Thieves hit Martinborough man, 79

A 79-year-old Martinborough firewood merchant has been forced back into retirement after thieves snatched his log-splitter in a midnight raid.
Roger Laing said yesterday the theft of his log-splitter some time overnight on Thursday or Friday came six months after he lost his quad bike to thieves and probably spelled the end of his working life in that industry.
He said the bike was recovered but returned "wrecked" and the theft of the splitter from a Ponatahi site had come when work was in full swing.
"Without all my gear - and it costs about $10,000 for a new splitter - all I got left to do is go back into retirement again," Mr Laing said.
"There's about 15 cord of wood out there that was cut down at the weekend and I've got no way to split it. I suppose people could still buy the wood but they'll have to split it themselves."
Mr Laing said he bought the second-hand splitter about five years ago, and had fitted the machine with a Honda engine that was alone worth close to $2000.
The thieves had removed a gate from its hinges to access the firewood worksite.
"Buggered if I know who got it. I wouldn't have a clue and the police don't hold out much hope because there's apparently been a lot of thefts around Carterton lately."
Mr Laing said he had spent his life farming at properties in Masterton and South Wairarapa and had taken up the firewood work about a decade ago. He often donated firewood to elderly friends in Martinborough but was now unable to do so.