D.B. Tavern For Rai?

Is a DB tavern to be built at Rai? This is a question awaiting an answer by Rai residents who appear unanimous in their support of such a prospect.

"It's in the wind" is what one well-informed Rai resident told "Photo News."

DB officials are making no comment at this stage, but do not deny approaches have been made to a Rai farmer for a section of his land which borders the main road. An initial approach was made about six months ago and within the last month the land owner has had another visit from DB personnel.

"If the land is wanted and the price is right, I'll sell, " said the farmer, who wished to remain anonymous.

If a tavern is built in Rai the 10-mile haul to the Trout for a beer will be over for thirsty Rai workers.

"It'll be a great thing, " says well-known Rai identity, Jock Rennie. And that is the opinion of all who spoke to "Photo News."

While we were in Rai we met a fair proportion of the folk who live in that pleasant little town. Friendly people they are too.

Trucks line the main road through Rai. Transport Nelson has a depot in the town and the land which DB officials have shown an interest in is across the road from it

This is the land on which a tavern might stand

Making the mixture for hot cross buns was King of the Giant loaf, Jock Rennie. Remember Jock's long loaf which he gave to the French rugby team?

Manager of the Rai Valley Co-op Dairy Factory, John "Dick" Dallas, stands among packs of export cheese. A change from round to square cheese was made about two years ago

Rai's friendly butcher is Maurie Hebberd

Owner of Rai Services Ltd, Laurie Blanchet, gets a bit of help from daughter Kim

Jock Rennie's offsider is David Broderick, carrying a tray of Stoney Burkes

A happy grin from owner of the General Store, Ron Reynolds

Service with a smile from the girls at Jock Rennie's. From left, Jill Maule, Mavis Wilson, Mrs Rennie and Natalie Wallace

Have a cuppa. Alison Rennie, clerk at the Forest Service, keeps woodsman Charlie Schell happy in the service with a spot-on cup of tea

Milk tanker driver, Bruce Hollyman, looks happy in his job

Four of the chaps who keep the dairy factory going take a break for the camera - about the only break they had. From left: Dave Stratford, Noel Wallace, Ron Wallace and Grant Pickering

From this curd will be made export cheese. Turning the blocks are Noel Wallace and his cousin, Ron Wallace

We found the M. O. W. on the Job, doing a bit of roadwork. Ian Hislop from Canvastown and Archie Hope, Blenheim, look good sweepers

The Marlborough District Forest Service's new office was opened in July and acting officer-in-charge Lew Read (pictured) is pretty proud of it

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The Nelson Photo News

No 126 : May 1, 1971

D.B. Tavern For Rai?