IF ONLY THIS PINE TREE COULD TALK...
Anyone that has set foot in Tapini station, the District HQ for Goilala Disttrict, would know this pine tree.
This pine tree must have been planted by one of the earlier labourers or the white colonial patrol officers or Officer in Charge.
I (Anthony Morant) saw this pine tree back in 1984 when I was a 4year old kid.
By that time this pine tree was already huge and tall and the shade it provided to the customers of Ragu Trading and other mini supermarket next door was thick and dark.
That time Tapini Lodge below the Catholic Church was operating so did Tapini Hotel above the District Office.(road that is there now curving up towards the hill from the District Office led to that Hotel).
Police Baracks had police personnel all housed there.
DPI (Department of Primary Industries) has its farms fully planted with wide ranging vegetables.
Department of Works had it's machinery kept in the huge shed next to Matsia Trading.
Health Centre had a Doctor stationed there with his CHWs and HEOs all housed there.
Post Office just meters away from this pine tree use to operate and letters used to be posted here by Tapini High School students and public servants during the time.
The swimming pool was well taken care off and barbecue burners were set up with swings set up for kids to enjoy.
The airstrip never had a walking path passing through it to either side. The airstrip was a no go zone for animals and humans alike.
Tapini station back in the 1970s-1980s was flashy and well managed and administered.
FAST FORWARD TO 2019.
This pine tree still stands. Governments have come and gone.
District Administrators have come.and gone. Public servants have come and gone.
Students have come into Tapini High School, got educated and gone out.
The pine tree still stands today. If only this pine tree could speak.
If Only.
Photo Credit: Governor Agarobe Team. Flash Back by: Anthony Morant.
