Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 38, September 1994
An important advent for the Paeroa Historical Society was the hosting of the 1994 conference of the New Zealand Federation of Historical Societies. The conference, held each year, is hosted by an historical society at a different location each year.
The conference opened on the Friday evening, 18 March 1994, at the Paeroa Museum with a welcome by Paeroa Society's President, Mr Arthur Reid and an official welcome from Paeroa's Community Board's Mr Rob Shoosmith. During the evening a video of Paeroa from 1926 -1992 was shown and this was followed by supper.
On Saturday the first item on the programme was the "Buzz Session." This hour was actually used to explain two ideas put forward by the Executive and all in attendance were given the opportunity to have their say. Briefly the two points put forward were:
1. That the Executive be nominated from one area. This would avoid expensive travel etc.
2. That NZ be divided into three zones, each forming their own officers and that two of these officers be on a national committee to form the Executive which would meet at least twice a year - one being at the AGM.
A very good discussion was held and the meeting broke for morning tea. Immediately after morning tea the Conference was officially opened by Mr John Tregidga, Deputy Mayor, Hauraki District Council. The AGM was then held with a total of 24 delegates plus observers in attendance.
A sub-committee of President, Editor and Mr Michael Hanrahan of Ashburton was formed in order to oversee and get the Federation's magazine, "Legacy", onto a regular basis with a drive for sales. The challenge is to us all to act as salespeople for "Legacy". The meeting then went back to the two proposals and voted the first of the two listed above. This was for a trial period of two years. The election of officers then took place.
After lunch we were driven to Waihi through the Karangahake Gorge and a tremendous tour followed of the new Martha open-cast mine. Members all come away the better informed as to how the Company was protecting the area and the environment. Waihi Society served afternoon tea at their museum and very kindly had their members placed around the museum to guideandinform visitors.
The Conference dinner was held at the Race Course Complex and all enjoyed a buffet meal. The after dinner speaker was Rev Frank Glen of Thames who gave an address on the necessity of getting back to source documents when researching or writing - forget what had been written since and study the originals. Rev Glen was thanked by Mr G Lee, the local Member of Parliament. The President closed the evening by passing a vote of thanks to Paeroa for a well planned Conference.
Sunday morning was free to explore the points of interest around Paeroa and all met back at the museum for a lunch provided by the Paeroa members. From here members all went their various ways to travel home.
"LEGACY"
The "Legacy" is the Journal of the New Zealand Federation of Historical Societies and contains articles of interest on various aspects of New Zealand history. The latest issue published at the end of 1994 was of 24 pages and cost $3.75. A feature of the magazine is the high quality of the historical photographs reproduced. The Journal also contains notices and advertisements for books of historical interest. An essential Journal for all keen Society members. The Editor is Mr Phil Andrews, 27 Alastair Ave, ROTORUA.