Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 50, September 2006
THIS IS the 50th issue of the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal and those responsible deserve very highest of praise for its continued publication since its inception in June, 1964, in recording the history of the Paeroa and Waihi Districts.
This Journal has survived 50 issues over 42 years—there were two issues each of the first seven years. When it was first published there were similar journals printed by the historical societies in Auckland, Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Whakatane and Tauranga. No doubt there were others in the Auckland Province.
Today there is only one other publication in existence, the Tauranga and Whakatane joint edition. The remainder have met their demise through the lack of volunteers and support of members plus the rising costs of printing.
The Ohinemuri Journal is most fortunate to annually receive generous grants from Trust Waikato of $750 over the past few years to off-set the cost to the extent $3 per book and therefore keeping the costs around the $9.50 mark.
The Ohinemuri Journal has fulfilled the opening statement of the first President of the Paeroa and District Historical Society, the Rev. Lawrence Rogers, M.A: "This journal is the result of a conviction that without knowledge of the past and an appreciation of the work of its pioneers a community is like a tree without roots"
Over the past 49 issues this excellent journal has met the vision of Rev. Rogers—it has given our communities their roots so that they can grow with a sound knowledge events and happenings of the past.
The first two pages of this issue are reprints from Volume 1 No. 1, being the Society's president, Rev L. M. Rogers' foreword and the editorial by the first editor Mrs Nel Climie M.B.E.
The early journals contained articles written by residents with living memories of the district in the early 1900s. They have recorded their experiences, thoughts and activities in a way that gives us today a concise picture of those far off days. There are also articles which recall their dad's and mum's recollections taking us back into the late 1800s.
It is now essential that this recording of present-day activities continue. It is now in our hands, to ensure that our experiences, thoughts and activities are recorded in print. Most of our members are in their 60s and over and their impressions of their early life in Ohinemuri district, will be around 100 years old in about 30 years time.
I cannot stress too much to Members: Put pen to paper and record you experiences, thoughts and activities now because only in this way will our history be recorded in the best way possible—living memory—for future generations.
Graham Watton, Editor.