Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 50, September 2006
AFTER 23 years' association with the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal Editor Elaine Staples, "put down her pen and turned off her computer" when she completed issue No. 49.
Her resignation was received deep with regret by the Society's Committee at its December meeting and a sincere vote of thanks was placed on record for her outstanding services. She deserves the highest of accolades for her efforts in producing historical journals which are up with the best in New Zealand.
Elaine became associated with the Ohinemuri Journal, when she married her late husband Gary Staples in 1982 by helping with the typing and proof reading. Gary had been editor since 1978, taking over from Mrs Nel Climie, M.B.E., with whom he had been co-editor the previous year, 1977. He continued in this position until his untimely passing in June, 2000, just when that year's issue of the Journal was nearing completion.
Elaine immediately stepped up into the Editor's chair and produced an excellent journal under very trying circumstances. She continued to maintain the high standard until last year, when she found family and other commitments were demanding so much of her time.
A big thank you goes to Elaine from the journal's readership. She maintained the very high standard set by Mrs Climie and her late husband Gary. I have some very big shoes to fill. It will be an interesting challenge.
Graham Watton, Editor.