulates Harbour Master Ian McRae on his successful trip from Port Chalmers.

This was on the delivery of the board's new tug, the "Hikurangi."

April—Disaster struck the Columbine Hosiery factory in a night fire. An estimated $800,000 worth of damage was done, mostly in the knitting machine room, and in the airconditioning plant, which were both completely gutted.

Still In 1962, And April—Martha Watene "twisted" for 41½ hours to win the latest dance craze marathon. Who does "The Twist" now?

The T & G Building was just one of several large buildings under construction in the city. Others were the new courthouse foundations, the Nobhill reservoir, Thos Corson & Sons warehouse, and the new telephone exchange.

The boxing twins Paul (left) and Peter Lister (right, nearest camera) climaxed the Amateur Boxing Championships before a capacity crowd in the Army Hall by winning both their bouts against top-class opponents — Paul Fitzsimmons (Australasian light middleweight champion) and Dion Murphy (N.Z. lightweight champion).

June—Two thousand people inspected the "ship house" in Childers Road on the 50th anniversary of the wrecking of the "Star of Canada." The "ship house" is the bridge structure of the Star of Canada which was wrecked off Gisborne on June 23,1912.

August—Mrs Joan Coates won the Mrs New Zealand title after taking the Mrs East Coast section of the contest. Starting out on : her winning way to the Mrs New Zealand Contest she drives along Gladstone Road in this magnificent horse-drawn carriage accompanied by Radio 2XG's June Irvine "and coachman Colin Gamble.

August 1962—Part of "Foulston's Mile", the last stretch of road to be constructed on the Waioeka Highway. The "blood, sweat and tears" ten-year project is just about ended after a period fraught with loss of life, danger and enormous technical difficulties.

September—An impressive air pageant marked the official opening of the new airport terminal building at Darton Field. New runways have further improved the airport since this picture was taken.

September 1962—The Competitions continued on their merry annual way with, from left, Carryne Compton, Sheryl Clayton, Janet Zame and Jennifer Berridge all taking part.

November 1962—The Gisborne Yacht Club's third annual, and very successful, Boat Show was graced by the presence of, from left, Jenny Shanks, Patti Johnson, Diane Johnstone, Susie De Costa, Gail Robinson and Ngaire Miller.

January 1963—Minister of Works Stan Goosman officially opens the Waioeka Highway at the Wairata Bluff. The plaque also commemorates those who lost their lives in the course of the road's construction.

January 1963—Strong 18-year-old Wanganui swimmer Don Butchart became the first person to swim Poverty Bay — from Young Nick's Head to Waikanae Beach. He was welcomed ashore by an obviously large crowd.

January 1963—The rodeo held during Greater Gisborne's staging of the Poverty Bay Stampede attracted a crowd of thousands, as does the rodeo every year. Bill Abdy hangs on grimly as his mount takes a short "rest!"

April 1963—Contrast today's scene with this one of 12 years ago. The area is now covered with houses – in the Kingsley subdivision – indicative of the pace with which Gisborne has been growing over the years.

June 1963—Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson made a vice-regal progression down the East Coast. At Te Puia he met, with traditional hongi, Mrs Ngaropi White, an old and esteemed member of the Ngatiporou tribe with considerable manna.

June 1963—Jaycees reckon "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" so "kidnapped" the world national and vice-national Jaycee presidents on their arrival in Gisborne for the regional conference. From left the "kidnappers" are, standing, Keith Mullooly, Dick Rice, Michael Graham, Phil Andrews, Pat Brosnan and Mike Brittenden. In front, Jim McAneney and Laurie Pinner.

August 1963—If you want to know what controversy means ask anyone who knows "What was the story with the Lytton Road deviation around the P.B. Golf Club's course at Awapuni?" Bet you nobody even thinks about it today!

March 1964—Action picture of a life-time shows Mark Lewis, with crossed fingers bringing him luck, winning the Boys' High School athletic sports intermediate high jump.

May 1964—Traffic lights come to Gisborne. Traffic Officer F. R. Hennah does his pointsman duties for the last time as the lights are phased in.

May 1964— Work has Just about finished on the new Wharerata Highway. Arrows show remnants of old "goat track" road on top section.

June 1964—TV comes to Gisborne with the installation of the P.B. Television Society's translator system on Mt Misery at Matawai. The top of the parabloid is here being fixed into position.

July 1964—After 85 years trading the British Empire Hotel closes its doors for the last time to eventually make way for the new library.

November 1964—On the threshold of a very rewarding musical career a young David James plays with the Savage Club Orchestra under the baton of conductor Wilf Kohn.

January 1965—The successful launching of the 6000 foot concrete outfall pipeline completed the City Council's new sewerage disposal scheme – a triumph of involved and intricate engineering.

November 1965—The Midway Surf Life-saving Club's new $36,000 clubhouse was officially opened.

November 1965—The first block of units of the new Wainui Motels was also opened, providing welcome accommodation opportunities at Wainui Beach.

March 5, 1966—The biggest earthquake since 1931 rocked the city at midday this day and caused widespread damage.

Adairs cosmetics department was a shambles.

Standing in a pile of glass outside his shop in Peel Street, Pat Wheelan finishes cleaning out his window.

The brick face of Dudley Redstone's workshop in Palmerston Road had to be removed after it leaned away from the roof. George McKain is seen starting the job.

Gisborne Transport staff commence removing rubble which once formed a parapet on their building.

April 1966—Alan Byrne was the outstanding competitor at the New Zealand Surf Riding Championships held at Wainui Beach.

April 1966—Fishing from the M. V. Corvair Mr J. Rusling of Makaraka caught this 10' 9" marlin. After a good fight Mr Rusling landed the fish, the biggest yet caught in Gisborne waters.

November 1966—After 85 years in production and a production total of an estimated 85,000,000 gallons, including the famous Gold Top beer, the New Zealand Breweries factory in Aberdeen Road closed down. The top of the structure was dismantled and the premises are now the cage of a famous "Leopard."

April 1967—One of the finest libraries in the country, the H. B. Williams Memorial Library, was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Fergusson. The library stands on the site of the old British Empire Hotel.

October 1967—The city's adopted ship, the H.M.N.Z.S. Blackpool, paid a long awaited visit to Gisborne. A charter granting the freedom of the city to the ship's crew, various entertainments, and a day at sea were all highlights of the visit.

The Blackpool berthing in Gisborne.

Commander Quinn accepting the Freedom Of The City Charter from Mayor Barker.

January 1968—The completion and opening of the new overseas wharf (arrow) gave Gisborne up-to-date port facilities. Since then, however, two tower lights have been installed at this wharf, thus providing round the clock loading facilities.

January 1968—Shopping facilities were extended considerably in Gisborne with the opening of the Kaiti Mall shopping complex in Wainui Road.

February 1968—Twenty-three entries in the inaugural power boat race contended with a southerly wind and a small chop which gave rise to some spectacular leaps such as this by Jim and Keith McCullough's "Miss Manta," going on to take line honours.

April 1968— The cyclonic Easter storm left disaster all over the country, including the fatal sinking of the Wahine in Wellington harbour. In this area damage was widespread with trees ripped out, power disrupted, communications broken and many buildings flattened. Bruce Yager's poultry houses were completely demolished.

October 1968—Gisborne's magnificent Opera House was demolished after thousands of people had enjoyed 50 years of all types of entertainment in it. This venue was a sad loss to Gisborne and will be a long time being replaced. The accoustics were superb, a fact which many new halls have great difficulty in matching!

November 1968—The handsome new Police Station on the corner of Childers Road and Peel Street was opened by the Minister of Police, Mr P. C. Allen. After previous cramped and antiquated quarters the new station enabled the Gisborne Police to function much more smoothly.

January 1969—Gaine Ellmers' gang set a new record in bulk maize shelling on Tangihanga Station, processing 181 tons in nine hours. From left, the record breaking gang is Bob Walker, Willie Whaitiri, Whare Taylor, Gaine Ellmers, Kahu Te Maru, Parker Edwards, Harry Westrupp and Ruka Tupara. At back is Rangi Joseph.

March 1969—For the fourth year in succession the Waikanae senior life-saving team won the premier trophy, the Nelson Shield, at the N.Z. Championships. From left, Barry Green, Bruce Adams, Mark Pickett, Kevin Barrett, Garry Thompson and Barry McLean.

April 1969—$200,000 worth of equipment was installed a-top Whakapunaki to bring Gisborne much improved television reception.

May 1969—Numerous interchanging colours and jet patterns of water burst into Life at the touch of the button by Miss Winifred Lysnar. The occasion was the handover of the Jaycee fountain, in Kelvin Park, to the City Council. From left, Mrs Pauline Clare, Seton Clare (fountain project convener), Mrs Jennifer Caley, Trevor Caley (Jaycee president), Miss Lysnar, and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Harry Barker.

July 1969—Gary Brennan and Dick stole the show and waltzed away with the Long Head title at the N.Z. Sheep Dog National Championships held at Puhatikotiko.

July 1969—A great thrill for the local branch of the Intellectually Handicapped Children's Society, after 10 years of hard work, to see its hostel in Albert Street opened.

Thousands look on as naval personnel head the parade up Gladstone Road.

October 1969

The Cook Bicentennial celebrations were an outstanding success with the Navy, Army and Airforce heading the striking pageantry. Thousands crowded Gladstone Road to take part in the official celebration, see the fly-over, and watch the spectacular parade. Other big events filled a notable week in New Zealand and Gisborne's history.

The commemorative statue of Young Nick was especially commissioned for the occasion.

Dramatic bronze of Captain Cook stands guard over Poverty Bay and Young Nick's Head from the Kaiti Hill Memorial Plaza.

Naval vessels approaching Gisborne to take part in the bicentennial week celebrations.

Remember the colourful Cook Landing Memorial Service at Endeavour Park?

The Governor-General, Sir Arthur Porritt, inspects the guard at the service.

The fly-over of jets.

Mayor Harry Barker and Mrs Barker greeting the Governor-General on his arrival.

The Cook County Council's appropriate float of the "Endeavour" attracted much attention in the giant parade.

The Naval Guard on parade at the Government function in Rugby Park.

Thousands gathered for this function which included the superlative Beating Of The Retreat. It was a week of celebrations which inhabitants still talk about.

March 1970—The Royal Visit drew thousands of loyal subjects to the Childers Road Reserve (for the walkabout) and to Rugby Park (for the Official New Zealand Maori Welcome).

Queen Elizabeth with guides and brownies.

Princess Anne chats.

Prince Charles meeting schoolgirls.

The massed welcoming representatives of the Maori people at Rugby Park.

June 1970 Four Gisborne sportspeople figured internationally.

March—1970 Sixty whales committed suicide on Okitu Beach, north of Wainui, drawing crowds by the mile and many thoughts on the weird ways of Nature.

Lionel Robinson (front) and Peter Nicholls completed their never-before-attempted flight by Tiger Moth around the whole coastline of New Zealand.

Rugby flanker Ian Kirkpatrick with the All Blacks in South Africa.

Golfer Heather Booth as one of three playing in Australia and Spain.

Netballer Brenda Walker in the N.Z. team defending the world championship title in Spain.

Malcolm Bland in the soccer test against the touring Jardines.

December 1970. The Gisborne Archery Club's new 6000 square foot airconditioned building became a long-awaited reality.

January 1971—Thousands thrilled on the opening night of the new speedway in Awapuni Road.

March 1971—The million dollar DB Gisborne Hotel opened its doors for custom, providing highclass accommodation.

May 1971—The Boys' High School charity relay team was raising ever increasing amounts annually for the I.H.C. Society.

July 1971—The super Sandown Motor Hotel was the second luxury hotel to be opened this year.

October 1971—Through sheer determination and hard work Wyllie Cottage was saved from unnecessary destruction and restored.

March 1972—The yachting championships were notable for Dave Newell's flying fifteen "Ffagan" winning three and taking one second in that class four race series. His crew was Mike Brittenden.

March 1972—The Awapuni Speedway thrilled to the appearances of, from left, world class motorbike riders Ole Olsen (the then current world champ), Barry Briggs (four times world champ), and Ivan Mauger (three times world champ).

April 1972—Among those responsible for the terrific success of the Central School Centennial jubilee celebrations were, from left, Messrs Graham Ledger, Murray Upton, Brian Bull, guest speaker Mayor Harry Barker, Mrs Gail Hughes and Roy Lowndes.

August 1972—The Regent Theatre was packed to capacity for Kiri Te Kanawa's magnificent soprano recital.

August 1973—The Rothmans National League games always provide plenty of excitement on the Gisborne soccer scene with interest mounting more in the sport each season. As well as excitement the game provides some spectacular action for the camera, as in this game by Gisborne City against Christchurch United in which the home team went down, unluckily, by 2 to 1. Ian Sim (City) gets up high for a corner ball but Paul McMillan (Christchurch) manages to head it away.

September 1973—Every year Gisborne citizens respond very generously to Operation Sunshine in which Radio Gisborne, J. Wattie Canneries and N.A.C. arrange the collection and transport of thousands of pounds of lemons to the needy in Invercargill. This time, with part of the increased total of 4500lbs are, from left, Mayor Harry Barker, N.A.C. manager Colin Bell and Radio Gisborne manager Ian Vernazoni.

October 1973—A most generous gift of 10 acres of land at Wainui was presented to the Crown by Miss Winifred Lysnar, part of which is eventually to become a picnic area. Helped by Mr Archie Blackburn, Miss Lysnar plants one of the first pohutukawas on the property.

January 1974—The Gisborne Herald newspaper company celebrated 100 years of publication and marked the occasion with a staff function at Ulverstone. The company also commemorated the occasion with a $3000 gift to the H.B. Williams Memorial Library for the purchase of books for the children's section over the next three years. From left, chairman of directors Percy Muir, his wife Dr Nina Muir, Mrs Nan Muir and managing director Geoff Muir.

January 1974—The Gisborne Motor Cycle Club's first Grand Prix provided a Continental atmosphere and plenty of thrills for both spectators and riders alike on the Awapuni "track." The daring sidecar events attracted undivided attention.

April 1974— Bowling is one of the biggest participant sports on the Gisborne scene and this year's most notable event was the winning of the Burton Cup for the third year in succession by Frank Hale's team. A cliff-hanger game saw a final score of 20 to 19 go the way of the winners who are, from left, Frank Hale (skip), John Bunyan (3), Tom Vaughan (2), and Kevin Bradley (lead).

April 1974—A fantastic season for the Poverty Bay Polo Club's A Team was capped by its magnificent win of the Savile Cup at Feilding. The cup is the polo world's top trophy and glamour event of the year. The team is, from left, John Lane, and David (captain), Colin and John Kirkpatrick.

October 1974—Holy Trinity Parish celebrated its centenary with a considerable number of services and functions being held throughout the year. The main ones, however, were held through August, September and October.

October 1974—After many years of fund-raising and hard work the Olympic Pool was opened on its site in Centennial Marine Drive.

And So To 1975—Where the big event in Gisborne was the opening of the new 1¼ million dollar Post Office. The Post Office is the symbol, and fact, of communications and our hope is that people everywhere will still communicate with each other and make the world a better place in which to live. Haere Ra!

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 257 : November 5, 1975

Farewell To Photo News