Time for me to say goodbye

• Published date: 29 May 2023
• Publication title: Bush Telegraph

My thanks go to readers, advertisers, and the many contributors over the years who have made the Bush Telegraph the most-read media in the Tararua district

I have a deep affection for the people of Tararua and the district, where I have clocked up 57 years on the Bush Telegraph, starting at 10 years old, sweeping around the printing press, for half a crown (25 cents) per week.

The Carlé family bought the paper, then called North Wairarapa News, in 1960.

My father, Cyril Carlé, started another paper, the Woodville Express and then incorporated it into the circulation of the North Wairarapa News.

In 1977 the paper became the Bush Telegraph.

That change more than doubled its circulation 30 years ago, to coincide with the formation of the Tararua District Council, giving a saturation coverage of the entire Tararua District.

Technology changes have brought the quality of presentation of the paper a long way from the use of the original press at 36 Main St, Pahiatua, a Dawson, Payne & Elliott Wharfedale quad-crown-sized machine.

The paper was printed on one...